I had been thinking to go with the wool fleece, found a Toklat english-cut wool (shorter pile wool) on closeout at sportack, so ordered one…it’ll be here Monday…what is the difference between the english-cut (shorter pile) wool VS the western-cut (longer pile) wool—aside from the obvious, one being shorter pile, other longer, lol…which is actually better to use?? Pros & cons of each, how do they compare? Am I going to be happy with this English cut pile pad??
Hands down – nothing beats a pure wool sheepskin fleece. That’s all I use on my guys, and even the ride vets comment on how much they like seeing riders use fleece and how nice a job it does. It is expensive, yes, but it does the job of protecting, keeping the back cool, and cushioning better than anything man-made.
Only drawback – it needs gentle care in washing and in drying. Even those billed as “washable in the machine” should only be gently sudsed in a bucket of warm water with Ivory soap (clothes detergent) and then allowed to air dry naturally. This gives the longest life to the fleece.
If you want to go manmade, I have friends that swear by the “Cloud Nine” pad. Just do a Google search for some distance/trail stores – most carry it.
I think your right about the long pyle. My horse’s back would be soaked and he was very hard to cool and the I could feel the heat coming from under the saddle and it would be buring my bum (really). So I got rid of any/all wool I had. The equipad has been a god send!
The SaddleRight pad works great for me on a sensitive TB with high withers. It’s very high quality and absorbs shock.
Dixie Midnight No Sweat vent pad!!!
There’s nothing finer!!
We’ve used these for almost 10 years, and have yet to wear one out, riding 4-5 days a week on as many as 8 horses. We started out with one, 'cause we thought it MIGHT work, and it worked so well that we bought 4 more – one for each trainer/rider. If anybody has a question about them, e-mail me.
here’s their website: www.dixiemidnight.com
I do not have any connection with that company that makes them.
That type of pad (Toklat English Wool) is the kind I have used for two years now. I actually have two so one can dry out. I put them in the washer after a few rides as we get really sweaty. DONT put them in the dryer!
My daughter uses the western one with her Circle Y saddle and that works great for her. It does have longer pile but I think my English pad is certainly thick enough.
Haven’t used it in CT, though we love the Todd Slone pad. Will have to check out some of the ones you all mentioned as if anyone uses our mare for CT, they will have to use the western saddle… good topic.
I love my Toklat woolback pad. I use it all season and it seems to wick away the sweat in the summer and keep him warm in the winter. Love it! It cost me about $120 but is still like brand new. I also recommend a front load washer that doesn’t agitate - it washes my pad like a dream.
Robin
<<Less is not more. More is more!>>
i don’t know if i can get carded wool. i’ll look into it. thanks for the description of the process.
what about the woolback pads by toklat? anyone use them? impressions?
I only use wool, such as the Woolback.
Skito–fixes lots of saddle sins.
