About the product: The VIP Equestrian Original Gel Pad is the ultimate impact and pressure-relieving saddle pad for horses! These pads are crafted from Akton Polymer, which provides a superior textured structure that gives high tensile strength, the key to maintaining shape under extreme and prolonged compression. These pads are soft, flexible and seamless with no pressure causing trims.
The difference when I used the pad was incredible! A few people who watched me ride also commented on the change. He worked through his back a lot better and was more relaxed.
Laura
About the tester: Laura is Redpost’s Digital Merchandiser and Social Media Marketer. Laura has a keen eye for detail and loves to ride out on her loan horse Billy.
How was the sizing & fit? “I really liked how slim the design was, so it didn’t affect the fit of my horse’s saddle. Although you could see quite a bit of the pad under the saddle, because of the design it still looked smart and non-obtrusive. I would consider the size down if I was to purchase one, just to see if it was a closer fit the saddle.”
How did you test the product? “I tried this on two different horses that I ride. The first was on the 5-year old I have on loan. The difference wasn’t huge between this pad and just using his normal gel pad, however there was a noticeable difference. I found he was happier to stride out more, and he seems more willing to move forward. Also, he has been quite ‘nippy’ recently when I would go to put the saddle on and would try to step away when I got the saddle out to pop on him. Since using the pad, he is a lot more relaxed in the stable and more accepting of being tacked up, without moving away.
I also tried the pad on another horse that I sometimes ride. He can be quite sharp and tense to ride as he is quite sensitive. The difference when I used the pad was incredible and a few people who watched me ride also commented on the difference! The first time I used it on him, he worked through his back a lot better, and was a lot more relaxed into the contact and softer in my hand. When we hacked, he was even flicking his toes when we trotted down the road!”
What was your favourite feature? “I really liked the slim design”
Any other comments? “Because it is almost like bubble wrap, I was a bit nervous how durable it would be, however I had it on trial for a month and even using it most days, it still looks like new”
show lessIt fit perfectly under my saddle and you could only see a small amount of it. It didn’t alter the fit of my saddle and was like a second skin.
Aimee
About the tester: Aimee is Redpost’s Sales and Customer Service Apprentice who regularly competes her horse Fred in showing and dressage
What were your first impressions? “The pad was super squishy and I can see why people love the product as it has the comfort of your horse at the forefront!”
How was the sizing and fit? “It fit perfectly under my saddle and you could only see a small amount of it. It didn’t alter the fit of my saddle and was like a second skin!”
How did you test the product? “I had a showjumping lesson where I thought that my horse would benefit from it the most”
Any other comments? “I highly recommend for anyone looking for a non-bulky half pad to provide cushion and comfort”
show lessI could really feel the difference in Milly’s willingness to go forward, and her stride length felt like it had become much longer and expressive
Kate
About the tester: Kate has two horses, Sophy and Milly, who she competes in eventing and dressage respectively. Kate is also a member of the local riding club and shares her passion for horses with her mum.
What were your first impressions? “I was looking forward to trying out ‘The VIP’ as it is different from any other pad I have previously tried. It is not a gel pad but a viscoelastic polymer so not rubber based. My main aim in trailing the pad was to see if it would relieve some of the shock created between Milly and I, so consequently would hopefully improve her performance, and mine!”
How was the sizing & fit? “I have a 17 ½” saddle and the large size fitted neatly underneath – the colour also matches my saddle so it wasn’t too obvious. The pad is only 8mm thick so it didn’t interfere with the fitting of my saddle but provided great cushioning and enough comfort to encourage softness and relaxation throughout Milly’s back.”
How did you test the product? “I personally used the pad on top of a saddle pad (you can however use it underneath if required – the pad is non-sticky so should not pull hairs!), and rode in it every day – this included schooling, hacking and competitions. I could really feel the difference in Milly’s willingness to go forward, and her stride length felt like it had become much longer and expressive.”
What was your favourite feature? “I was particularly impressed that the pad kept its uniform thickness and shape throughout, and had no pressure points so fitted seamlessly under my saddle – this is obviously vital to provide maximum comfort and support. After using it every day for a month, it has no signs of wear and still looks brand new!”
Any other comments? “I felt the pad was very good at dispersing heat from Milly’s back. The pad is designed to draw heat away from the horse and into the polymer – after exercise I would take the pad off and it would be noticeably warm on both sides so I knew that it was helping to regulate her temperature. Overall, I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a half pad that is requiring impact protection.”
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