Spin off: what's the best seat saver?

[Scribbler]

I am now trail riding in a very comfortable dressage saddle, on a comfortable, but still after about 3 or 4 hours I do wish for a little more cushioning.

On the off course forum someone mentioned the avocallo gel pads, which look really nice and cushy, but are more for sport horse use. I tend to not like gel anything and find it gets too hot and too sticky, so I though I’d check with the endurance folks about what you’d recommend as a seat saver for extended periods of use.

I would want something that was secure on the saddle, doesn’t shift when I post, and didn’t make my seat more slippery, but it doesn’t need to add any grip factor. I did use a sheepskin seat saver on a western saddle once and loved it. Do they work well on English saddles? if so, best brands?

[Another_Poster]

I am very interested to hear the replies because I have been looking for a seat saver also. Granted, I am looking for a western saddle but after a few hours, my seat bones are screaming at me.

[prudence]

I used a full sheepskin cover on my Passier dressage saddle for endurance riding and loved it. Here are some:

http://www.ridingwarehouse.com/JMS_Sheepskin_Saddle_Cushion_Cover_-Deluxe_Dressage/descpage-JFDSC.html

https://www.thedistancedepot.com/Bes…vers_s/125.htm

[prudence]

added link

[gothedistance]

Like prudence I also have full sheepskin covers - each of my Sensation treeless saddles (one is a dressage model, the other a hunt saddle) has one. Cool, comfy, doesn’t shift or move even a fraction of an inch, keeps you stuck like glue to the saddle, and incredibly, incredibly soft. Heaven on earth.

However, just as an FYI - even the best seat saver is only going to give you a bit of extended relief when you are sitting on a saddle with a wooden tree. If you REALLY want to be able to extend your treed saddle time, double up on the sheepskin - use a marino sheepskin seat saver and layer on top of that a full sheepskin saddle cover (also marino wool). Guaranteed it will let you sit for a long time without pain.

[irish_horse]

I will second (third?) the recommendation of the full sheepskin. I use one on my Solstice saddle, and love it. I’m pretty sure after 3 or 4 hours you’ll get a bit tired no matter what, but for me I get off and walk a bit. I also get way more tired if all we’re doing is slow work/walking, so changing up gaits is really helpful for me.

[phantomhorse]

Another vote for sheepskin here. Though as others have mentioned, it isn’t going to help much if you are sitting in the saddle for hours. Changing gaits and walking on foot every so often are what keep me the most comfortable.

[SonnysMom]

I used this one on my previous saddle. https://www.fourstarbrand.com/product/sheepskin-seat-saver-english-saddles/ I was able to buy it locally much cheaper. It did not move. I have the dark brown so it blended in with my saddle.

[Scribbler]

@SonnysMom

I used this one on my previous saddle. https://www.fourstarbrand.com/product/sheepskin-seat-saver-english-saddles/ I was able to buy it locally much cheaper. It did not move. I have the dark brown so it blended in with my saddle.

I really like the design of this one! The straps go down the channel and under the panels so nothing will be pressing on the back. And I like the half-pad size because while the full saddle seat savers look wonderful, maresy is a full bodied gal, and I think she’d feel like riding a barrel in a full-saddle pad.

[DMK]

I used a mattes sheepskin for ages, definitely better than the thinner seat saver (it’s like the one linked above), but what really helped was switching to a Circle Y flex II trail saddle with a lovely cushy seat!