|
|
Post by harleydales on Sept 5, 2006 13:17:08 GMT -1
It's great! Just like a slightly small numnah, with a lool on the top for balancing if necessary and dressage girth straps. Made by Best Friend.
It's really warm to ride on, you can feel the horses heat coming through. Nice to ride a long distance without a saddle (did 5 miles in it the other day).
The only problem is, with no stirrups, it's quite hard to get on Harley! Apollo is great to get on bareback, but H is a complete idiot!! Might have to improvise something using thin strong rope and the balancing loop then stuff it in my pocket once I'm on!!.
Anyone else used one of these?
|
|
|
|
Post by akehurstannabel on Sept 5, 2006 13:39:49 GMT -1
Yes I had one of these for Sandy, know what you mean about getting on! especially as that fake suedey stuff sticks so well! Mine was a best friends one too, it washed up really well. I loved it. The only reason I stopped using it is that Sandy has kissing spines and I thought it would be better to clear her spine with a conventional saddle. Jo x
|
|
|
|
Post by JoM on Sept 5, 2006 14:18:08 GMT -1
We have a best friends bareback pad too. I would recommend them to anyone. My OH has problems using stirrups because of back issues and trapped nerves. He finds the bareback pad a lovely and more comfortable alternative to the saddle. He quite happily mooches around using it. I use it when I feel that I need to 'reposition' my position, sort my rising trot out and if I cant be fluffed to lug the saddle about.
Fantastic piece of equipment. The only thing I have noticed is that the canvas girth billets seem to irritate D. He occasionally jams the brakes on and has a good old itch where they sit. To combat this, I have bought a cheep and cheerful girth sleeve, chopped it in half and just pull it up to cover the canvas after we have girthed up. Has anyone else had horsey complaints, or is D too sensitive! LOL
|
|
|
|
Post by jacquidales on Sept 6, 2006 19:06:19 GMT -1
I got a pad to start Jack off in as he is too wide for the saddle I have. Its really comfy. I'm planning on using it on Sabina for lunge lessons while her saddle is being made.
|
|
|
|
Post by harveydales on Sept 7, 2006 6:55:05 GMT -1
Interesting. I sympathise with your OH, Jo. I'm riding stirrupless now becaue of my ankle but yesterday I thought I'd have another go with really long stirrups to give me extra security. It was horrible! It did give me more security but it is nothing like as relaxing as mooching about without stirrups. So how much security do you have in these bareback pads? Are they more comfortable and secure than riding in a saddle without stirrups?
|
|
|
|
Post by JoM on Sept 7, 2006 8:05:21 GMT -1
OH much prefers to use the pad to the saddle - I think that also has something to do with crushed 'bits'  when he uses the saddle mind. I find ours to be very secure. The underside of it is an anti slip sort of material. That is on both the girth and the pad. You have a material handle on the front of the pad to grab if required, and the actual top of the pad is made from a suede like material which, once you have managed to scramble on without getting stuck to it, is reluctant to let you shuffle about. If you ride without stirrups anyway, I cant see how you would feel any less secure on one of these, than with a saddle. A leather saddle is definately more slippy that the top of the pads. And the heat from the horse keeps your bum and legs nice and warm in winter! ;D |
|
|
|
Post by harleydales on Sept 7, 2006 8:18:15 GMT -1
I find it easier to trot in without stirrups than a conventional saddle because it grabs you with its suedey stuff. It's amazing how secure you feel. I did a good 5 miles in it, lots of trotting and no bother at all. The grab strap is very handy!! The link is www.barebackpad.co.ukThey are reasonably priced, you can choose your colour (mine is green) and I ordered it on Friday lunchtime and I'd got it by Saturday lunchtime!! |
|
|
|
Post by harveydales on Sept 7, 2006 8:30:25 GMT -1
Thanks. I'm tempted to have a go. Mounting and dismounting on a hack would be a problem though!
|
|
|
|
Post by JoM on Sept 7, 2006 8:36:29 GMT -1
I got mine from eBay, but it was only a few pounds cheaper than the website supplier and wasnt next day!
Its such a shame this didnt come up prior to the performance show - I would have brought ours down for you to have a go with Pam!
|
|
|
|
Post by harleydales on Sept 7, 2006 10:07:57 GMT -1
Getting on and off IS a problem Pam! I used stirrups to make it easier, but they aren't really in the right place so don't help apart from the getting on bit.
|
|
|
|
Post by nic on Sept 7, 2006 10:48:05 GMT -1
So you just ride on this only, like riding on a numnah but with a girth style thing? sounds v interesting, as I love riding bareback, but am not sure about doing it on a hack, but hmmmm may be worth a look at!
|
|
|
|
Post by harleydales on Sept 7, 2006 12:17:21 GMT -1
Yep, that's exactly it! It has a non-slip underneath (and girth) and a soft suedey upper. Really comfy and warm
|
|
|
|
Post by nic on Sept 7, 2006 14:55:33 GMT -1
I am soooooooo tempted but they r pretty pricey! Are there any other makes of them?
|
|
|
|
Post by dalesponyrider on Sept 7, 2006 15:50:56 GMT -1
Can someone tell me, if you are riding in a pad as opposed to a saddle that spreads your weight, is the pony likely to get a sore back from your seatbones?
|
|
|
|
Post by JoM on Sept 7, 2006 16:06:57 GMT -1
But - does a saddle spread the weight? I always thought an english saddle (unsure re treeless!) concentrated you weight on the spine and the front of the back? That is why western is a kinder saddle? As it distributes the weight around the back more? Not starting a debate by the way? Just wondered if anyone knew or had a view on it, as that is a really good question Linda? The read up on the internet does say it is more comfortable for the horse, but doesnt expand on the reasons why  |
|
when he uses the saddle mind.
