Western saddle pads....?

Question

I want to buy a good quality western saddle pad that will be very comfortable for my horse. I am looking at the Professional's Choice brand. Has anyone used these? If so do you like them? Are there other brands that make orthopedic or shock absorbing pads that will make my horse as comfortable as possible? I already bought a saddle, which is a great fit on my horse, I would just like to find a pad that he will be comfortable with. Thanks!

By the way, I only do trail riding, I don't compete.....but my horse is only 2 and I would like to protect his back the best I can.

I never said how hard I was riding, so don't assume that I am riding my horse hard! He's just a baby and I would never put that kind of stress on him! My vet gave me the ok to begin riding him a few weeks ago, for your information. I didn't ask for your opinion on whether I should ride my 2 year old or not, I simply wanted to know about saddle pads. I think that by me being concerned about my horse's back and wanting a good pad proves that I care about the health and safety of my horse. It's not like I'm out barrel racing or eventing on him, we're just hitting the trails...not even cantering under saddle yet, so please don't criticize me for something you have no clue about!

Answer 1

I like the Professional's choice line - I use a lot of their products (pads, splint boots, etc.) and have had great luck.
I bought an Air - Ride pad by Prof Choice and it works great for my older horse that doesn't have the muscle tone she had when she was younger. The only complaint that I have is that it is sort of loud and makes a crinkling noise all the time. If I buy another one soon, I think I would try their gel pad.
I think you're on the right track to keeping your baby comfortable. Traditional pads work fine, but if we use all of the technology that's available now, we can save some wear and tear on their backs.

Answer 2

Hi. I love the impact gel pad. It is the top of the line in the industry. There is nothing wrong with the Professional's Choice pads, but these are even better. I show my gelding in western events and this makes his long work days more comfortable. This is what the pad is all about- source: impact gel website

Impact Gel® Saddle pads are like no other saddle pad on the market today. Impact Gel® is strategically positioned at critical pressure points within the saddle pad to provide the ultimate in comfort and protection for both horse and rider. Impact Gel® reduces the energy waves transferred from the tree of the saddle to the horse’s back. The ultra light, high impact reduction system adds high performance to the base layer by reducing inconsistencies in the fit of your equipment. This unique reduction system fills in the space between the saddle and the horse’s spine ensuring a perfect match between the horse and the saddle while providing unsurpassed shock absorbing ability and equalizing pressure points.

The ultimate result is improved comfort for the horse and more control for the rider. Impact Gel® Saddle pads are available in the following distinctive styles-Contour, Straight-back, Barrel-Contour, Barrel-Straight-back and Navajo. English style pads are available in a work pad and a gallop pad.

You can get these pads for around $130 and up. Schneider's has them, Smith Brothers, as well as ebay has stores where you can get them. Search them on yahoo for other places where you can get a deal. They are worth every single penny. I board my horse full time with a professional trainer, so i do have experience with long work days. This is just my opinion...everyone has something that works for their horses. Good luck. I also want to mention that i am an adult rider, over 26. It doesn't matter on age, but I have had some experience over the years. Good luck

Answer 3

CSI Saddlepads are by far the best. The price can be a little scary ($350) but the pad comes with a 30 day ride it and try it guarantee. If you don't like it send it back and get a refund! CSI pads have something in the pad called a flex plate, that evenly distributes your weight along your horses back making for even pressure and an even sweat pattern. It has four holes down the spin of the pad allowing for extra air flow when riding. Also, the pad is built not to touch your horses withers which makes for maximum wither relief. They are made in a small town in Missouri by American workers and with American products. The pad was created with the comfort of the horse in mind! They also look really great!!

Answer 4

We have used the Professional Choice pads and had really good luck with them. They hold up well and protect very well. We team rope, so we have to have a high quality pad that will protect and these are some of the best we have found. They cost a little more, but you get what you pay for. I have a dealers account with Schnieders, and if you like, I can check and see if I can get you a better price that what is listed on their website.

Answer 5

I like professional choice pads. But I've also found that any good thick felt pad is great - they are sturdy enough for every day riding and you can hose them off to clean them.

I've also used gel pads of various types and still do for added comfort and to get the best fit possible for my saddle.

My gel pads I believe are toklat (from lake oswego oregon, they should be online and available at most large tack stores). The felt pads I bought are from stateline tack and country supply.

Answer 6

Make your own. Get a foam pad about 32" x 32" at any sewing shop. Then buy several different colors of fleece. You'll need enough to sew a "pillow case" for the foam pad. Put the foam pad in it, then sew the open end closed and add a bit of fringe on that end. It's not everyone that makes their own saddle pad. After each ride, hang the pad by the fringes so the pad can air dry.

Answer 7

Depending on the breed, a horses' bones do not stop growing till about upwards of 5 years of age.... you should not be riding too hard in the first place!
You should get a pad that is a rubber type material that is easy to wash... you can call Professional Choice and they will tell you what guage you should be using!

Answer 8

i use a neoprene non slip pad. its easy to clean too. just rinse and wipe off. its 1in thick and is very comfortable. i believe they come in 1 1/2 in thick as well. you can always double pad. use the neoprene and a saddle blanket on top. my point is they are not overly expensive and really very comfortable on the horses back. they absorb shock very well and unlike fleece or wool they arent always getting sweat and dirt on them causing bacteria build up (which can cause fungus growth...not a big deal but gross) because they are so easy to clean. good luck!

Answer 9

Well, I ride bareback - so I have never tried saddle pads out, but I did find this one orthopedic one..
http://www.horse.com/products/sku-WIR29.html
good luck with finding the right one - I wish you and your horse the best :)

Answer 10

well the western saddle pads i choose to use are the one's i buy from Harris Leather & Silverworks...they have always been comfortable for my horse and have excellent quality.