Acavallo Massage Gel Pad is rated
4.5 out of
5 by
24.
Rated 4 out of
5
by
Jodi from
Good fit!
Have used this for a month and it helps some but generates a lot of heat.
Date published: 2019-09-17
Rated 5 out of
5
by
alyssamichxlle from
Non-Slip Pad
To be brutally honest, I don’t like using this as a half pad on top of my saddle pad (which I believe is what is recommended). I felt that it couldn’t massage as effectively if there is a pad between this and the horse, and I truly didn’t notice a difference in my mare’s behavior. This sat in my garage for awhile and I finally found a half pad that I LOVE and can really see a difference with (the EquiFit ImpacTeq Pad), the only downside to that was the slippage. Then, it occurred to me... this is sticky enough to use as a non-slip pad underneath my saddle pad and regular half pad AND it will massage any impact that makes it past my EquiFit pad. Ever since I started using it this way, my mare has been happier, less sensitive, and moves more freely. Love love LOVE this pad, just for a slightly different purpose!
Date published: 2019-06-25
Rated 5 out of
5
by
sathompson from
Excellent for sensitive horses
My thoroughbred cross has a very sensitive back. I bought this pad after having a saddle made and her sensitivity continued. I use this pad in combination with a wool pad and her tenderness has been alleviated. Definitely worth purchasing, especially for a sensitive horse.
Date published: 2018-10-16
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Vanessa from
My mare loves it
My mare is 5 and narrow and doesn’t need shims or achalf pad . A saddle pad is all she needs . But I didn’t like the idea of no cushioning between her back and my saddle . The gel pad gives her a comfy massage and cushioning withou adding thickness . I like the clean look of just a saddle pad because it goes under the pad. And it is grippy so it stops the saddle pad from slipping back as well. Rinse it with water after you use and it is good to go again.
Date published: 2018-09-03
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Jules from
Saddle fits better
Bought this in black so it blends in with my black saddle. Helps the saddle fit better while my horse is becoming more fit! Haven't had it very long to now how durable it is, although others at the barn have had similar items long term. Does seem costly for what is basically soft plastic:)
Date published: 2018-07-30
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Mavericklady from
Shims be gone!
I had a half pad stuffed with shims While my horse was building up his back. I needed something to replace them once the back was built up and purchased this pad. He loves the gel cushion on his back and I never have an issue with a saddle moving about. A winner
Date published: 2018-06-02
Rated 4 out of
5
by
KarenCG from
Nice - horse didnt magically become Valegro tho..
I was using a friends Equi-gel pad and wanted something of my own...figure if it was good enough for Valegro, it's certainly good enough for Huey the Draft Horse.
The pad is nicely constructed, a nice weight and easy to manage. I tried it both on top of the saddle pad and underneath (directly on his back). He didnt seem to care either way, i didnt notice a difference in his way of going but I feel better using something to cushion the blow of my adult amateur booty. I used it for a full week in Ocala,with twice a day lessons, and he was never backsore or anything.
Overall, I will be keeping it and I like it, and with Smartpaks return policy, if you are on the fence give it a go, it doesnt hurt to try!
Date published: 2018-03-14
Rated 2 out of
5
by
AZDressageRider from
For me, just “Meh”
Quality is fine, but neither my trainer nor myself noticed any discernible difference in my horse’s overall comfort or performance using this gel half pad. Meh. Will be returning.
Date published: 2018-01-29
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Palfrey from
Finicky mare approves!
Bought this to absorb shock, protect my mare’s back and to make the saddle and pad stick like glue. I tried one a friend had about a year ago and my mare was unhappy about the addition under her saddle. I’ve literally tried everything else to help secure the saddle (and yes, she was professionally fitted). I did like the non slip Smartpak pad and Shires non slip airflow dresssge pad but I wanted something that could protect her back more. So, I purchased this little textured gel pad under the hunch that this was my golden ticket to “happy mare land” and am thrilled to say, it’s fabulous. She likes it, the saddle sticks and we’ve had no tenderness from hard workouts. It needs to be washed off every once in a while to keep its stickiness and, if the barn is cold, you may want to warm the pad up before you throw it on if your horse is sensitive (I use a heating pad). Super happy I took the risk and aquired one. Dressage Diva approved!!!
Date published: 2018-01-24
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Baylee from
Amazing!
I recently purchased this to replace an old sheepskin half pad that I've been using for years. My pony is now riding better at nearly 24 years old than ever before with the help of this pad. She is a completely different horse under saddle! I seriously can not say enough positive things about this product.
Date published: 2018-01-12
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Jurett from
Helps with saddle shifting
I have a wide backed horse with a low wither and even with a custom saddle that is properly fitted I still had issues with my saddle shifting. I use this pad directly on the horses back under my saddle pad and it keeps everything in place. It does not affect the fit of my custom saddle and adds another layer of protection for my horses back. In the summer I rinse the pad off after my ride and let dry. In the winter or if it becomes less sticky you soak in a bucket with a mild dish detergent and all the dirt comes off and it's good as new. I'm going on two years with this pad and use it every ride.
Date published: 2017-10-21
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Lynn from
Great gel pad.
I bought this pad and a week later ordered another one. I love it. It stays clean and doesn't get gummy like others do!
Date published: 2017-08-16