Poly pads anyone?

[Keepswimming123]

Hi all,
I have recently been lucky enough to start loaning a beautiful 15.3hh mare She is getting on a bit, and has had some back issues in the past, but I ride her four times a week, nothing crazy, just schooling. She is also used part time in the riding school.
She is currently using two numnahs, and they are general riding school ones. I did mention this to my instructor and she said I could maybe get her a numnah to use, recommended a polypad. In the tack shop yesterday, one magically fell into my hands, and money accidentally was exchanged, I don't know how that possibly could have happened?! Now I feel a bit silly, as only had her on loan for a few weeks...
So basically I was wondering a) anyone got any experience with polypads, I am worried it might slip due to the lack of girth straps. And b) will the stables think I am a bit of a prat if I turn up with a new numnah for my own personal use...?

Thick polypads alter the fit of the saddle, which is the main reason I don't like them.

They have there uses, but not in this case I don't think. maybe a dog bed

Have you looked on horse and hound forum, there's loads of information there and lots more traffic :)

Are they 2 thin cotton numnahs?

Yes they are. But they are a bugger to put on, and one or other of them keeps slipping out when riding. I have checked the h&h website (haha iPhone just came up with g&t website) and it seems quite positive. I did ask the yard manager, who I am quite good friends with, and she said yes. But will take it up in the week, and give it a go, if it is rubbish I will just sell it on. I have heard that they make good dog beds
In your experience, do you know if they do slip a lot?

The one numnah that keeps slipping out - does it 'escape' backwards? So it works its way back until you can't see it at the front of the saddle when you're sat on it?

If that's the case then the saddle probably doesn't fit and will be lifting at the back, either because the tree is too curvy for the horse or the gullet is too wide so it's dropping at the front, leaving the back able to flap around. When the saddle is on and girthed up, if you take hold of the cantle and lift it up and down does it move a lot without much resistance? It'll appear to be pivoting around the point of the tree. If this is the case then you need to tell the owner/riding school that the saddle doesn't fit, or pay for a saddle fitter to come out yourself. An ill-fitting saddle can lead to some horrific problems down the line.

I'm also not a fan of polypads (understatement) and much prefer thin cotton saddlecloths like those from Eskadron or Le Meiux.

Thanks for the reply. Her saddle was checked three weeks ago and is fine only got the poly pad cos it was recommended. Didn't try it today but will give it a go this week and if it is rubbish will sell it or pass it on to a friend who swears by them. Bit concerned with all these negative reviews! The numnah was slipping a bit, as in the bottom one was sliding out. Nothing major, probably my fault, even though I've been riding for 20+ years, and loaned before, I still get a bit paranoid when it comes to tacking up etc myself. Silly really, especially as I used to loan a pony many yeas ago when I was a teenager...my dp thinks I am mad for doing it again! Anyway, once again, thanks for the advice.

A numnah is purely to keep the saddle clean, so I'm bemused by the fact she has 2. bemused by most things at riding schools/

If the saddle fitted 3 weeks ago (without the thick polypad) then I would definitely not put it on.

If the saddle rocks, slips or tips you forward then it doesn't fit and no amount of padding will improve that.

The only time we use thick pads is when they are lean and coming back into work (hence saddle slightly too wide) or a youngster in a breaking saddle when lunging and leaning over the first few times.

Polypads were originally made in our village and they are still very popular. I see loads of racehorses still wearing them. We've never used them because we use thin Courtlea Numnahs which our ponies seem to go well in and don't affect the fit of the saddles.

I think a Polypad would be better than using two numnahs (don't like this idea) and you could see how you get on. I suspect they were better when a little worn in as they can be quite thick to start with.

I have a ex racer and having suddenly seen lots of pics and got to know a few people in racing it seems that they use poly pads (usually at least two) when using a racing saddle on a day to day basis - I assume to pad it out and protect the horses back?? For actual racing they have a thin cloth....

I used to love my poly pad when I had my old mare but always better when its been 'worn in' a bit and flatter, never had a issue with it slipping...I would not however use one of my current boy as he has had a bad back (now sorted) and his saddle has been checked and fitted. A poly pad would alter the fit far too much for my liking on him and could potentially cause more problems (which my ribs could not take ) in my eyes so we have a standard numnah underneath with the aim when I'm not skint to get a sheepskin half pad to cushion his back a little more (suggested by my saddler).

Why the two numnahs?
Has anyone given a reason?
Very odd :)

I doubt a polypad would ruin the fit of a racing saddle though so it's not really the same.

Much prefer polypads/similar to faffing around with girth straps. I've used them for years and never had them slip. They can be a bit puffy to start with but settle after a few washes.