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Discussion on Western saddle pad help
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Member:
leslie1
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Posted on Wednesday, Mar 24, 2010 - 3:40 pm:
Hi all
When my princess get done being broke at the trainers I will be taking her out on some trail rides this summer...I plan on using my western saddle...I am considering getting a new saddle but in the meantime would like to buy a decent saddle pad...what are the good western saddle pads now? I am thinking thinline. or the gels? I already have a regular old wool one and also a thin navajo type one. But I think she may need more protection that isnt so bulky.
ANY advice out their fellow Cougars?
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anyone use these?
https://www.sstack.com/western_saddle-pads_workprotective/dura-tech-gel-lite-vent ed-support-pad/
or what about this:
https://www.sstack.com/western_saddle-pads_workprotective/impact-gel-standard-34- contour-pad/
Thanks for any thoughts girls,
leslie
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Member:
mrose
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Posted on Wednesday, Mar 24, 2010 - 4:32 pm:
As you know, a lot depends on the fit of your saddle. The two pads I've been happiest with over the years, are a sheepskin pad (real wool) I think made by CoolBack but am not sure. I've ridden lots of miles with it and never had a problem. I was brought up believing you should never put a synthetic next to the horses back. Over the last several years, I've learned differently. When I got my new western saddle a few years ago, the saddle maker suggested I use a
very thin pad which look similar to the Professionals Choice Air ride pad. I'll have to check the brand when I go out to the barn as I don't remember. But the pad is full of little holes, and is only about 1/2 inch thick and very light weight. For show I put a thin show pad on top of it, but everyday just use it as it is. I've been very happy with both pads.
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Member:
scooter
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Posted on Wednesday, Mar 24, 2010 - 5:20 pm:
I got the SMX..I think.. Professionals choice air pad too last year... I like it alot
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Member:
vickiann
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Posted on Wednesday, Mar 24, 2010 - 5:22 pm:
I like the Professional's Choice air pads, which were very much preferred by the fellow who I used to have check my saddle fits when he came to this area each year.
Be sure to buy one long enough for your saddle to fit on, but not so long that it rubs the hips.
There seem to be a lot of new and interesting pads offered these days.
Some of them claim to have high tech material on the bottoms but my horse is sensitive to some of those.
The fabric on the Professional's Choice pads is very well tolerated by my most sensitive horse.
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Member:
lilo
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Posted on Wednesday, Apr 21, 2010 - 3:35 pm:
Hi, Diane and Vicki Z,
I just looked at the Professional's Choice website -
the air ride pads are rather expensive. About 180 dollars or so.
I am using a Tacky-Tack on the gelding - it was reasonable, the saddle does not slip (was recommended by Dr. O), but I do not get an even sweat pattern. It will do for a while longer.
But I am looking for my mare. She has very prominent withers and most western pads are so straight - including the air ride pads. I thought something that gave more room over the withers would work better for her. My friend I ride with really likes her Impact Gel pad (see link above) - but the all wool felt runs about 200 dollars.
I found an SMX All ride pad on State Line Tack at 112 dollars that is contoured. I was wondering what the pads looked like that you used and liked - straight on top or contoured?
Here is the link to the pad I am looking at:
https://www.statelinetack.com/item/smx-all-ride-all-round-saddle-pad/SLT900742/
Thanks for any info,
Lilo
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Member:
leslie1
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Posted on Wednesday, Apr 21, 2010 - 4:27 pm:
Lilo
I have heard REALLY good things about the Mattes Pad ( they make english or western )
https://epshop.us/WESTERN-PADS/MATTES%AE-Western-Square-Pad::280.html
best wishes
leslie
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Member:
vickiann
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Posted on Wednesday, Apr 21, 2010 - 6:37 pm:
Lilo,
My Professional's Choice pads are all getting old and I have the plain straight ones that I bought when on sale, plus a couple of an endurance style.
There is such a huge offering of various pads on the market now and some especially for horses having prominent withers.
A friend of mine uses one of those gel pads and loves it.
I'm going to place an order from a catalog tomorrow so will try to remember to post a couple of web sites of firms that have the biggest offering of pads to select from.
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Member:
lilo
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Posted on Wednesday, Apr 21, 2010 - 7:05 pm:
Thanks, Leslie and Vicki, for responding so quickly. I looked at the Mattes pads - they do look comfortable but the website is not very informative regarding the size of the pad, care of pad and warranties.
Vicki - will wait to see what you come up with. State Line Tack was cheaper for the air ride pad than the Professional's Choice price.
Thanks,
Lilo
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Member:
scooter
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Posted on Wednesday, Apr 21, 2010 - 7:07 pm:
WOW they have really raised the prices on them. I got Hanks last year at Valley vet for under $100, I just looked and it is $149 for the same pad The one you have picked looks nice, it's always hard to tell until you get them
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Member:
lilo
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Posted on Wednesday, Apr 21, 2010 - 7:13 pm:
Hi Diane - Yes, unless someone you know has exactly the pad you are looking for, it is hard to tell.
With that much money on the line, I really would like it to be the right pad for the old girl.
Lilo
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Member:
ajudson1
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Posted on Wednesday, Apr 21, 2010 - 7:28 pm:
I've done lots of reading regarding pads, and I'd spend my money on the best wool one I could afford. They come in different thicknesses, some have cut outs at the withers, or are 2 pieces joined down the middle.
From what I recall reading, the Impact Gel doesn't stay in place anyhow, and it's an extra waste of money. I have that one BTW, and I do love it, but after my research won't buy another for the cost. Just a plain black wool pad next time.
I have yet to find a pad out there with any kind of foam that is satisfactory. I have the fancy smancy "skito pad" and it gets rock hard in the winter, and compacts as it warms up.
Ditto for my sway back pad..boy is that one a joke. Over a 100 bucks for it, and as I rode in it, it would keep flattening and the saddle kept getting looser!
Any thing with a fleecy bottom also gets slippery, and the non slip tacky sure seems to be bad as it heats up.
I also recall the cheaper "felt" pads will have multi colors running through the wool, regular wool pads won't have that.
If I added the link to my millions of bookmarked favorites, and I can find it, I'll post the one I read last.
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Member:
ajudson1
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Posted on Wednesday, Apr 21, 2010 - 7:34 pm:
This was interesting, but not the one I was thinking of.
https://www.american-flex.com/pads.htm
Forgot to add to my post above "My opinion only of course" ;-).
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Member:
sross
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Posted on Wednesday, Apr 21, 2010 - 9:42 pm:
My friend and I love our Mattes pads (English not Western though). We've used them for years, they're still in really good shape. Mattes sells a special liquid to wash them with, we've always just used Woolite. They're not cheap, but we have definitely got our money's worth out of them. I would buy this brand again in a heartbeat.
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Member:
ajudson1
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Posted on Thursday, Apr 22, 2010 - 9:28 am:
This first link is the one I thought had good info on the gel filled bladders, air pockets, and different materials.
https://www.5starequineproducts.com/SaddlePadsArticle.html
Some others:
https://www.infohorse.com/woolsaddlepads.asp
https://www.diamondwoolpads.com/
https://www.profchoice.com/media/ksu_videos/PadStudy.pdf
The last one was done by Professional choice I believe, and it's looong but at least there are pictures at the end, lol!
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Member:
stek
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Posted on Thursday, Apr 22, 2010 - 11:28 am:
I am a fan of a good plain wool felt pad, the diamond wools are nice. They tend to conform to the horse's back better than anything else I've used and really last.
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Member:
lilo
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Posted on Thursday, Apr 22, 2010 - 11:38 am:
Hi all,
Thank you so much for all your responses and links. Got my browser full of tabs!
I am leaning toward a wool pad - but now am stuck in: "analysis paralysis", as my son calls it.
The Mattes pad is still in the running - but how the heck can I find out the size? They come in small, medium and large - but no idea what the actual dimensions are. I know the size I need in inches.
Will let you know what I come up with. The 5starequine pads (from the link posted by Angie above) lists local suppliers - will have to make some phone calls. None of them are nearby.
Thanks again,
Lilo
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Member:
leslie1
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Posted on Thursday, Apr 22, 2010 - 12:20 pm:
Lilo
I can find out the dimensions this weekend at Rolex...they will definately have a vendor there. FWIW...Mattes is very popular with the top riders such as the rolex and olympic riders. It is top quality.
I wint be back until late Sat evening...and will post my finding then
here is an alternitive knock off of the Mattes...but I dont know the quality of it...it is an 30X30. and basically the same price
https://www.aretesaddlery.com/tack/sheepskin-saddle-pads/square-westen-pads/weste rn-pad/prod_100.html
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Member:
vickiann
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Posted on Thursday, Apr 22, 2010 - 4:05 pm:
Lilo,
Valley Vet has quite a selection of all types of pads including some specifically for horses with prominent withers.
I hope that as many are shown online as in their catalog.
Here is their Web site: www.valleyvet.com
I understand your hesitation in ordering. I've got so many pads, saddles and boots that it is ridiculous!
Trial and error!
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Member:
lilo
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Posted on Thursday, Apr 22, 2010 - 6:48 pm:
Hi all,
Yes, Vicki - I also have many pads I do not use (plus other stuff). My quest started when I tried to saddle my mare and the thin felt pad was blowing around - and I do need to ride in the wind sometimes.
Then I started asking around etc. etc.
Leslie - the Mattes pad is still high up on my list. So - if you could find out dimensions for me that would be so great.
Have found a local store that carries both 5star equine and equibrand saddle pads - the fellow seemed quite good at describing his equibrand pad - but I do not think it is 100% wool.
Sandra - if you are still following this. How do you care for your Mattes pads? I know wool needs special care.
Again - thanks to all of you for your experiences and links.
Lilo
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Member:
sross
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Posted on Thursday, Apr 22, 2010 - 9:06 pm:
Mattes: They've been pretty sturdy. Brush them occasionally. Throw them in the washing machine (hand wash cycle) with Woolite. Air dry out of direct sunlight.
I also agree with Shannon about the wool felt pads from Diamond. That's what my saddle fitter recommends.
I ride in my dressage saddle with a Diamond wool felt pad and my Mattes correction half pad between the Diamond wool felt pad and the saddle.
This is the Mattes pad:
https://www.adamshorsesupply.com/browse.cfm/4,7002.html
Manufacturer's cleaning instructions:
Mattes sheepskin should be dried thoroughly after each ride or at the end of each day. Let it air dry overnight, upside down and brush the wool with a stiff brush to loosen up and remove dirt and hair. The Mattes special detergent, MELP, is highly concentrated and designed for sheepskin products. Regular detergents can easily harden the leather and can render the wool brittle or matted. Machine washable on gentle cycle in cold water. Air fluff in dryer with NO HEAT. Do not dry completely, while still damp gently pull into shape. Lay flat to finish drying. Do NOT expose to sun or dry on a radiator. DO NOT USE CHLORINE BLEACH!
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Member:
lilo
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Posted on Thursday, Apr 22, 2010 - 9:53 pm:
Sandra - thanks for the quick reply. I have not seen the Diamond wool felt pad yet. Thanks for the link and the detailed cleaning instructions.
Checked the link - could find a lot of english pads but no western.
Lilo
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Member:
lilo
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Posted on Friday, Apr 23, 2010 - 5:37 pm:
Hi all,
I looked up the Diamond Wool pads and like the looks of some of them. Not outrageously priced, either. I found two that I liked, both just under 100 dollars.
Now the question: One is wool felt, the other has wool fleece next to the horse. The guy I talked to locally thought the fleece would be easier to clean, but, does that make sense? Actually the directions on the Diamond website talks about a kind of spot cleaning rather than throwing the pad in the washer. (English pads are easier to deal with, not so large).
Still kind of on the fence about all this. The Mattes pads are wool fleece. Maybe Leslie can find out more for me at the Rolex (so envious that she gets to go).
Lilo
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Member:
sross
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Posted on Saturday, Apr 24, 2010 - 7:33 pm:
Edit to my previous post:
I ride in my dressage saddle with a Diamond wool felt pad and my Mattes correction half pad between the Diamond wool felt pad and the saddle. NOPE
It's saddle, Mattes correction half pad, then Diamond wool felt pad. So the Mattes pad is in direct contact with the horse's back.
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Member:
lilo
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Posted on Saturday, Apr 24, 2010 - 8:55 pm:
Thanks for the correction, Sandra. I have a feeling your horse is a lot cleaner than mine. Mine are in dirt corrals with access to their stalls but spend most of the time outside and absolutely love to roll.
No matter how much I brush my mare - after a ride the sweat under her saddle pad is brown. That is why I am asking about cleaning. Maybe wool is not practical for me, but it does sound so good for the horse. I can see washing an English style pad in the washing machine with cold water and Woolite - but the western pads are so large, it is not practical to wash them in a home washer.
Lilo
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Member:
scooter
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Posted on Saturday, Apr 24, 2010 - 9:39 pm:
Lilo I have the SMX Wrangler air ride pad. I just brush the wool with a curry comb and hose it off, works fine. This pad has really helped with wicking moisture and Hank really seems to like it way more than any other pad I have used.
It is a little cheaper here, most of them seem to run around $150 or better
https://www.saddleandtackwarehouse.com/product-details.asp?item_id=3031#
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Member:
lilo
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Posted on Sunday, Apr 25, 2010 - 9:43 am:
Leslie - I think I need to apologize. I really hijacked your thread. Hope you are having a good time at the Rolex, and getting some answers for your questions about saddle pads.
Diane - thanks for the link. I think that kind of pad would work for Jose, but Moonlight with her high withers? I'll check around on that website for other designs.
Again - thanks all for your suggestions.
Lilo
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Member:
scooter
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Posted on Sunday, Apr 25, 2010 - 10:43 am:
Lilo I use that pad on Bonesy and he has high withers it works just as well for him. These pads are kind of two parts, not one flowing pad (best way I can describe it). It helps keep the pressure off the withers. There of course is no way of knowing for sure, but it works on High withered Bonesy fine, actually a little better than round withered Hank. The way they are made I think they would work on any kind of withers.
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Member:
ajudson1
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Posted on Sunday, Apr 25, 2010 - 10:47 am:
I have always washed all my pads and blankets by putting them in a small Rubbermaid tank, the one that is about 12-15" tall. I use cold water from the hydrant, and a small amount of horse shampoo. When my kids were small, I'd have them stomp around on the blankets to be the agitator.
Then I'd hang them on the wooden fence and hose them all to get the soap rinsed out.
No little kids now, so I stomp around on them
;-). No wooden fence either, so I hang them on the side of a wooden trailor we have.
I only wash them once or twice a summer. Sometimes I give them a quick rinse, not enough to soak them all the way through, works well with the thick Impact Gel pad.
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Member:
terrido
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Posted on Sunday, Apr 25, 2010 - 11:50 am:
OK, I am not an expert on western saddle pads, but I do wash alot of wool products and own two western wool backed saddle pads.
I hang my saddle pads on a railing (in my case my arena fence) and hose it off. Yeah you have to get the hose to spray in a "power wash" fashion to get the dirt and grime off, but it will take it right off. For stained areas I use a small brush to lift the nap of the fibers better is all.
Wool and soap don't always work well together, so for all my wool things it's just cold water, the oils actually stay in the fiber much longer that way.
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Member:
leslie1
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Posted on Sunday, Apr 25, 2010 - 1:53 pm:
Lilo No need to worry about hijacked threads with me
So I had a fantastic time at Rolex...got great pics and video...if I can figure out to to get the darn video off of my camera.
The weather was attrocious and they closed the trade fair early due to tornado watches, but I have a friend who is a distrubuter for the english Mattes pads...she is going to ask about the sizing of the western Mattes. I will get back to you, sorry for the delay.
Cheers
leslie
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Member:
lilo
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Posted on Sunday, Apr 25, 2010 - 3:34 pm:
Diane, Angie, Terrie and Leslie,
Thank you all for your ideas and suggestions. I hope Moonlight appreciates how many people participated in the selection of her next saddle pad!
I am getting less worried about being able to keep the pad clean. Now I am just waiting for feedback from Leslie's friend. The Mattes pad and the SMX Wrangler pad that Diane uses are still in the running, plus the Diamond wool pad.
Thanks,
Lilo
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Member:
lhenning
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Posted on Monday, Apr 26, 2010 - 4:09 pm:
I bring my wool pad in the house and vacuum it occasionally, especially after shedding season. Helps to keep it clean so it needs washing less often.
I use a Tucker wool pad that is split at the withers. I like it a lot and my horse seems to as well.
https://www.horsesaddleshop.com/wool-contour-saddle-pad.html
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Member:
leslie1
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Posted on Monday, Apr 26, 2010 - 4:44 pm:
Lilo,
I talked with Mattes people just now (World Equestrian Brands) and someone is supposed to call me back with the dimensions.
I did have a chance to feel the wool on the english Mattes version.....OH MY!!! talk about LUXerious, it was decadent! It was so soft and fluffy...and ofcourse they have the wither lift, which is what you need.
I want a rug and some slippers made of their wool. Wow it was seriously the softest fleece Ive ever felt.
Heres the Mattes Pad(World Equestrian Brands) contact info:
This will only show the english stuff. I had to call the customer service to talk about the western pad.
https://www.worldequestrianbrands.com/Brandproductslist.aspx?SubcategoryID=26&exp ansion=3&selection=26&BrandID=7&PageIndex=0&NumRows=4
Ph. (1.888.637.8463)
I also talked with the owner of Fleeceworks at Rolex, they make a western pad, but it doesnt have the "wither-lift" area that the Mattes does. Its like a regular western wool saddle pad...only with top of the line fleece.
but here is her contact info anyways
Fleeceworks.com
Judy McSwain fleeceworks@msn.com
1-760-788-5949
So I await another phone call.
LOL geez, you'd think they would know this stuff already. I think they are just branching into the western stuff (THanks to reining being a part of the WEG now these European tack makers are realizing theres a huge horsey market to tap into)
Cheers
leslie
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Member:
lilo
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Posted on Monday, Apr 26, 2010 - 6:56 pm:
Linda and Leslie - thanks for the info. Since Diane has tried her Professional's Choice SMX Wrangler pad on Bonesy, maybe I am thinking I don't need the high wither clearance.
Now waiting for the last bit of info and then I'll go and do a "trade study" as we say in the aerospace industry. Did I mention "analysis paralysis"? I am sure Moonlight would appreciate that soft, fleecy wool you are describing, Leslie. Have you made a decision for your girl yet? After all this is your thread! 
Lilo
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Member:
lilo
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Posted on Thursday, Apr 29, 2010 - 2:50 pm:
Leslie -
I am guessing you have not heard back from the folks at Mattes saddle pads.
Maybe I should just call the number you listed above. If they know that more people are interested, may they will respond.
Thanks,
Lilo
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Member:
leslie1
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Posted on Monday, May 10, 2010 - 12:16 pm:
Lilo, they (MAttes) just got back to me...the western pads only come in 2 sizes (medium and large)
the large is:
long western square pad
topline 75cm's
top of back down side (in the direction your leg lays) is 36 cms
the short (small) western square
topline is 70 cm
leg 36
Hope this helps...sorry it took soooooooo long.
Leslie
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Member:
lilo
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Posted on Monday, May 10, 2010 - 9:36 pm:
Leslie - no problem, I had meant to call them but have not gotten around to it.
I did a quick conversion to inches (for the large):
Length: 29.5 inches
One side: 14.17 inches
So - the way western pads are sized, that would
be 29.5 inches by 28.35 inches (total width, both sides). That is a little skimpy.
Right now I am thinking of going with a 100% wool felt pad that is contoured (probably the Diamond brand). It might even work for both horses, if I get the 32" by 32" size.
Thanks again, Leslie!
Lilo
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Member:
leslie1
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Posted on Tuesday, May 11, 2010 - 2:24 pm:
your welcome Lilo their product is nice but customer service, while nice, was not very knowledgable about their western stuff...she kept apologizing for not knowing more. They are a european company.
Do you have a link to the Diamond brand pad? I want to take a peek at it...I am still shopping for a pad for Lara.
best wishes
leslie
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Member:
leslie1
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Posted on Tuesday, May 11, 2010 - 2:40 pm:
nevermind:0 I reread the thread and saw the link!
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