The purpose of a saddle pad is to make the ride more comfortable for the horse. This increases your own safety since the horse is less likely to cut up.
It is worth finding the ideal saddle pad for your horse. You do not want to be faced with a visit to the equine chiropractor! Making sure you have the right western saddle pad can make a huge difference to your riding – a happy horse makes for a happy rider!
But choosing the best western saddle pad can be difficult. , there is so much choice. Here we will show you what to look for and we have also picked out five of the best western saddle pads on the market.
- Diamond Wool Contour Felt Ranch Pad
- Weaver Leather Contoured Wool Blend Felt Saddle Pad
- Classic Equine BioFit Wool Felt Saddle Pad
- Professional’s Choice Barrel Elite Pad
- The Montana 100% Extra Fine Wool Saddle Pad by Southwestern
What the best Western saddle pad does
Saddle pads cushion the force during riding. For the horse, the ideal riding pad will make riding activities like training and jumping a lot more comfortable and for both horse and rider, a safer and far more enjoyable experience.
A good western saddle pad eliminates friction between your saddle and the back of the horse. It provides a nice cushion for the rider and absorbs impact on the horse. A good saddle pad will wick away sweat, disperse your weight evenly, thus relieving pressure points and prevents the saddle slipping or rolling.
It’s not just a piece of cloth! The best-designed western saddle pad does far more than just look nice and absorb sweat from the horse.
The saddle pad should provide a cushion for horse and ride, eliminate friction between the saddle and the horses back, prevent the saddle shifting or slipping, and relieve any pressure points. It also disperses the weight evenly – and the best western saddle pad can transform your riding.
How to choose the ideal western saddle pad?
There are several factors to consider when buying a western saddle pad for your horse. They include safety, size, and shape. Account must be taken of your particular horse, the shape of its withers, whether it has a swayback, and the type of riding you will be doing together.
Safety first!
When choosing your western saddle pad, safety has to come top of your list of requirements. It must fit properly to eliminate any risk of slippage and to prevent pain and injury to your horse. You also need to make sure the pad is well made and durable. A saddle pad that soon falls to pieces is not only a bad investment – it can also put you at risk. And if the saddle pad allows your horse to feel pain then it’s not surprising if the horse responds in a negative and potentially dangerous way.
What size should I buy?
If you buy the saddle first then you can be guided by the size of the saddle. Western saddle pads vary in their skirt size. You may need to try first to get the right size. The saddle pad should fit well on the saddle.
The sizes vary from around 32 inches square for larger riders down to the 20 inched square for small ponies. The average size is 30 inches square.
What shape is best for my horse??
There are several shapes to choose from on the market. The square is most usual but there are round, cut-out, and contoured shapes. You want one that lines up with the contours of the saddle, so buy the saddle first.
You will need to take into account the shape of the horse withers. (The withers are the long vertebrae between the shoulder blades. They support his neck and head and this is the area which bears the saddle.)
Square and rectangular pads work well for horses with low average withers. Round pads are the same size as square pads- but with the corners rounded off. They suit horses with low average withers and short backs. The corners of square pads may rub the horse, causing soreness and irritation.
A horse with high withers often performs well, being able to take longer strides – but it can be hard to find the right saddle and pads. Some pads have an opening cut out so that the withers can come out through the hole. This makes it a lot more comfortable for the horse since the traditional saddles and pads can put pressure on the withers and make them very sore.
Which material is best?
The main reason for having a western saddle pad is to reduce or eliminate shock and impact. The best impact absorption materials are gel foam, memory foam, cotton, and wool.
The right material is crucial. You will need to bear in mind the following features:
- Is it durable?
- How shock-absorbent is it?
- Will it keep the horse cool?
- Does it support and balance well?
- Can it breathe?
- Will it wick moisture away?
- How easy is it to clean?
- Does it look good?
Fleece is a favorite material. It is light, airs well, and comes in many colors and patterns. You can find, for example, hot pink, orange, lime green or turquoise saddle pads. Whatever suits your horse! You may like to think about a leather edging to make it more durable.
Another favorite material is neoprene. This is a great shock absorber with its rubbery consistency. The way it is woven promotes aeration and helps to keep the horse cool and it is easy to clean; just hose it down.
A high impact absorbing gel saddle pad will help to absorb the shock encountered in an aggressive style of riding.
Foam pad, provided it is breathable, can be a good alternative if the horse has to work hard, taking part in sporting events. You might prefer the open-cell foam for the padding.
Wool and cotton are both on offer, and both have average performance. They are more breathable and moisture-wicking than most synthetics and will offer a more comfortable ride. A good wool/synthetic mix might have the qualities of both – and be easier to clean than pure wool.
How thick should a western saddle pad be?
It’s better to get a well-fitting saddle pad, then to keep adding further layers to compensate if the fit is poor.
It the pad is too thick it tends to roll and shift more. So getting the fit right for your individual horse is important. If you get this right then a pad between ¾ ” to 1” should be ideal for most riding. This includes such activities as ranch work, team roping, and calf starting.
It does depend upon the type of riding you will be doing, as well. For hard work, you might go up to 1 1/8 thickness.
While 1” thick suits most riders and riding activities some riders prefer 7/8” pads for lighter work, but only provided the weight does not exceed 200 pounds. You can always add a thin saddle blanket if you need to.
The thicker pads are best for long, hard rides especially uphill, and if the weight exceeds 200 pounds.
Is durability important?
If you are riding out of doors then the toughness of your saddle pad is an important consideration. Snagging on branches and whatever the elements can throw at you need to be endured without ripping, without undue difficulties drying out and preferably easy to clean as well. Mold and mildew can take their toll, as well as dirt and tears.
How do I clean my western saddle pad?
Durability is enhanced substantially when you take better care of your saddle pad. Proper cleaning will help keep that pad in shape for the weary load it carries every day. Do you want your saddle pad to provide the best comfort and protection for you and the horse?
Brush With A Curry Comb:
Just as you groom your horse using a curry, you can use the same circular motions to remove dirt and hair from the saddle pad.
Vacuum:
Shaking off your saddle pad to remove the dirt is not enough. After a good deal of use dust and microbes seep deep into the fabric. Therefore, you should give the pad a thorough vacuuming to suck out all the things lodged in the fibers. If left in there, these nasty things will degrade your saddle pad.
Hose It Down:
Water shouldn’t be a problem for your saddle pad provided the material can handle it and you let it dry thoroughly after the cleaning. You can use spray or pressure wash for this. This spraying should not be straight down on the material. This will force dirt further into the fabric. When spraying, hold the pad at an angle that allows dirt to be pushed out towards the edges.
For wool saddle pads soak in cold water. Don’t use soaps because wool can retain the soap inside the fibers. Best to soak in cold water for at least an hour and then let dry completely. Never put a wool saddle pad in a washing machine.
Machine Wash:
Most saddle pads, other than wool, are machine washable on a gentle cycle. Use cold water and tumble dry at low heat. To much heat can cause the material to shrink and curl up. Don’t hang your pad using clips to dry as the weight of the wet pad will distort the shape.
Trail riding
The best western saddle pad for trail riding is comfortable – after all, you and your horse will be out for some time. For this the saddle pad needs to fit properly, be the right shape for your horse, and be a good shock absorber, especially of the trail is rough.
Reviews
1. Diamond Wool Contour Felt Ranch Pad
A good general purpose saddle pad, with wither relief.
A 1” thick wool felt pad reinforced with distressed leather, this saddle pad is suitable to trail riding, even when the ground is rough. It is also suited for training and roping. The pad is contoured and has wither relief. It measures a 32″x32″, so is a good size.
The wool gives great shock absorption. It breathes well but does tend to trap air among the wool fibres which means that heat may be trapped and the horse may take longer to cool down, so in very hot weather it might not be the best choice. It lasts well during heavier work. These pads do not wrinkle., but they might seem stiff to start with – but they soon become comfortable.
Diamond Wool focus just on saddle pads. They make them in Rhode Island from all American wool.
Pros
- Wither Relief
- Contoured pad
- Full-size – 32×32 and 1 inch thick
- Wool minimizes the risk of slippage
- Looks good
Cons
- Stiff to start with
- Not so easy to clean
- Tends to pick up dirt
- Might smell
2. Weaver Leather Contoured Wool Blend Felt Saddle Pad
A contoured western saddle pad for excellent fit.
This saddle pad uses a fleece/wool blend felt, which is dense and very comfortable for your horse. This Weaver pad is 32″x16″ and 1-inch thick, and contoured to fit your horse. It is not suitable for a high withered horse. It is the ideal saddle pad for average riding and working conditions.
This pad has good moisture-wicking and breathability. The saddle pad has premium wear leathers which lasts well. Although the shock absorption is good, it is not ideal for aggressive riding.
Fleece wool is used for this saddle pad. Please note that fleece is not the same as wool. Fleece is synthetic and although wool-like, it offers better performance and aeration. Fleece saddle pads are generally lighter.
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Mold and mildew resistant
- Contoured design for horses with swayback
Cons
- Not cut for high withered horses
- Less shock absorption than wool
3. Classic Equine BioFit Wool Felt Saddle Pad
Best western saddle pad for the hard-to-fit horse.
If your horse is sway-backed and has high withers then this saddle pad is for you. The saddle pad is contoured and has been designed for horses with high withers.
It and measure 32″x31 and is 3/4 to 1 inch thick. If you want to use a saddle blanket as well that works.
Made from a wool/fleece mix, this saddle pad breathes naturally and wicks away sweat well. it is also strong and durable.
Specially designed with the comfort of the horse in mind, the cushioning is very good. In addition, it helps to lift the front of the saddle to reduce pressure on the horse’s spine. The manufacturers call this an orthopedic grade saddle pad.
Pros
- Contoured pad
- High withered design
- Virgin wool for excellent moisture dispersion
- Split design to reduce friction
Cons
- It might shift the saddle too far back
4. Professional’s Choice Barrel Elite Pad
If you take part in barrel racing this is specially made for you and your horse.
This riding pad is made from a closed-cell foam rubber which absorbs shock extremely well. It has layers of felt and a layer of SMx Air Ride material on top. It’s a tough pad built to last well. There are leather reinforcements along the spine.
It is contoured to fit snugly and not slip, with cutouts for the withers and at the latigos. The riding pad is about 1″ thick and the SMX air ride core adds another 1/4″. And it is made in the USA. The size comes at 29″L x 30″.
They do distribute the weight of the rider and gear well making the ride more comfortable and safer for the horse.
Note that Professionals Choice also make great pads for trail riding.
Pros
- Contoured for a perfect fit
- Perfect for barrel riding
- Suitable for the high -withered horse
- Dense and trough
Cons
- Sweaty rubber underneath
5. The Montana 100% Extra Fine Wool Saddle Pad by Southwestern
The all natural wool saddle.
This saddle, made in the USA, has a lining which is all natural wool. This means it wicks away sweat fast and also breathes well. The wool draws in air, which removes heat and contributes to this riding pad’s ability to help regulate the temperature and keep your horse cool, even when working very hard.
The wool fits your horse well and stays snug and secure. The wear leathers are natural leather. Wool gives good shock absorption and the fibers will support any weight of rider and gear. The pad measures 32″x32″ pad and ranges from 3/4 to 1 inch thick. It is suited for larger riders and mature horses. The slight degree of contouring means it can be used for a horse with a swayback.
Pros
- Great cooling ability
- Contoured
- High Withered design
- Wool Material – soft and breathes well
- Very good shock absorption
Cons
- Not suited for horses with high withers
- Not ideal for extra long drops
- Difficult to clean well
Conclusion
With so much choice for saddle pads, one type will not suit all horses, and your final choice will depend upon your horse and the kind of riding you will be doing.
Shock absorption, fit, and material are all factors to consider. If you have a horse that is hard to fit, that has narrow shoulders, a swayback, and high withers then the Equine BioFit Wool Felt Saddle Pad may make a huge difference to the comfort of your horse and the pleasure you get from your ride.
The Professional’s Choice Barrel Elite Pad has great shock absorption qualities – and is specially designed for barrel racing. For trail riding, you could choose the Montana Wool Saddle Pad by Southwestern or the Weaver Leather Wool Blend Saddle Pad. If your horse has high withers then the Montana pad would fit better.
Our overall choice as the best western saddle pad is the Diamond Wool Contour Felt Ranch Pad 32X32. It is not suitable for really hard riding in hot weather, but we think that overall it is the best western saddle pad for trail riding. It absorbs shock very well, it is contoured and has wither relief. And it looks good as well.
Q: What about using saddle shims?
A: Shims fit the side of your saddle, making it more level. If your saddle fits properly then you do not need shims. But some riders do like them.
