Gel-Eze Saddle Pads

[cloedoll]

I have always stalked these (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=270284060224&fromMakeTrack=true&ssPageName=VIP:Watchlink:middle:us) saddle pads on eBay. I just find them so interesting.

http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh58/cloedoll/Horses/Tack/woot.jpg


Now, I know it talks a lot about how super amazing this pad is, how it can fix things http://forum.horse.com/upfiles/smiley/blah2.gif (psst, can we get this smiley added to the smiley list? ;)), but I was curious if anybody is familiar with the gel/material/etc.? I am considering selling my Skito pad to buy this. I think the thickness of it would easily fill in Keidas' lack of muscles (he has a lack of muscle along his entire back, not just behind his shoulders), but I am curious if it would offer enough give to allow muscles to build? I don't even know if muscles will build with the serverity of the damage and his age. I am more now looking at something that will offer protection to his back, he is never sore (I jump, make him round through his back, make him carry himself properly, get him collected, do transitions, w/t/c, etc. I am just trying to say we don't always just slop around), he just lacks muscle. Whenever I did have my saddle I would always get annoyed with placing the Skito pad in the correct spot and this just seems easier to me. I also always worry about the shims moving around as well. Any input on my idea would be much appreciated! :)

[Pi and Tofu]

I'm sorry, I am not familiar with this pad-can you see if the manufacturer will send you a trial pad? This is pretty common.

In general, I prefer the pads that mold to the body, so it will "self-correct." This pad looks like it will sit high above the surface. While I am sure it has been tested and works great, looking at it makes me think it is somewhat rigid which would create pressure points. While I am not a huge fan of the merino pads-just think they are used too much for the wrong reasons-it does seem like an option for a horse that has a continuous lack of muscling-in this case a full merino pad, not a half pad. A thinline is another thought, again can mold to the problem spots.

Now I'm rambling. I think the best bet is to call the manufacturers and try to get trial pads so that you can see for yourself what works best. Good luck!

[OwnedByOurHorses]

love it.... well my horses do....My husband got me one for my b-day . the way it forms to the horses back is great....