Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Looking at bareback pads

I've been flirting with buying a bareback pad. My ideal pad would provide cushion, both for me, and for my horses. But it would still be feel close-contact. It would also give me some extra grip. Lastly, I'd like it to be reasonably inexpensive. Here is a thread comparing bareback pads and here's another.

I'm looking for a pad without stirrups. This posting explains why it is better to use a bareback pad without stirrups. And I found this caution against bareback pads for beginners.

Little Joe


The Little Joe Bareback pad is on the structured end of the spectrum. It has optional stirrups (no, thanks for me). They also have a bareback saddle pad. They claim its curved profile and gussets will make your horse more comfortable. The price of the whole enchilada is more than I'd like to spend however.

Cowboy Justus


I've seen the Cowboy Justus Bareback Pad for sale many places. The breastplate looks like it could help hold the pad in place. The price is certainly low. A similar pad the Tacky Too I've read has good grip. I wonder about how well these pads hold up, as this review discusses.

Soft Saddle


A few models call themselves, "Soft Saddles", such as this model. I have to admit I think the price is rather high for what is essentially shaped foam. Having just thrown out a year-old egg-crate mattress topper, I wonder about the foam compressing with use.

L'Apogée


Of course, if cost were no consideration L'Apogée makes a bareback pad. It certainly looks like la creme de la creme. But I never imagined buying a bareback pad that expensive. Perhaps the D-rings are made of gold? Well there is always eBay.

Do you have any suggestions to share with me?

12 comments:

SolitaireMare said...

I posted awhile back about a great bareback pad I bought. Here's the link to my post:

http://solitairemare.blogspot.com/search/label/Bareback

This pad is reasonably priced, contoured to the horse, does not have any stirrups or stirrup rings and is fairly easy to clean. I always liked it with Monty.

Anonymous said...

I have a Little Joe and like it alot, but it was expensive. This one looks similar for a lower price http://www.horsingaroundllc.com/tools/4008.htm

Stacey Kimmel-Smith said...

Oooh, I love reviews! As harv gets closer to retirement maybe I'll contemplate ridingn with one of these...

Grey Horse Matters said...

Well, the L'Apogée would be my 1st pick, but not for that price. Ever. I like suede or faux suede tops. Woven material is OK too, but synthetic fleece sucks. and the pad MUST be contoured to fit the horse's back or else it will crease at the deepest part of the back and dig into the spine (found that out the hard way...)

Ihave one of these and it's pretty good:

http://www.bestfriendequine.com/englishstyle.html

or this might work:

http://www.jeffersequine.com/ssc/product.asp?CID=1&pf_id=0032219

http://www.valleyvet.com/ct_detail.html?pgguid=407C7B4B-3465-4963-B06D-873B0EF20794&ccd=IFH003&utm_source=froogle&utm_medium=free&utm_content=31592

Good luck in your search, hope this helped a little.

allhorsestuff said...

I have the "Cashel Soft Saddle" and love it. I got the english converter for it too. I actually use the stirrups sometimes for longer rides, or my back will go out.
I velcrowed another Cashel "bumper pad" to the under part of the back for a rise effect to sit more towards the front.
I was holding out for the "Baretech" bareback saddle...but they were soo popular 3 years ago, back order was like 7 months! Now, it would be better forsure.
Happy hunting!
KK

Deanna said...

I wish they would just make "bareback pants". OK, that sounds bad, but what I mean by that is special pants to wear while riding bareback. That way would wouldn't have to worry about a pad slipping or the horse sweating through to our legs.

A Bay Horse said...

Bareback pants hehe. Sorry, yes my mind is in the gutter this evening I guess!

Thanks for the recommendations so far! I haven't settled on one yet, but I'm trolling eBay. I'll post it when I buy one. :)

billie said...

I personally want the L'Apogee, but we have a Little Joe and it is delightful. Well worth the money, imo, plus you can choose your color, get short or long billets, and it is like riding on a cloud. :)

Christine said...

L'Apogée - not cheap at all, huh! I hadn't realised bareback pads could be so pricey! Ouch!

Unknown said...

In my opinion a fit saddle is the absolutely best for the horse and the rider! It evens out the rider's weight over a bigger area of the horse's back and does not disturb the horse. When riding uphill and downhill stirrups is used to STAND in, to release pressure from the horse's muscles in the back! Thanks for letting me comment!

Anonymous said...

I dont see any comments on baretek... http://www.baretel.com

ScottB said...

try Baretek, they are back in to production and their website is http://www.baretek.com