LightRider Micro Suede Bareback Pad Synthetic

The most durable, affordable bareback pad in a design that really works for all back shapes including high-withered horses. *

This unique design features:

• A shaped centre seam to accommodate the wither – the synthetic pad will shape best to suit higher withers.
• Won’t tighten directly onto the backbone due to stitched down webbing on either side of the spine and relief in the webbing over the spine.
• Can be used with your own short 2 buckle girth or if you need a girth, try our Easy Clean Girth designed for comfort and ease of use.
• D rings front and back to attach your saddle pad, breastplate, coat, lead rope, water bottle etc.
• The reinforced handle is positioned across the wither for easy access and correct hand position when holding the reins.
• Double Girth points are included but can be removed to attach western latigos if desired (purchase here).We recommend you use a cotton saddle pad underneath the Bareback Pad to keep the felt lining clean. *A treeless saddle pad (for spine clearance) is best for horses with a very under-muscled back and/or high wither. If you find your pad slips, use a ‘sticky’ synthetic pad.
• Size Small (to suit ponies/children/very short backs) measures 16.5″ (42cm) long + 16″ (41cm) deep.
• Size Regular (adult size) measures 20″ (51cm) long and 18″ (46cm) deep.

Designed by Cynthia Cooper, they’re approx. 16mm (5/8″) thick so pass the ‘pinch’ test and provide good protection for both horse and rider.

Positives and Negatives of Synthetic Micro Suede:

+ Easier to clean – just hand wash.
+ Better for riding in the water.
+ More flexible so molds to the horse easily.
+ Vegan – no animal-derived components.
– Not quite as ‘grippy’ or as thick as real suede.
– Not as tough as real suede.

+ and – of Real Suede:

+ ‘Grippier’ than synthetic.
+ Tougher, so less likely to tear.
+ Slightly thicker than synthetic.
+ All natural materials contacting horse & rider.
–  Water may leave marks.
–  Suede brush needed to clean.
– Suede being cowhide, can sometimes have small marks (nicks that don’t affect function).

Why use a bareback pad? 

Riding on a ‘sticky’ suede bareback pad gives you more security than without one, while allowing you the freedom to develop your balance and an independent seat.

You’ll feel your horse’s movement better from the closeness a bareback pad offers so your timing, feel and balance will develop.

Your horse will move more freely than with a saddle so it will be more fun and comfortable for them.

A bareback pad is ideal for introducing young horses to wearing a girth as it doesn’t need to be as tight as a saddle.
They are lightweight (around 2kg) so easy to carry to the horse, and thick enough to provide padding for your sharp seat bones.
And quite simply – a bareback pad keeps your backside clean!
Please Note: Good bareback pads are not sold with stirrups as they can put you in danger by causing the pad to slip to one side if your balance is thrown suddenly.
The use of stirrups on a bareback pad can also damage a horse’s spine – a saddle has a channel to alleviate that pressure but a bareback pad with stirrups or a girth over the backbone puts pressure directly on the backbone. Read more about this here.