Best Saddle Pad: Western and English

Last Updated on September 1, 2020

Are you searching for the best saddle pad?

Whether you ride western, English, dressage, or even barrel racing, it is important to have a quality saddle pad. With this in mind, I have reviewed the top models on the market and after reading this article you will know my recommendations.

Check the quick list below for links to customer reviews and prices for my top saddle pad picks, or read on for the full review:

1. Southwestern Equine OrthoRide Correction Saddle Pad
2. Southwestern Equine Silverado Contoured Saddle Pad 100% Wool
3. Weaver Leather Synergy Contoured Performance Saddle Pad
4. Weaver Leather Contoured Saddle Pad with Merino Wool Fleece Lining
5. Weaver Leather All Purpose 30″ x 30″ Contoured Saddle Pad with Felt Insert & Merino Wool Fleece Bottom
6. Kavallerie 3D Air-Mesh Fleece English Saddle Pad
7. Roma Ecole Noble All Purpose English Saddle Pad
8. ECP Cotton Correction All Purpose Contoured Saddle Pad

Making sure that your horse is comfortable is important when you’re going to be riding, which is why I think that everyone needs to invest in the highest quality saddle pad that they can. This is easier said than done, however, which is why I put together this guide to help you find the right saddle pads for you and your horse.

How to Select a Saddle Pad

One of the first things that you must consider when shopping for saddle pads is your horse’s confirmation and contours. If your horse has special curves, then you need to make sure to choose a pad that will perfectly fit their body. This is particularly important for mutton-withered horses.

Additionally, consider the style of pad that you want, as well as its size. They come in a variety of styles, including square, shaped, and half pads. The size needs to be large enough to easily cover the space under your saddle. For example, dressage pads accommodate a longer flap and have a much straighter cut than a close contact pad.

Finally, you need to consider the material of your pad. I find that this plays a huge role in how comfortable your horse will be. Cotton and fleece are popular materials to use because they wick moisture easily and tend to be less expensive than other types of materials. Wool and sheepskin pads are more expensive, but they do a great job absorbing a lot of sweat, which can be great for certain situations.

Benefits of Top Saddle Pads

While most people know that they need to use saddle pads with their horse, I’m always surprised that some people don’t know all of the advantages that they offer. One of the main advantages of using a saddle pad is that it will keep your saddle very clean. Rather than sitting right on the horse where it can pick up dirt and absorb sweat, a saddle pad helps protect it and ensure that the saddle isn’t so dirty.

Additionally, saddle pads can actually help improve saddle fit. This is great for ensuring that your saddle rests correctly on the back of your horse, which ensures that you don’t put too much pressure along their back. This also prevents the saddle from rocking or lifting off of the back when you’re riding, which can be really dangerous.

Features to Consider

There are a few attributes that you will want to consider when shopping for a particular model, as these can really set pads apart from each other. One thing that I always consider is if the saddle pad is contoured. I know that a lot of people like to use plain blankets under their saddle, especially if they aren’t going on long rides, but I think that the fit of the pad is incredibly important. Some pads are contoured better than others, which will help the horse stay comfortable and keep you from sliding in your saddle.

Additionally, make sure to consider the cut of the model you are looking at. There are some pads that are designed specifically to relieve pressure on the withers. These pads are great for horses who need wither relief.

Finally, if you have a horse who needs a lot of help with saddle fit and distributing the pressure from the saddle across the back, then you will want to opt for an orthopedic model, that is designed with a thick core and plenty of padding. These saddle pads are a little more difficult to find, but can make riding a lot easier for some horses.

Best Way to Use Your Saddle Pads

Once you have a great model for your horse, you need to make sure that you use it correctly. In addition to making sure that it is cleaned on a regular basis, you have to be sure that it is placed correctly on your horse when you’re going to be riding. This will ensure that it doesn’t rub and that it offers support for you and your saddle.

Precautions to Consider

There are some things that you must consider when using your saddle pad to ensure that your horse is safe and comfortable. One of them is to make sure that you have pulled up the pad’s front, which helps to alleviate pressure. I find that leaving the pad front flat on the horse will rub on them and put pressure on the spine.

Additionally, never use a dirty saddle pad when riding your horse, as this can rub your horse, cause saddle sores, and make your horse sick. I find that regularly cleaning my pad is important, but so is not putting it down on anything dirty that can cause it to pick up debris. I also brush it between washings and use a special soap on wool and sheepskin to keep them in good condition.

Finally, I recommend checking your saddles fit on a regular basis, as your horse’s needs may change, and the pad will have to change as well.

Top Rated Saddle Pads

Over the years I’ve used more styles and brands than I can count. Saddle pad design has improved over the years, which has led to higher quality and more safe models available to riders of all disciplines. I have reviewed the top options on today’s market for performance, comfort, and quality.

Top Rated Western Saddle Pads

Southwestern Equine OrthoRide Correction

This is easily one of the top saddle pad options for western riders who want the most comfort and support available. This is a specially contoured saddle pad that is designed to help reduce pressure and shoulder strain on the horse while also helping the saddle fit better to solve problems with lifting and shifting. Additionally, it is made from memory foam, leather, and orthopedic grade felt, ensuring that it will not only last for a long period of time, but also that the horse will be comfortable when it is in use.

Pros

• Great for horses with high withers
• Helps to absorb shock
• Assists with saddle fit problems
• Made with memory foam to fill in gaps around the saddle

Cons

• Stitching can easily pull out and become undone
• Tends to flatten under pressure from the saddle without offering a lot of support or lift

Southwestern Equine Silverado Contoured Saddle Pad 100% Wool

This model was designed not only to help wick sweat and hold water to ensure that the saddle doesn’t rub on the horse, but also to help contour to the body to ensure a snug and comfortable fit. With 1” of 100% wool, it’s easy to see how this saddle pad will offer plenty of support and wicking power without causing the horse to overheat or experience too much pressure on the withers when wearing it.

Pros

• 1” thick design offers plenty of comfort and support
• Contour shape is great for horses with prominent withers
• Made from 100% gray wool with top grain wear leathers
• Designed to wick away sweat

Cons

• Easily picks up burrs
• Can require some breaking in to ensure that the horse is comfortable

Weaver Leather Synergy Contoured Performance Saddle Pad

Not only are these Weaver Synergies designed to be comfortable and long-lasting, but they are also attractive and brightly colored, making them great for use on the trail and in competition. Because they are made from wool and EVA sport foam, they are great at wicking moisture away from the horse, protecting the saddle, and reducing shock that the horse feels when riding. Additionally, they feature a contoured shape to help improve airflow for comfort.

Pros

• Made with wool liner for great moisture wicking ability
• Offers even cooling
• EVA sport foam reduces shock and absorbs impact
• Contoured shape is attractive and comfortable

Cons

• Can sometimes feel like it is slipping
• There are some concerns over stitching quality

Weaver Leather Contoured Saddle Pad with Merino Wool Fleece Lining

The contour of the Weaver Contoured Wool model is designed to ensure that the horse is as comfortable as possible with a saddle, ensuring that they are happy and responding well to the rider. Due to the close fit of this pad, it’s great for racing and for fast turns and won’t make the rider feel like they are slipping, which can be really dangerous and put them at risk. Additionally, the bright colors won’t fade in the sun or with regular washing.

Pros

• Designed to be quick drying
• Reduces problems with mildew and mold
• Fits close to the body, which is great for barrel racing
• Features a felt insert, as well as wool fleece bottom

Cons

• Leather pieces tend to pull away from the saddle pad as the glue wears off
• Not as easy to wash as some other saddle pads and can start to fall apart

Weaver Leather All Purpose Contoured Saddle Pad with Felt Insert & Merino Wool Fleece Bottom

The quality craftsmanship of this durable Weaver All Purpose Western model is obvious, thanks to the precision stitching, perfect placement of wear leathers and inserts, and great contouring. It’s designed to be a perfect saddle pad for daily use or for special events and it is durable enough to stand up to long days on the horse. The bright colors won’t fade and make this saddle pad an attractive choice that is a great option for most any horse.

Pros

• Designed for easy removal of thorns and burrs
• Contoured fit is snug and reduces shifting and saddle roll
• Wool fleece bottom does a great job wicking away moisture
• Designed to be mildew and mold resistant

Cons

• Not as thick as other options
• Synthetic lining isn’t as comfortable or durable

Top Rated English Saddle Pads

Kavallerie 3D Air-Mesh Fleece

Easily my favorite english riding saddle pad. This model is ideal for showing, jumping, and dressage. The design is quite ingenious and provides excellent shock and impact protection. The air mesh and fleece combo supports the saddle well and will prevent back muscle soreness when riding and performing your horse in the ring. Great compression and air flow also helps keep your horse cool and comfortable. I found this English saddle pad slipped very little which I find incredibly important. While it comes with a premium price tag, this pad is well worth it.

Pros

• Superior cushion and back protection
• Excellent air flow and ventilation
• Doesn’t slip much if at all
• Ideal for showing, jumping, and dressage riding

Cons

• Premium price

Roma Ecole Noble All Purpose Saddle Pad

If you are seeking a more traditional english design, this is a great all purpose option that is also great for gated horses. With a sleek and traditional look it is great for all English riding disciplines. It wicks away sweat helping to keep your horse cool even on long days riding and showing. I particularly like the contrasting stitching as it pops without being gaudy.

• All purpose saddle pad
• Cushioned Wick-Easy lining that pulls away moisture
• Polished poly/cotton shell
• Contrast stitching brings out beautiful quilted pattern

Cons

• Not as much impact absorption as the top pick

ECP Cotton Correction All Purpose Contoured Saddle Pad

This is an exceptional value option for English riders. The countour allows it to comfortable fit your horse while providing good impact absorption with memory foam. The cushion is right where it should be keeping your horse from developing back pain during long rides. It also comes in multiple colors so you can get the exact look you want.

Pros

• Comfortable memory foam with excellent impact absorption
• Good non slip fit
• Four velcro pockets
• Great value
• Comes in multiple color options

Cons

• Less impact absorption than the top pick

For more horse riding guides and tips read these articles:

• Ride With Confidence: Great Horse Riding Boots
• Protect Your Horse’s Feet: Excellent Bell Boots
• Safe Certified: Top Horseback Riding Helmet
• Stop Equine Over Eating: Grazing Muzzle Reviews
• Made For Comfort: Cowboy Boots For Walking
• Safe and durable: Horse Halter Picks

As my grandfather told me growing up, it’s important to take care of your horse’s back or they can’t take care of you. That is why having one of the top rated saddle pads for your horse is so important.

equineridge.com/riding

All of the recommended saddle pads are great options, but the Southwestern Equine OrthoRide Correction model is a great choice for most any horse. Not only will it help to alleviate any pain and pressure felt by older horses, but it is also great for younger horses who have underdeveloped muscles in the shoulders. At 1” thick, it offers incredible support and control for any horse and rider, making even inexperienced riders feel much safer and at home up in the saddle. Additionally, it does a great job with correct fit problems, which can save a lot of money and frustration as it will prevent riders from having to buy new saddles.

Here is the quick list with the top saddle pad picks one more time. To view prices and customer reviews see the links below.

1. Southwestern Equine OrthoRide Correction Saddle Pad
2. Southwestern Equine Silverado Contoured Saddle Pad 100% Wool
3. Weaver Leather Synergy Contoured Performance Saddle Pad
4. Weaver Leather Contoured Saddle Pad with Merino Wool Fleece Lining
5. Weaver Leather All Purpose 30″ x 30″ Contoured Saddle Pad with Felt Insert & Merino Wool Fleece Bottom
6. Kavallerie 3D Air-Mesh Fleece English Saddle Pad
7. Roma Ecole Noble All Purpose English Saddle Pad
8. ECP Cotton Correction All Purpose Contoured Saddle Pad