March 2004

Simplicity And Cushioning Rule In Western Pads

We want easy-to-use pads that don’t compress easily under the saddle. We found some great choices, including one at $34.95.

Your show pad should coordinate with your gear, but still be comfortable for the horse.

While some purists will always prefer nothing but a wool Navajo blanket under their Western saddles, there are innovative saddle pads on the market that could shake the classic blanket’s century of domination.

Modern technology today has lifted the saddle pad to higher levels. Puffed-up pads of felt, foam, rubber and gel now put a buffer where bars meet back. And all of this added padding might not only be more comfortable for the horse’s backbone—the riders seat bones can benefit as well. In addition, people whose horses have back problems—or who want to try and prevent them—have other materials to choose from that might help alleviate some of those problems.…