American bareback pad opinions..

[Rafflesmoose]

Hi
I'm thinking of buying this item:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=015&item=250002088770&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1
Just wondering if anyone can think of any faults with it....

Oh, and my cob has muscle wastage around his spine but can only be ridden bareback. I thought one of these might help....could I put my gel pad underneath?
Thanks!

[LMS]

Those are pretty good, I have two similar ones (not as nice).

If you put a gel pad under you may want to first put a thin square pad on the horse's back first, then the gel pad, then the bareback pad. That way you only need to wash the first pad (which is a lot easier than the bareback pad;) )The gel pad in betwen the two just ensures that it stays put.

Make sure you mount from a mounting block because it can tip over from your weight when struggling to mount:o

If you do get it, try it without the gel pad first as the navaho material they use is quite dense & thich so helps absorb the pressure points to some degree. Though do put the thin quilted (like a square dressage pad) to keep the underside clean.

[Rafflesmoose]

Thanks that's really helpful! Good idea about the thin square first - my cob is rather hairy to say the least! :)
Yes I agree about the niceness - I thought it was lovely and hope it's worth the extra money to the basic one available in UK which is £34.95, but doesn't look as comfy somehow (or as pretty!:rolleyes: :D )
http://www.horseandharmony.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=400_65&products_id=5&zenid=cf0d0dcb5c70ae049d950b17e7193f9a

The cheaper one is above, how do you think it compares? If the link doesn't work, it's the 'Basic Bareback Pad'

THanks again for help!
Vicky x

[LMS]

Yep, that's a lot closer to the one I have at home:D

We have a pad at the stable (without the stirrup attachment) that's almost identical to the one you're looking at on ebay and it's the favorite bareback pad of all!

Because it's a navaho cover, the weave is therefore thicker & stronger which makes the pad feel denser overall. As well is add gripiness compared to the other one which I believe is only a thick cotton material (well mine is anyway).

I used to ride in it when I was a teen & I must admit I much prefer the navaho one. Unfortunatly that type was not available at that time (over a couple of decades ago here:o )

[Rafflesmoose]

Great thanks! :) I think I'm going to go for it, unless I get anymore opinions soon about why not to! lol
Thanks again!
Vicky x

[LMS]

No probs!

Though yes it would be helpful to get more than one opinion:p

Helloooooooo (knocks on monitor) anyone else out there has an opinion? Hehe

[Rafflesmoose]

No probs!

Though yes it would be helpful to get more than one opinion:p

Helloooooooo (knocks on monitor) anyone else out there has an opinion? Hehe

lol :D

Your help has been enough and has persuaded me (I am excited now!), but as you said, if anyone else has an opinion, it would be good to hear it! :)

[Imp]

No experienced opinion but I'm looking for one for my moody mare who hates schooling. For some reason, if you hop aboard bareback she becomes really forward going with a spring in her step and ears pricked. She LOVES it. I want to do more with her with some padding... I've got a couple I'm watching on ebay myself (not the ones you've got there) so I'd be interested to have a verdict on the one you eventually buy and use :)

[Grace O'Malley]

It looks nice, and like it would be comfortable for both you and the horse. I don't actually have a bareback pad of my own, but have ridden in a couple. I like the suede ones for security (but then I'm a wimp :o ), but the woven cloth one should have some traction!

The only things that worry me are the stirrups--I've always been warned off bareback pads with stirrups as potentially dangerous, but I can't honestly recount any specific accidents (but then I don't know anyone who rides in a pad with stirrups). Also, it can be helpful if the pad has fittings to take a breast collar, as sometimes they tend to slip back (depending on the horse's build).

[Peace]

The only things that worry me are the stirrups--I've always been warned off bareback pads with stirrups as potentially dangerous, but I can't honestly recount any specific accidents (but then I don't know anyone who rides in a pad with stirrups).

Me, too. I've heard not only are they dangerous for the rider but that they can also create pressure spots on the horse. But like you I have no first-hand experience as I don't know anyone who rides in one.

[Rafflesmoose]

Yeah I have heard about that too, but I am not planning on putting any pressure on them at all ie. no rising trot, no standing etc. I may even remove them, which is a good feature of the pad.
If I get one, I'll let you know my verdict!!! :)

ETA: Thanks for the tip about the breast collar, didnt think of that!

[LMS]

Agreed, if you check the link that was posted, I was really happy to see that they plastered most of the page with warnings (and in a type size that anyone can read:p )

It's true, a BBP is not a substitute for a saddle. You should'nt mount from the stirrups and standing in them is discouraged. My guess for the latter one is for people that have balance issues.

[Rafflesmoose]

Anyone else? :)

[Sexy Sietske]

I have always wanted one of these bareback pad i think they are AMAZZING!!! but there is no point getting 1 now because the only horse i have is too young to be ridden:( but i will get 1 when i can ride her, saves getting ya bum mucky for the sake of riding bareback :cool:

[Rafflesmoose]

Yes you are right there! lol, they are great aren't they? I'm excited about getting mine - don't worry, I'm sure it won't be long before you're able to get one for your mare! :) Youngsters can be - er, lively, lol I know!
How old is she? What is she like?

Vicky x

[Greentchr]

Looking at that pad on Ebay, I would question the comfort of the cinch. Ask them if the cinch system is such that you can add your own cinch. It looks like you can buy one with a padded cinch, but it is considerably more expensive. They do not show a picture of the cinch, so I would ask about it.

Horse Journal did an article on bareback pads in the June 2006 issue. They said to be sure it is an easy-to-cinch style, that buckle-style was the easiest to use.

Also, they agreed that stirrups are not a safe alternative, but since the stirrups are removable on this one, that should not be a problem.

The price is certainly nice!

[Crystal Fire]

Have you looked at the Best Friend pads? No stirrups and a bit more shape along the top of the pad, which might help as your cob has muscle wastage.