Best Western Saddle Pads

When getting into the world of western riding, one of the most important investments you will make is in quality gear. Choosing the right western saddle pad can make all the difference in comfort, performance, and overall enjoyment for you and your horse. Whether you are just starting out on your equestrian journey or looking to upgrade your gear, understanding the key features and benefits of the best western saddle pads out there will help you navigate through the myriad of available options.

In this guide, we will explore our top picks of the best western saddle pads by highlighting their unique qualities, materials, and popularity among our customers (that’s you)! Whether you are barrel racing, team roping, or trotting down the trail, we’ve got you covered with the best options available to help you find the perfect saddle pad for both you and your horse.

If you are just beginning your search for your next saddle pad, we suggest first reading our guide on How to Choose a Western Saddle Pad. Or if you are unsure what size pad you need, check out our article on How to Measure Saddle Pads for additional insight. Without further adieu, let's dive in!

The Best Western Saddle Pads Category Winners

At first glance, the Total Saddle Fit Felt PLUSH Western Saddle Pad looks like your traditional felt pad; beneath the surface, there are innovative features designed to enhance your horse's comfort. Crafted with a vented leather spine channel, this saddle pad ensures optimal airflow to keep your horse cool during long rides. What truly sets this saddle pad apart is its customizable features! With an adjustable spine channel width and option for wither freedom, you can fine-tune this pad to suit your horse's individual shape and preferences. We love this pad for horses with unique conformation, horses that change shape throughout the riding season, or riders looking to fit a variety of horses. Available in an array of sizes, colors, and shapes, you can easily find the right option for you and your horse!

Designed by Pro Rodeo Hall of Famer Trevor Brazile, the Relentless by Cactus Extreme Gel Pad is an essential piece of equine performance gear. Playing a crucial role in helping his horses perform at their peak and securing an incredible 26 World Champion Titles, it is no wonder the Relentless Gel pad is one of the top-selling saddle pads. Handcrafted in Texas, this pad features a high-impact absorbing gel strategically positioned under the bars of the saddle for superior weight distribution—reducing pressure points and enhancing the comfort and performance of your horse. Experience the difference a pad engineered by a legend can bring, and help your horse achieve championship-level performance!

If you are looking for a pad with shims, then you are likely struggling with a saddle that is not quite fitting your horse's back properly. This can be caused by asymmetrical muscle development, a senior horse with a dropped topline (aka "sway back"), a recovering horse with an underdeveloped topline, or a young, green horse. We love the Toklat T3 Matrix Shim Pad, because it easily solves all of your minor saddle fit issues with its highly customizable shims (twelve total)! Strategically placed, these shims can be adjusted front-to-back to balance the saddle and prevent rocking or bridging, then side-to-side to fill in voids created by asymmetrical muscle development. We also love that it is available in three different insert variations, each with their own benefits to further customize this shimmable saddle pad to your individual needs:

FlexForm is a 1/2" memory foam insert. Best for adding a little extra cushion for light riding with low impact.

Ortho-Impact has memory foam to cushion the muscles and is bonded to a 5mm XRD foam that provides 90% impact protection. Best for underdeveloped toplines, senior horses with low muscling, horses recovering from back injuries, and moderate performance riding.

Extreme Pro offers a 9mm XRD foam insert for 90% impact protection. Best for protecting a well-developed topline, highly conditioned horses, and intensive performance riding.

We chose the Reinsman Nitro Gel Orthopedic Pad for the best orthopedic western pad because of its nitro gel, which is designed to protect the muscles and ligaments in your horses back from repeated impact. This unique gel not only provides maximum support and shock absorption, but is extremely durable as it won't break down, pop, or freeze. The exterior and interior is made from 100% steam-pressed performance wool, which is tough yet soft against your horse's back for comfort during work.

With a design taken from Mother Nature, the Supracor Cool Grip Square Western Saddle Pad is our non-slip pad of choice. The inspired design of Supracor is taken from a bees' honeycomb structure, which flexes with your horse's movement to cushion, absorb shock, and minimize shearing. Tiny perforations along the honeycomb walls circulate air and evaporate moisture, so your horse's back stays cool and comfortable. The Cool Grip distributes weight uniformly over your horse's back—providing exceptional stability, which prevents your saddle from slipping. With raving 5-star reviews from our customers, this saddle pad is sure to be a winner for solving your saddle slipping issues!

Mixing a traditional saddle blanket with a typical western pad results in the Cashel Blanket Top Performance Saddle Pad! We picked this pad for its vibrant, western pattern that is bound to be noticed around the showgrounds or ranch. Our customers are also loving this pad, giving it many 5-star reviews! Finished off with durable wear leathers that provide longevity and a contoured spine that offers comfort to your favorite equine—all at a great price point.

The Best Ever Pads Kush Fleesar Felt & Fleece Saddle Pad is an obvious choice for the performance horse. Specifically engineered for high performance events like barrel racing, team roping, ranch rodeos, and more, this pad checks all the boxes that you need in demanding disciplines. This slip resistant pad keeps your saddle in place when performing those sharp turns or sliding stops. Featuring a fleece lining that creates an especially soft feel for sensitive-skinned horses, this pad also provides shock absorption and great moisture-wicking to keep your horse cool during strenuous events. Get the most out of your performance horse by gearing up with this top-quality pad from Best Ever!

Spruce up any western pad with our top pick for the best saddle blanket! The Reinsman Diamond R Single-Weave Saddle Blanket is made of heavy, single-weave acrylic and woven in beautiful vibrant colors. Perfect for throwing over or underneath your existing saddle pad to keep it clean, you can even use this blanket as a decorative piece in your home!

Ponies need pony-sized tack! We picked the Reinsman Diamond R Pony Western Saddle Pad for our little horses and their kiddos, due to its durable design with western styling. The exterior features a fun blanket top and moisture-wicking fleece underside to keep ponies comfy. Enter the pony shenanigans!

Q: What is the purpose of a western saddle pad?

A: Western saddle pads serve as a cushion between the horse's back and the saddle, providing added comfort and protection for both horse and rider.

Q: How do I choose the right western saddle pad for my horse?

A: The right western saddle pad will depend on factors such as your horse's conformation, their level of activity, and the type of riding you do. Consider the thickness and material of the pad, as well as any additional features such as pads with built-in technology or removable shims. It's also important to make sure the pad fits properly and is not too small or too big. To get more of a detailed explanation, be sure to visit our article on How to Choose a Western Saddle Pad.

Q: How often should I replace my western saddle pad?

A: The frequency at which you need to replace your western saddle pad will depend on the amount of use and how well it's been cared for. A well-maintained pad can last for several years, but a pad that is used frequently or not cleaned properly will need to be replaced sooner. It's a good idea to check your pad regularly for signs of wear, such as fraying or holes, and replace it if necessary.

Q: Can I wash my western saddle pad?

A: Yes, most western saddle pads can be washed. However, it is important to check the manufacturer's instructions before doing so, as some pads may have specific care instructions. In general, you should use a mild detergent and cool water while avoiding using bleach or fabric softener. For most western saddle pads, it is recommended to allow them to air dry versus going in the dryer. For more information, we highly recommend you take a look at our How to Clean Saddle Pads article!

We hope our best western saddle pad guide has helped you navigate through the multitude of options, equipping you with the knowledge to choose the perfect pad for you and your horse. Whether you are gearing up for a casual trail ride or preparing for a high performance event, choosing the best western saddle pad will help keep your horse comfortable and performing its best. Thank you for trusting us to be a part of your equestrian journey, and may your adventures be filled with unforgettable memories!

If you are still needing additional help with choosing a western saddle pad, please reach out to our knowledgeable customer service team at info@ridingwarehouse.com or 1-800-620-9145. Happy riding!

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