Sheepskin Pads

[Rusty15]

I am in need of a new show pad for hunters/eq AND it has been recommended to me to use a real sheepskin pad, rather than fleece for my sensitive boy. So I’ve been shopping around online but I have two issues. 1. My saddle fits really well so I don’t have room for a super thick pad. 2. My saddle is an 18” Pessoa with long and forward flaps. Therefore it is extremely difficult to find pads that are long enough front to back to accommodate the forward flaps and larger seat.

So what do you recommend for sheepskin shaped or half pads that aren’t super thick and come in large sizes?

[Scribbler]

All sheepskin pads are relatively thick and alter the saddle fit. I use one if my saddle is too loose. If your saddle fits perfectly you probably don’t want a sheepskin.

As far as length the better brands come in different lengths and advertise the dimensions. Have a look at Mattes. They are probably the best.

[paintedpony]

I second Mattes. Great quality.

[Moneypitt]

Gosh I don’t know.

I will say that I have killed every single Fleeceworks sheepskin pad washing them. Even in a front loader. Cold water, gentle cycle. Various mild baby type laundry wash. Not Melp. Results in bald spots. Really wierd.

I like Engel brand. Looks like Mattes but costs a lot less and really holds up well; wear wise and wash wise. Don’t think the Engel are super custom options though? You are probably best with custom Mattes.

[blue_heron]

I know they said sheepskin, but maybe a thinline? They are pretty thin and my sensitive boy tolerates his. He was in a Mattes pad but I wanted shimming options without buying a new $250 pad.

[Rusty15]

I was just looking and the Engel half pad I’m pretty sure would be big enough! And I’m not above showing in just a half pad lol. How thick would you say they were compared to a Mattes or Fleeceworks? I don’t have a single tack store in my entire state, but I got to actually see and feel a fleeceworks pad last week when I was traveling. It didn’t seem overly thick to me.

[Rusty15]

Thinline doesn’t make a pad big enough for my saddle I’ve bought and returned 2 or 3. It’s so frustrating!

[Posting_Trot]

LeMieux makes an excellent pad that is lined with wool. Looks just sheepskin but without the skin. That means that it takes being washed a bit better, and that it’s a little less thick than a Fleeceworks pad.

I have several of these pads and they wear really well.

Lemieux merino pads

[nctoma]

I have found a good option is this sheepskin that is made to go under your regular pad, by Eskadron. I like that you can use any pad with it, and then easily wash it. https://classicdressage.com/products/saddle-pad-lambskin

edited–I missed that you were looking for a show pad. This one probably wouldn’t work for that as it’s square. Sorry!

[Moneypitt]

I would say the sheepskin is definitely more dense than the Fleeceworks but maybe just a tad less dense than Mattes. Think the Engel 1/2 saddle pad in medium is similar to the size of Mattes large.

I buy the Engel large and there is definitely extra room for a typical 17-17.5 saddle. My thought is that the cotton material will shrink a bit when washed. Probably will go with a couple in medium size next time.

**The quilting material stitching design on top is definitely superior on the Mattes. For the price of one Mattes; you can get one Engel for shows and one to school.

Someone I know had the full shaped AP Engel pad that fit her CC saddle well. If your saddle is not extra long, extra forward flap, it might be worth a try.

[Rusty15]

That’s very helpful! I guess I don’t technically know if my saddle is extra long/ forward or just long/forward but I suppose I can always return the pad if it doesn’t work.

[catchcan]

I have a Christ Lamfelle half pad that is absolutely sumptuous and holds up very well. https://lammfelle.de/en/HorseDream/Sattelpads-Halfpads/Halfpad-Standard-w-trim.html

[HJdaydream]

I have a long forward flap 18 inch saddle (4AA Voltaire), and this fleeceworks pad in large fits it just fine:

https://www.doversaddlery.com/flcwrks-full-pad-fleece-rimmed/p/X1-19834/

The Fleeceworks aren’t “too thick” in my opinion, but of course will be slightly thicker then a regular saddle pad. I’ve had this one about 4 years, and washed it maybe 8 times now with zero issues.

I’ve included a pic so you can see the fit. Good luck with your search!