Was looking online and something I have noticed in recent years is wraparound sheet. Not exactly a new concept as I was using them about 15 years ago. What I have noticed is the increasing number of pictures of these where they are over the riders legs.
I have always been taught that for safety reasons your legs should always be free from restriction so if you fell off then the risk of being dragged is minimal. ETA...I always used them under the flaps of saddle, then fastening at pommel.
tbh..I cringe when I see these photos. Some of these sheets even have leg straps. Could you imagine if you fell off (velcro likely to come undone) but you drag sheet with you and then the horse gets caught in the leg straps?! aargh.
and some of them even have a breast strap thingy. So would that not restrict movement too, so your hanging off, sheet is still in place or slowing down the process of coming clear of the horse.
Just wondered what everyone else thought about this..or am I just being uber paranoid about it.
I think these wraparound exercise sheets are fixed in front of the rider by Velcro so there shouldn't be too much of a problem with the rider being dragged.
The problem my sister found (used hers once and it's been in her tack room ever since - is that when it's windy, the thing puffs up like a barrage balloon and could easily scare the horse.
I'd always go for an ordinary exercise sheet and use a riding mack if it's really raining that hard and you don't want to get wet. I for one never mind riding in the rain! I don't think I've ever gone riding and not come back feeling the better for it, whatever the weather!
I have two of the wraparound sheets and think they are fab!! I put the wrap bit under the saddle flap this keep it in place and stops it blowing up (that has never happened to me)i also use the fillet string!
I would never put it over my legs (accident waiting to happen), that's what a long rain coat is for and for keeping the saddle dry!
I use the wrap round ones too under the saddle flap, much better than the old ones that go under the whole saddle as they just end up slipping back, wouldnt really use it over my legs have quilted over trousers to keep me warm
I have one of the derby house ride on hi viz sheets. goes around the saddle with slots for stirrup leathers and velcros at pommel. Much easier than faffing with scrunched up affairs under the saddle
exercise sheets
Posted - 15 Feb 2013 : 2:32:00 PM
