How to Choose the
Best Western Saddle Pad

The popularity of using saddle pads makes sense when you consider the wide range of benefits for the horse and rider, such as:

• Absorbing and wicking away sweat
• Improving saddle balance for rider stability
• Distributing saddle and rider weight
• Protecting the saddle
• Increasing horse and rider comfort
• Absorbing shock and reducing pressure
• Compensating for minor saddle fit issues

A saddle pad is a tool designed to complement both horse and saddle to create the most comfortable feel for optimal equine performance in your discipline.

Best Ever Pads OG 1" Felt Western Saddle Pad

This staple is called "OG" for a reason. Why mess with perfection? With classic needle-punch wool felt, this breathable saddle pad delivers shock absorption, firm yet flexible support, and protection. Whether you need an all-purpose saddle pad that can do everything, or one that provides support during high-performance events, the OG pad is ideal for both!

Diamond Wool Contoured Western Saddle Pad with Shims

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. The Diamond Wool pads have six removable shims crafted from 1/2" of wool felt that absorbs impact and improves saddle fit. The customizable nature of this pad allows it to correct a wide range of issues and continue to grow with your horse through the years.

Toklat T3 Matrix WoolBack Western Shim Pad Ortho-Impact

We love the Toklat T3 Matrix Shim Pad because it provides durable orthopaedic support for your horse and easily solves your minor saddle-fit issues with its highly customizable shims (12 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. The Ortho-Impact offers memory foam inserts bonded with 5mm XRD foam for up to 90% impact protection. Designed for underdeveloped toplines, senior horses, past or recovering back injuries, and moderate performance riding. Add serious, customizable protection to your ride.

Equi-Tech Tacky-Tack Non-Slip Western Saddle Pad

Saddle slipping is a thing of the past. Crafted from a soft, ventilated material, this saddle pad allows heat to dissipate while firmly securing your saddle in place. Additionally, the non-slip material is fast-drying and easy to clean off sweat and hair. The cutout at the wither improves the fit on high-withered and low-withered horses alike, ensuring there is no pinching throughout your ride. Built for performance riding and daily riding with shock-absorbing construction.

Cashel Blanket Top Performance Saddle Pad

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. 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.

RidingWarehouse by Best Ever OG Felt Western Saddle Pad

The RidingWarehouse by Best Ever Pads OG Felt 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 (Not to mention representing your favorite brand while doing your favorite events!). Get the most out of your performance horse by gearing up with this top-quality pad from Best Ever!

Toklat WoolBack Round Saddle Pad Contoured 28x28

Small but mighty and built to fit perfectly on the littlest ponies. Small doesn't mean you lose any features. Toklat's classic Woolback construction offers 100% wool fleece for superior moisture-wicking and non-slip features. The contoured topline conforms to their back, preventing any pinching or discomfort. Browse the wide range of Toklat pads for your perfect additions!

Once you are sure your saddle properly fits your horse, the next step is to address what saddle pad length and drop will best suit your saddle. To further understand where these saddle pad dimensions come from, we invite you to learn more in our guide on How to Measure Saddle Pads. As a general guideline, it is best to add about 2-3" to the length of your saddle (front to back) to find the correct saddle pad size. A pad that is too short will provide insufficient coverage and weight distribution, while a pad that is too long may impede motion or saddle function. If you are unsure how to find your saddle measurements, please check out our guide on How to Measure a Saddle!

The shape of the front of the saddle pad should be considered when choosing a new pad, as some pad shapes may be better suited for different horse conformations. Horses with high or further back withers will benefit from a different pad design than those with low or forward withers.

• Contour: A contoured saddle pad has a higher front to relieve pressure from the withers. This is a great choice for high-withered horses or sway-backed horses who need clearance.
• Straight: A straight saddle pad has little to no curve at the front, making it suitable for horses with round or mutton withers—meaning more flat-backed horses. They can also be a good choice for horses with normal wither definition.
• Cutout: A cutout saddle pad has a "cutout" at the top where the horse's withers would be, but it is still connected in the front. This will offer even more relief than a contoured pad, making it a suitable choice for high-withered horses who need more clearance.
• Cutback: Cutback saddle pads have a section cut away from the withers to provide full wither relief. Since there is no material on top of the withers, this is a good choice for very high-withered horses.

When considering your horse's conformation, it is useful to look at the length of your horse's back and whether they have a swayback or not. Horses with sway backs or less muscle may need a thicker pad to help fill in gaps between the saddle and the horse's back. When choosing how thick your saddle pad should be, consider the length and intensity of your rides, what discipline you ride, the weight of you and your gear, and your horse's conformation. Below is a table to generally guide you on the most common saddle pad thicknesses, their use, and what discipline they are most appropriate for.

Saddle pads with internal technology or shims might be appropriate to aid with proper saddle fit. Inserts and shims are interchangeable terms, and they're integrated inside of and/or on top of the saddle pad. Conformation issues like asymmetrical muscling, high withers, and sway backs tend to benefit from a saddle pad with inserts or shims that can better compensate for these problems. A saddle pad with additional technology is also recommended for those riding in a treeless saddle to ensure that the rider's weight is not pressing into the horse's spine or withers.

Should you wish to proceed with a pad that has either inserts or shims, be certain to check whether they are removable or not. Some are not removable and therefore named "built-in technology," which may not be beneficial for you or your horse's specific needs. A pad with removable technology can be replaced or altered as needed for a further customized fit. Removable inserts and shims allow for adjustments to be made as the horse's body changes over time, or when the saddle pad is used with different horses and saddles.

Inserts and shims will add weight to the saddle pad and will often prompt a higher price tag; however, these saddle pads can effectively enhance shock and impact resistance. In general, saddle pads with insert or shim technology are a great option to fill in gaps by providing extra impact protection. Remember that adding extra bulk can be detrimental to the fit of your saddle, so make sure the saddle pad you're considering is not going to be too thick for your needs.

One of the most popular materials in the majority of Western disciplines is wool felt. Known for being extremely breathable and moisture-wicking, wool felt is a top performer in keeping your horse's back cool. Wool also endures repeated pressure better than synthetic pads, effectively offering comfort and compression protection for hard-working horses.

Another advantage of a wool felt pad is the ease of cleaning and air-drying, which can help increase the longevity of the pad. They even come in different styles such as plain felt or with a colorful blanket top, so you can choose a look best suited for your tack ensemble and personal tastes. These pads are great options for performance horses such as barrel horses, rope horses, team penners, cutters, reiners, and trail horses.

Saddle pads made with synthetic or natural wool fleece are a common and popular choice. A majority of western pads with fleece utilize wool felt on top with a fleece lining on the underside. Fleece effectively creates a soft feel for additional comfort and shock absorption. However, these pads typically do not last as long as felt pads, as the fleece eventually becomes matted down from heavy use and sweat and dirt. Deep cleaning and brushing of the fleece can lengthen the lifespan of the pad.

It is also important to note that fleece can add to the pad's overall thickness, which may be detrimental to certain horse and saddle fit combinations. Fleece-lined pads topped with wool felt are typically more suitable for roping or trail horses, or for horses with narrow backs and high withers.

Synthetic pads are typically offered in different materials and styles, such as gel with vent holes or neoprene foam in a waffle-weave style. Overall, synthetic pads are known for their increased grip and easy-to-clean nature. These saddle pads are considered to be less breathable than their natural material counterparts; if you live in a particularly hot and humid climate or have a horse that needs extra airflow, a synthetic-bottomed pad might not be best for you.

Synthetic saddle pads are designed for their shock-absorbing and antifungal properties, plus they are simple to care for. A common synthetic saddle pad design to allow for better airflow is called "waffle weave" or "tacky." This design features many tiny vents that aid in air circulation, helping to keep the horse's back cooler during long rides. One of the main advantages of waffle-weave pads is the non-slip surface, making them a great option for riders who need to address saddle rolling or slipping.

Western saddle blankets are used over a saddle pad, are made from a thickly woven fabric, and come in a variety of patterns and colors to suit your style. Since they come in a multitude of colors, you can keep a few saddle blankets on hand and one nice saddle pad to easily switch up your look. They are very popular for showing and can even be used as a liner to protect your saddle pad investment.

Western saddle liners are placed underneath a saddle pad and used to protect the saddle pad from wear or prevent it from slipping. They have a thin design to limit bulk under the saddle pad and come in a variety of materials. Liners that are made from wool are a good choice for protecting your nice saddle pad from collecting dirt, sweat, and grime— therefore extending its life. Synthetic liners can also absorb sweat and dirt but are typically used to keep the saddle pad from slipping during work.

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.

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.

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.

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!