Whether you are searching for your first pieces of tack or looking to upgrade your horse’s current set-up, we offer a large selection of western saddle pads. With so many materials, styles, sizes, and colors, you will surely find one that fits your horse best and keeps them comfortable at shows, on the trail, or during quiet rides at home. After all, the right saddle pad is key in ensuring that your horse remains happy and sound.
The Different Types of Western Saddle Pads and Blankets
Western saddle pads, blankets, and liners are each designed to help protect your horse’s back from the friction of the saddle while preventing your saddle from getting dirty. Although all are intended to support your horse’s back, pads, blankets, and liners are designed differently.
Western Saddle Pads
As one of the most important pieces of tack, western saddle pads are often made from thick materials, such as felt, fleece, wool, gel, foam, or polyester, to provide cushion and absorb sweat from your horse’s back. They have more structure than a blanket or liner and are harder to bend. Saddle pads are sometimes shaped or contoured to the horse’s back, which can offer a better fit.
Western Saddle Blankets
Western saddle blankets are typically lighter and more flexible than a pad. They also resemble a tightly woven blanket, often designed with vibrant colors or intricate patterns. Saddle blankets can be worn over a thin pad, especially for shows, where riders might want to match their carefully chosen outfits to pretty blankets that compliment their horses’ coats.
Western Saddle Pad Liners
Western saddle pad liners are usually designed to prevent saddles from slipping or to add greater support underneath a pad or blanket. Some liners offer a thinner material than a typical pad but are thick enough to comfortably fit underneath a show blanket.
The Top 12 Best-Selling Western Saddle Pads at Schneiders®
Finding the best western saddle pad for your horse is worth the investment. A well-fitted pad will help keep your horse comfortable, allow freedom of movement, and prevent saddle sores. Make sure you choose one that works for your horse’s conformation based on their withers, topline, shoulders, and barrel. Not every saddle pad is designed to fit your horse’s conformation and saddle.
- Wonpad - Western Saddle Pad 32 X 30 X 1in
- Billy Royal® ShockPro Gel Western Saddle Pad
- Billy Royal® Contour Felt Pad With Merino Wool
- Diamond Wool Contour Comfort Cutter Western Saddle Pad
- Billy Royal® Performance Wool Top Contour Pad
- Professional's Choice® Comfort-Fit SMx Air Ride™ Hourglass Western Saddle Pad
- Billy Royal® Merino Wool Pad With Wool Bottom
- Impact Gel™ Contour Classic 3/4" Western Saddle Pad
- Classic Equine® BioFit Correction Saddle Pad
- Dura-Tech®Memory Foam Western Shim Saddle Pad
- Dura-Tech® Contour Felt Gel Comfort Western Saddle Pad
- Classic Equine® Biofit Correction Saddle Pad 30x30
This heavy-duty Wonpad saddle pad is made to last and eliminate saddle slippage. The neoprene material promotes sweat, while the vent holes along the spine still allow air to circulate and keep your horse cool. The Wonpad is great for multiple purposes, such as training, trail riding, and pleasure riding.
If your horse needs extra back support, try the Billy Royal® ShockPro Western Saddle Pad. The combination of Merino Wool and the shock-absorbing built-in bar prevents soreness for sensitive or low-backed horses. Plus, there is a cut-out for the withers and a reinforced leather spine, adding an even better fit to keep your saddle from pinching or creating pressure.
The Billy Royal® Contour Felt Pad with Merino Wool provides a contoured fit to conform to your horse’s shape and a wither cut out, preventing the saddle from pinching. This pad’s Merino Wool material also wicks away moisture and dries quickly.
A staple in every cutter and cowhorse rider’s tack room, the Diamond Wool Contour Comfort Cutter is designed to conform to the horse’s back, optimize comfort, wick away sweat, and last a lifetime. It features a brushed fabric top, 100% Merino Wool bottom, and a contoured channel to maintain your horse’s comfort and prevent saddle slippage.
Whether you want to complete your horse’s show look or ride in style at home, the Billy Royal® Performance Wool Top Contour Pad is the perfect option. The contoured shape easily molds to your horse’s back, while the synthetic fur fleece lining provides softness and added comfort. Plus, this pad comes in multiple colors to match your favorite show outfits!
Another beautiful saddle pad, the Professional’s Choice® Comfort-Fit SMx Air-Ride™ suits any ring. This pad offers numerous features, including a contoured spine, ¾” Air Ride core shock absorption, and Merino Wool lining. It is also designed to lock in place on your horse’s back, allowing full movement and providing airflow for natural cooling.
This Billy Royal® Merino Wool ⅞’’ thick pad also features a wool bottom for greater support and moisture wicking. The contoured leather topline and wither relief cut-out will conform nicely to your horse’s back while alleviating pressure. With thick wool and a natural fit, this saddle pad might be the perfect option if your horse needs extra cushioning and a pad that holds up to daily use.
The Impact Gel™ Contour Classic ¾” Western Saddle Pad is a must-have for almost any horse and rider. This popular Impact Gel pad is one of the most durable, shock-absorbing, gel-based pads on the market. The gel and wool combination provides even pressure distribution and air circulation. Plus, there is a contoured spine and wither cut out, helping the saddle pad conform to your horse and stay in place during long rides.
Look no further if your horse has high withers or muscle atrophy behind the shoulder. The Classic Equine BioFit Correction Saddle Pad is purposely designed for horses who need extra support in the shoulder area or have a diminishing topline. This pad supports the front end of the saddle and provides a strategic wedge, preventing the saddle from collapsing onto your horse’s shoulders or crushing their withers. You will not be disappointed by the shock absorption or contoured fit, either.
If you have a hard-to-fit horse or need a pad that will adapt to multiple horses, try the Dura-Tech Memory Foam Western Shim Saddle Pad. By providing shims that can be added or subtracted to the pad, riders can modify the fit of each horse. Depending on where a horse needs extra support based on their conformation or saddle, you can easily customize the pad and ensure optimal comfort.
The Dura-Tech® Contour Felt Gel Comfort pad might be a good option for horses who need extra support in an all-purpose saddle pad. The shock-absorbing gel inserts are perfectly placed to relieve pressure and keep your horse comfortable. This thick, durable pad is also made of dense moisture-wicking wool and offers a contoured fit.
The Classic Equine® Biofit Correction Saddle Pad 30x30 is just as supportive and shock absorbing as the 31x32 version. If your horse has a short back or your saddle has a short skirt, this 30x30 size might be a better fit and, as a result, provide more effective cushioning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best saddle pads to prevent saddle sores?
The best saddle pad to prevent saddle sores fits best. Not every horse can share the same saddle pad, so you might need to find a new pad that fits each horse’s conformation best. For example, if your horse has high withers or muscle loss around their shoulder, a thin pad with minimal cushioning will likely cause sores. If your horse is pretty round and has low withers, too much padding can be uncomfortable and cause the saddle to slide around.
What is the best gel pad for western saddles?
Similarly, the best gel pad is one that fits. Some gel pads have thinner wool than others; some gel pads also offer extra shoulder padding. Generally, all gel pads provide ample shock absorption.
What is the best thickness for a saddle pad?
Some horses need thicker saddle pads than others, but most ⅞” or 1” pads are optimal. Pads that are ½” are typically better suited as liners to place under a show blanket.
Remember that properly caring for and storing your saddle pad will ensure longevity. Always allow your saddle pad plenty of time to dry on a rack to prevent mold or odors from forming. You can also place dry saddle pads in cases, especially your nice show blankets, to keep them from getting dirty or unorganized.
