Merino Fleece Upgrade
To elaborate, the merino fleece upgrade is very plush and soft! It contains about 75% wool/ 25% poly mix, with a poly backing to make it more affordable than real shearling (which includes the leather hide as backing +$$).
The price upgrade is $58, and you can choose cream or black fleece. It makes the pad LOOK like it is much thicker than it really is. It will actually compress down to about 1/8" under the weight of a rider.
WHY CHOOSE FFLEECE?
The high pile increases the surface area, increasing breathability. It wicks away heat and moisture, while cooling the horse's back. This is my number one choice for sensitive-skinned horses:
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Thin-skinned /"onion-skinned"
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Get cinch burn, or gall easily
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Have allergies, are prone to hives, or other skin issues
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Horses that are ridden 4 to 5 days a week (I have learned that invariably the loin hair will get scrubbed off with that frequency, like the 4H and HSET riders, even with a great fitting saddle!)
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Arabians and Thoroughbreds, among other sensitive breeds often need fleece on the bottom of their pads
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Horses that are very particular, or have strong opinions about things, like red mares... I hate to call them out, because I love red mares! However, the fact is; 9/10 are particularly sensitive in so many ways!
WHY NOT CHOOSE FLEECE?
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Be advised; it can be more difficult to keep clean, especially if you are riding in high country where there are dried seed heads, or other stuff to get stuck in it!
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If you have a round horse, and having difficulty keeping the saddle on - the soft fleece has a little less "grab" than the wool felt
