Corrective Half Pads with Shims - A close look at the LeMieux Pro-Sorb Pads!

CORRECTIVE HALF PADS- How do they work? Do they even work? What shims do you need?
In this video, Poppy looks closely at the LeMieux Pro-Sorb half pads and chats about these type of pads, and their 'shim' system. Are they useful? If so, when?
Are you interested in a particular brand? Why not comment below and suggest some other ones for Poppy to look at.
If you'd like to try one of these pads for yourself, they're available direct from HorseHealth here: bit.ly/3982CGv
Poppy is a Society Of Master Saddlers Qualified Saddle Fitter, and posts regular advice videos, alongside her full-time saddle fitting, lecturing and being a magazine columnist.
Don't forget to subscribe to keep up with the latest videos. And pop a like or comment onto the video, as she'd LOVE to hear from you 💕
If you'd like to find Poppy on social media, she can be found by searching for #adayinthelifeofasaddlefitter

[@ADayInTheLifeOfASaddleFitter]

Don't forget it's HALF PAD week so i'll be doing FOUR videos about the different types of half pads this week!

[@kcmccue2349]

Love your videos! You give great advice in a kind way. I made a pad similar to the le mieux pad you show about 14 years ago for my horse. I bought a close cell foam pad and cut it into four sections and made pockets in a custom saddle pad. I should have sold it. Still have it at the barn. Many people have tried it and remarked on it. And yes, I use it when his back falls from being off work. I love sewing and designing things for my horse.

[@ADayInTheLifeOfASaddleFitter]

That is awesome!

[@Cosmic-lover293]

Thank you for spending your time doing these videos 👍😃

[@ADayInTheLifeOfASaddleFitter]

My pleasure! They're hard work, but I do quite enjoy them... I like chatting and on lockdown I'm not getting to chat much, so this is the next best thing!

[@Cosmic-lover293]

@@ADayInTheLifeOfASaddleFitter absolutely! 👍

[@JacintaColvin]

Can I ask do these suit horses with "normal" (not shark fin) withers? I got one the other day (sheepskin version) and the stiff centerline combined with the really big curve on the wither section looks like it'll be liklely to move down and push down on his spine near the base of the wither? When i place it on his back it actually rocks as both the front and the back are angled upwards from the wither base.

[@tamarawurst4890]

Thanks for a very thorough discussion 🐎

[@ADayInTheLifeOfASaddleFitter]

Thank YOU for watching

[@tamarawurst4890]

You did 1 segment on acavallo safety stirrups so how about a discussion on different types of irons and their relevance? I also have a question for you. Can the right saddle actual improve top line development and the wrong one actually have the opposite effect?

[@lizroberts1569]

Thanks very informative 😊

[@thebayBindi]

What do you think about fluffy/sheepskin half pads that are thicker?

[@ADayInTheLifeOfASaddleFitter]

As long as they're not too thick UNDER the saddle panel area... and as long as they have a clear channel down the middle... and, as long as they FIT the saddle - eg the panels of the saddle sit inside the fluffy bit, not over them, making the saddle perch up... and, one more thing... as long as they're REAL sheepskin (the synthetic stuff isn't nice on horses' backs) then yep, they're ok. I spoke about the research done on them on the previous video, have a look - kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y2XRi6OmhrqbadU

[@horse631]

What are your thoughts on foam riser pads? The lesson pony I ride has started going in a Roma ProTek rear riser, and I'm not familiar with them at all. Thanks!

[@ADayInTheLifeOfASaddleFitter]

I prefer the softer ones - the sheepskin, polite/prosorb and gel ones. I find the hard foam ones have too much pressure on the edges... as they're hard and the edges are really 'sharp'

[@horse631]

@@ADayInTheLifeOfASaddleFitter That makes so much sense! Thank you.

[@milliewhelan8217]

Do you recommend the sheepskin ones? My pony needs a wither relief one so trying to find a good one! And is it ok if its a little big as I’m borrowing a friends one?

[@ADayInTheLifeOfASaddleFitter]

Yes! They’re lovely. And... a bit too big is a million times better than a bit too small. X

[@MarcieMare]

Love your videos! I see the LeMieux is a 4-pocket shim pad. What do you think about 6-pocket shim pads?

[@ADayInTheLifeOfASaddleFitter]

They can be good if you have a saddle that 'bridge' eg a gap in the middle. Again for a temporary fix. But they can be useful for that. I do find, however, that it means the shims are smaller and can not be so good as a front/rear riser, as there isn't quite enough surface area.

[@heccyd3055]

Teritorie....terrytory......terrytree.....😂

[@ADayInTheLifeOfASaddleFitter]

I promise, I can usually say it correctly, it just sounded weird that day! hahaha