Tack Update

Over the weekend, I realized that I hadn't really done any follow ups on two pieces of tack that I bought last year, a half pad and a girth.

LeMieux X-Grip Half Pad - Riding Warehouse, $119.45
In April of 2021 I bought Izzy a LeMieux X-Grip Half Pad. After nearly a year of using it, I can say that I LOVE this thing and have found it to be money very well spent. I am not surprised of course as the LeMieux brand is one I really like. From the LeMieux brand, I have a saddle cover, a bridle bag, multiple saddle pads, breeches, and of course the half pad.

After nearly a year ...

After nearly a year of using the half pad, it looks exactly like it did when I bought it last April. I have never even needed to wash it. Once or twice I have wiped it down with a damp cloth, but that's it. The pad has no wear marks. It is a little dusty in places, but that would come off with a quick wipe down. And just like the day I bought it, the pad still retains all of its grippiness. When I set my saddle down on it, there is no getting the pad to move. At first, that level of grip bothered me as it makes minute adjustments impossible, but now, I really appreciate that nothing slides around. I just have to get the saddle in the right place the first time.

Other than a little bit of dust, it looks good as new.

If I were to buy a new half pad, I would buy this one again. It provides just enough cushion and it has proven to be much longer wearing than I could have hoped for.  While it is a bit pricey, it has worn far better than any other half bought I have ever bought. -Five out of five stars.

ThinLine Short Dressage Girth - Riding Warehouse, $105.95
The second piece of tack that I bought last year that deserves a follow up is the ThinLine Girth. I bought and reviewed this girth last July. Since the day I first used it, I have loved it.

Freshly rinsed clean.

Like the LeMieux half pad, this girth shows almost zero wear marks even after eight months of near daily use. Izzy has had no skin rubs or irritations despite being ridden in 100 degree heat. What I love most about this girth is how easy it is to clean. After every ride, I rinse it off in a bucket of water and then toss it on my saddle rack to dry. Since it is made from a foam material, it does not absorb water which means I can wash it in the winter without needing to wait for it to dry out. 

Freshly rinsed clean.

Despite daily washing, it shows no signs of cracking or splitting, and every single stitch is still tightly sewn in, including those that hold the billets. Like the half pad, this girth wasn't cheap, but it's a lot less expensive than some of the fancier dressage girths out there. If and when this girth ever begins to wear out, I will definitely consider buying it again. -Five out of five stars.

If you're in need of a new girth or half pad, I would recommend both of these products. And if you're just in the mood to do some restocking and you're shopping at the Riding Warehouse, hit me up for a discount code.

I hate shopping for myself, but I love spending on my horses!