Thinline fleece half pad compared to Mattes?

[RegentLion]

[HR][/HR]I currently have a Thinline Trifecta (all cotton backed) half pad that my horse likes. It’s currently not shimmed.

At the suggestion of my trainer, I tried the standard fleece Mattes pad (my husband’s) and I really liked it for my riding. Horse seemed cool with it.

So I want to purchase a fleece half pad, and I’m not sure what route to go… Thinline fleece half pad? Standard Mattes pad? Shimmable Mattes pad to add thinline shims?

I would just just get the standard mattes pad but I’m psychologically struggling to let go of my Thinline stuff (shock absorption for him, even though he went fine in the Mattes).

I would just them get the thinline fleece but I have no idea how quality or thickness compares to mattes.

I could ups get the Shimmable mattes and then add shims all around but no idea how this would impact bulk…

So how do the Mattes and Thinline compare in thickness and quality?

[fenwai]

I absolutely adore my Thinline sheepskin half-pad. I’ve had it for about three years, using it consistently 4-6 days a week, and it looks pretty-much brand spankin’ new with routine maintenance. Amazing! In my experience, Mattes pads don’t hold up as well (but I know people adore them!)

[DressageLin]

I use a mattes sheepskin pad and place a thinline ultra on top of that. Have used this set-up for several years with success. It also allows me to keep a nice sheepskin pad for showing and one for every day use and I just flop the thinline on top of each.

[rothmpp]

I hung on to my Thinline sheepskin for 4+ years. When having saddle issues that stemmed from time off this spring I tried my trainer’s toklat matrix 3. Horse was happier. Never underestimate what your horse is telling you.

[gsdlover]

Another option is a Christ half pad. My saddle fitter recommended it as the best quality fleece. It’s done a really great job of helping out my gelding who gains/loses weight easily and can go up or down a tree size quickly.

[MysticOakRanch]

I have a Thin line fleece pad and two of the Mattes half pads. My Mattes are SO MUCH nicer - the fleece is way softer and thicker, overall quality is just way superior.