Very Important In Deed

I have been super lucky. I have had the chance to try The V.I.P Saddle Pad

I have to admit I have wanted to get my hands on one for a long time. I went to a demo day with Alfie with Kismet Animal Therapy - Jin Langstone and since then have been trying to make my mind up about getting one.

The leaflet reads .... Softer Back, Happier Horse, Relaxed Rider... wow I hoped so, and because my boys deserve to be covered in ''gold'' I am super excited to be reviewing this pad

First Impressions

Although packed and delivered folded into a small package when the pad was unfolded it held its shape and softness without any lumps so there was no need to smooth it out before use.

I have always struggled with bulkiness under Alfie's saddle feeling like I am sat way above him so excited to feel the closeness the V.I.P can bring Alfie has a very high back line with a very prominent wither so the thin gullet looks fab for him to reduce pressure.

I have been using a different branded thin gel pad borrowed off a friend, I have been using one with fluff around the edges. I choose to try with the fluff on the edges as other pads tried never wanted to stay in place without, but even with the fluff I have never been totally happy with the fit especially around the wither where this pad rucks up under the saddle where it thins out. Really interested in seeing how the bubble surface of the V.I.P helps evenly distribute the weight

Using under my dressage saddle for the first time I was super impressed with how Alfie moved. We have used the pad under our other two saddles and even the super sensitive Ninja happily let me trot down the road.

Alfie's GP isn’t the greatest fit and I have to be careful with his high wither but the V.I.P pad sits neatly without interference.

I have to say I am loving the pad a little more each time we use it

With the wierd and wonderful shapes we can throw over the jumps its good to know Alfie is comfy in his back with this Pad, especially when we don't quite land together.

With the weird and wonderful shapes we can throw over the jumps its good to know Alfie is comfy in his back with this Pad, especially when we don't quite land together.

Transitions have been so much smoother in and out of all paces, and our Giraffe impressions are no more.

We often manage some good relaxation in training (eventually), and now we are getting it back in the show day warm up.

Rider Bonus; Alfie is high withered, bony backed TB that holds tension through his back and neck especially in the canter. He has been much softer over his back so he has been much easier to ride.

There is less force on my hip so I am happier

The most noticeable difference has been in the show day warm up. I have been able to sit to the trot and sit into the canter which gives me a better sense of security and connection. This in term gives confidence

We are slowly improving our 'back' to happiness

Still a lot to work on but a whole lot happy horse and human

The Very Important Pad is just the thing we need for Alfie's comfort after all he is our Very Important Horse

Looking forward to trying out the pad in the show ring in the summer

The big test for us will be at a stay away show when Alfie has a full on schedule