Description
Mattes Shimmable Half Pad with Pockets for Shims – Dressage
Tailored Comfort and Support for Every Horse
The Mattes Shimmable Half Pad is a versatile, high-performance solution for horses requiring incremental support and customized saddle fit. Ideal for horses regaining muscle tone, recovering from injury, or those with asymmetries, this half pad provides superior comfort and adjustability. With its innovative design featuring four shimmable pockets and 12 included shims, the mattes shimmable half pad ensures a precise fit, accommodating your horse’s changing needs as they develop strength and balance.
Key Features of the Mattes Shimmable Half Pad
1. Muscle Development Support
- Provides essential cushioning and lift for horses building muscle or recovering from injury.
- Allows for incremental shim removal as your horse gains strength and shape.
2. Customizable Fit with Four Pockets
- Two front pockets and two rear pockets along the spine offer precise adjustments for saddle fit.
- Includes 12 shims for tailored support to address uneven musculature, front or rear riser needs.
3. Durable and Comfortable Materials
- Heavy-duty cotton quilt top ensures durability, even with daily use.
- Soft sheepskin underside provides unmatched comfort, reducing pressure points and friction.
4. Versatile Use
- Suitable for one-sided horses, those needing specific lift in the front or rear, or for enhancing saddle balance.
5. Long-Lasting Quality
- Patented Mattes stitching pattern enhances durability while ensuring a sleek design.
Benefits of the Mattes Shimmable Half Pad
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Shimmable Pockets | Allows for precise saddle adjustments and support. |
| Sheepskin Underside | Provides comfort and protects your horse’s back. |
| Durable Cotton Quilt | Long-lasting and ideal for daily riding. |
| Incremental Shim Removal | Promotes muscle development by adapting to your horse’s changing needs. |
Sizing Options
| Size | Spine Measurement |
|---|---|
| Medium | 20.5″ |
| Large | 22.5″ |
Why Choose the Mattes Shimmable Half Pad?
1. Precision Saddle Fit
Adjust the shim pockets for a custom fit, addressing your horse’s unique needs. This pad is perfect for horses with uneven musculature or requiring targeted support.
2. High-Quality Materials
The combination of a durable cotton top and soft sheepskin lining ensures both longevity and comfort.
3. Versatile and Adaptable
From rehabilitation to everyday use, the Mattes Shimmable Half Pad adapts to your horse’s changing physique.
4. Enhanced Comfort for Horse and Rider
By evenly distributing pressure and reducing friction, this pad improves overall ride quality for both horse and rider.
Care Instructions for the Mattes Shimmable Half Pad
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| Washing | Use Melp detergent for best results. Hand or machine wash on a gentle cycle at 30°C. |
| Drying | Air-dry in the shade. Avoid direct sunlight or tumble drying to maintain material integrity. |
| Sheepskin Maintenance | Regularly fluff the sheepskin to keep it soft and breathable. |
Enhance Your Riding Experience
Pair the Mattes Shimmable Half Pad with premium dressage saddles, girths, and accessories from our collection. Designed to optimize performance and comfort, this half pad is a must-have for riders seeking superior results.
Why Shimmable Pads Are Essential
A high-quality shimmable half pad like the Mattes ensures optimal saddle fit, prevents discomfort, and supports your horse’s long-term health and performance. Learn more in our Best Saddle Pads Guide.
Safety and Compliance Information
This product complies with rigorous safety standards. However, it may expose you to substances regulated under California’s Proposition 65. For additional details, visit P65 Warnings.
FAQs About the Mattes Shimmable Half Pad
1. How do I use the shims?
Simply insert the included shims into the four pockets for a custom fit. Remove them gradually as your horse’s muscle tone improves.
2. Is this pad suitable for daily riding?
Yes, the durable cotton top and sheepskin underside make it ideal for daily use.
3. Can I wash this pad?
Absolutely! Use Melp detergent and wash gently at 30°C. Air-dry to maintain quality.
4. Does this pad fit all saddle types?
The pad is designed for dressage saddles and offers sizes that accommodate a range of saddle lengths.
5. What’s included with the pad?
The pad comes with 12 shims for precise adjustments to the front and rear pockets.
6. Is it suitable for horses with sensitive skin?
Yes, the sheepskin lining is gentle and reduces friction, making it perfect for sensitive horses.
hmfarm –
I am still trying to get my adjustments right for my filly (her saddle slips to the right) but this pad offers so many options I am hoping to find the correct balance with it.
Knightrider –
The pad has really helped with saddle fit. I have a short backed horse and he is hard to fit.
VTG1 –
I have needed a half pad for a while and tried many before I bought the Mattes. I am very happy with my purchase and compared to everything else I tried it is so much better in terms of fit and quality. My only regret is I am using it to school my horse and wish I had bought it in black.
Chris –
Never disappoints… quality item that is great to have if riding multiple horses or bringing horses back into work after time off
Pony Mom –
I bought this on the recommendation of my saddle fitter. My saddle is foam and cannot be flocked, so my saddle fitter was able to shim the half pad to make my saddle work on my older gelding.
The fleece is high quality and adds comfort to my horse’s back. The pad is also attractive and makes the saddle look super snazzy.
Highly recommend.
ErinJenn –
I’ve used the dover brand half pad for years. I’ve alwasy wanted a Mattes pad tho! So I finally bought it and I absolutely LOVE it. It’s beautiful and so soft. I wanted the shimmable pad and I’m glad I went with this one. My horse loves it as well ! Ive only had it for a couple weeks but my riding instructor has the same mattes pads from like 15 years ago so I expect this pad to last a long time !
wendynollie –
My saddles are both old and the panels are squashed on the right side. This pad lets me make my horse comfortable without buying new saddles!
Renee –
Awesome top quality sheepskin half pad. The shims are unique material too… they seem very durable. I trimmed them in a staggered fashion the way my saddle fitter suggested. I use the pad over a quilt pad so I won’t have to wash it as much. That’s the one and only downside to these pads is the upkeep. I think that is well worth the cost and the trouble as the quality of these half pads cannot be beat.
Savie –
The pad works as advertised and has helped my horse be a lot more comfortable under the saddle. This will buy me some time until I can afford a custom one. I am disappointed because the sizing chart is wrong and the pad is too big for a 17.5 dressage saddle. My sister pulled the tags off so now I am stuck with a very expensive awkward fitting pad.
CAH603 –
Great fit under my 18″ dressage saddle (bought the large). Very cushy yet doesn’t add much bulk. I bought it to help cushion my back and it does it’s job well. This is the half pad my fitter recommends. My only suggestion for the company is to make a better strap. This one is pretty flimsy. It’s quite a bit more expensive than the competition, of which I also tried but the fit wasn’t quite right. Same beautiful sheepskin.
A note on fit – If I had bought the style with the roll at the back, it wouldn’t be long enough. Without, it’s perfect.
L3X –
I bought this for my trail horse, and it’s been fantastic. The shims allow me to adjust the fit perfectly, which has made my horse more comfortable on long rides. It’s easy to adjust and holds up well, though the wool can be a little tricky to maintain. Great pad overall!
Event-ma –
This shimmable pad has made a noticeable improvement in how my saddle fits my horse. The adjustable shims are easy to use and have really helped with balance and pressure distribution. My only critique is the price, but the quality justifies it. Definitely worth it if you’re serious about your horse’s comfort.
Jade –
This half pad has made a noticeable difference in my horse’s comfort during jumping sessions. The ability to adjust the shims is fantastic for improving saddle fit. The wool lining is luxurious and soft, but it does take a bit of effort to clean. Still, it’s totally worth it for the comfort and quality!