Do you look for Best Ever Saddle Pads? As an equestrian, you know how important it is to have the best possible saddle pad. After all, your horse deserves the best of the best! But with so many different types and brands of saddle pads on the market, it can be tricky to find the perfect one for you and your horse.
Luckily, we’ve done the research for you and compiled a list of our top 5 favorite saddle pads on the market today. Whether you’re looking for something breathable, shock-absorbent, or versatile, we’ve got you covered. So without further ado, here are our picks for the best ever saddle pads
Top 5 Best Ever Saddle Pads Reviews of 2023
#1: Wintec Full Quarter Western Saddle
Lightweight and beautiful are two words to describe this horse saddle.
The saddle from the world’s leading manufacturer of synthetic saddles, Wintec, features the EZ-Fold™ Fenders System. It also allows you to customize the fenders for your comfort. I love its classic and traditional look! Moreover, it is highly rated because of its durability, comfort, and fit.
The seat padding with durable microfiber polyurethane suede leather will bring you ultimate comfort.
The square skirts, fenders, jockeys, swell, and cantle are crafted from scratch-resistant synthetic leather; therefore, the saddle requires very little maintenance.
In short, it is ideal for trail, working as well as horse training.
PROS
- Various choices of size
- Wide tree to fit a larger animal
- The durable and customized fender system
- Stainless steel hardware
- Waterproof and low maintenance
- Easy to clean – using soap and water
- Used in any weather condition
- Warranty
CONS
- The piping may make the fenders a little thick
#2: CHALLENGER Horse Western Suede Leather Saddle
If you are looking for a soft and shock-absorbing saddle, the CHALLENGE
The steel hardware makes the product firmer. The seat perfectly fits the horse, which both brings comfort and improves the rider’s balance. And the removable stirrups help you stay more steadily in a long time. R Horse Western Suede Leather Saddle is an ideal choice.
Another feature of the saddle is softness. Its closed-cell foam will cause no pressure for the horse and no pain for the rider.
Also, it is super lightweight – just around 6 lbs. And it has two sizes (15 inches and 16 inches) so that you can choose a suitable size for your horse breed.
PROS
- Soft and comfortable seat
- Lightweight
- Cantle for extra support
- Easy to clean
- Keep you cooler in hot weather
CONS
- The stirrups are hard to be adjusted while you are mounting.
#3: Acerugs New Western English Horse Riding Bareback PAD Premium TREELESS Saddle Leather Stirrups Comfy Horse Saddle TACK
The first impression is that it is so cute! In addition to the cool and classic Navajo design, the comfortable pad with a durable four-layer is high-quality. It is also easy to clean and dry off.
The girth, durable stirrups, and grab strap help to keep you safe during the ride. It also features suede leather reinforced fenders and soft fleece lining, which prevents your horse from rubbing or sores.
The extra stirrups will be useful when you are mounting.
This horse saddle is suitable if you enjoy riding your horses around the track.
PROSils or love bareback riding.
- Various choices of color
- Cool design
- Durable
- Easy to clean and dry
- High-quality girth and durable stirrups
- Comfortable four-layer seat
CONS
- The stitching needs to be improved
#4: King Series Synthetic Trail Saddle
If you usually take long ridings, this saddle from King Series will be a sound choice. The suede seat creates a sturdy appearance but brings the rider comfort as well. And the adjustable padded sewn stirrups help to ease joint stress.
Moreover, the saddle features scratch-resistant neoprene skirts and fenders, quick-change buckles, trees covered with rawhide, and silver conchos.
The size ranges from 11 to 17 inches. And there are five options of colo
r!
PROS
- Attractive appearance
- Great choices of size and color
- Shock-absorbing and durable
- Lightweight
- Comfortable suede seat
CONS
- The stirrups may be a little bit short.
#5: Acerugs All Natural Cowhide Western Leather Horse Saddle
I have to admit that this turquoise blue and brown barrel saddle from Ac.
eRugs is so artistic. Although its technology and structure are modern, its appearance still reminds me of the 1990s vibe – and it is fascinating!
I also love the inlay with floral design.
Besides the hand-painted blue inlay, the saddle has extra paddles underneath, but the cinch strap lacks reach.
The seat padding with smooth leather brings comfort to the rider, and the well-padded fleece on the underside will please your horse too.
The horn with a rawhide trim around the cap helps to improve the durability. It also has a well-balanced wood and double reinforced fiberglass blend tree.
The saddle is ideal for both riding starters and trail riding. The choice of sizes is vast, including 14, 15, and 16 inches.
PROS
- Unique design and attractive appearance
- Hand-painted crystal blue inlay
- Premium leather
- Seat padded with smooth leather
- Thick fleece on the underside
- Adjustable straps
CONS
- The teal may easily get dirty.
How To Choose The Best Ever Saddle Pads?
Purpose
Of course, you must know what your intended use is. For example, what is the riding that you and your horse usually participate in?
Then you will find the proper type of saddle.
Fit
Remember to choose the saddle that fits both the horse and you – the rider. Otherwise, your horse may deal with health and training problems, and your health is severely affected too.
A saddle that fits your horse is well-balanced. The pommel and cantle need to be steady, and the saddle should not incline backward or forward. If not, your horse has to suffer from uncomfortable pressure, and you have difficulty controlling the horse, too.
It would help if you also considered the gullet of the saddle. The gullet with proper width will not press down on the withers as well as pinching.
Now come to you, the rider! First, let’s find the horse saddle that suits you. If a saddle is too small, you will consecutively bump against the pommel. If a saddle is too large, you will struggle to maintain your position!
The advice is to place your flat hand between you and the cantle when seated at the lowest part of the seat.
>>> Read more: Top 5 Most Comfortable Horse Saddles
Material
The popular materials are leather and synthetic saddle. Leather is a traditional material with high quality and durability. However, you have to take care of it carefully.
Synthetic saddles have many advantages: lighter, easier to clean, and more attractive and colorful. But they are less durable than leather ones.
Budget
How much should you spend on horse saddles? The answer is “as much as possible.” Because you know, the product with a higher price will have better quality and longevity.
And when you invest in a good horse saddle, both your safety and enjoyment of riding are boosted!
Different types of horse saddle
General-purpose saddle
This type of horse saddle meets most of the types of riding, such as basic hacking, hunting, or jumping. Therefore, it is very suitable for starters’ riding lessons and leisure riders.
It is durable with flaps that are cut forward and without pads at the front of the saddle. However, if you experience more complex types of riding, you have to seek a more specific saddle with more support and security.
Kids saddle
What should you buy when your kid loves riding a horse? A kid’s saddle!
It is made of synthetic materials and very lightweight, which is suitable for riding small ponies. The seat is much smaller than ordinary ones to fit children’s bodies perfectly but still keep them balanced. You may want to consider some of these saddles with a handle at the front.
Dressage saddles
A dressage saddle is used for dressage or advanced riders who often participate in flatwork competitions.
The long and straight saddle flaps, made of lightweight material, help you ride straight legs and right moves.
The deep U-shaped seat improves the rider’s balance so that you can maintain a correct upright torso position.
To ensure you have closer leg contact, you can use a short girth to remove any bulks under your leg.
>>> Read more: Top 5 Best Dressage Saddles Reviews
Jumping saddle
This type of saddle is designed to lift the rider slightly forward when you jump over fences and allow you more freedom when you ride cross-country. That is why the seat has a C-shaped curve and is flatter.
The big saddle flaps are much bigger will give the leg more support. Besides, the knee and thigh blocks and the padding at the front of the flaps can protect you when you jump.
Hunting saddle
The function of the saddle is in its name! You can choose a hunting saddle if you usually go hunting. This activity is more popular in English countrysides.
The saddle is designed to help the rider jump with giant steps in steep terrain without causing injuries. When you land, you will remain in a safe backward leaning position.
Also, the low cantle and pommel, made of durable leather, can make you jump with more comfort.
Western saddle
Cowboys, this saddle is for you! Western saddles are mainly made of brown leather and decorated with unique Western designs.
The saddle is particularly durable and comfortable for cowboys who spend much time riding a horse. One hand holds therein, and the other the horn at the front of the saddle to keep the balance.
>>> See more: List of 5 Best Western Saddles
Racing saddle
Jockeys who control horses and gallop have to choose racing saddles; therefore, they are small and lightweight.
The seat is flatter because the rider hardly sits it when crouching in the stirrups. In addition, the saddles with smaller flaps will provide the rider with a secure lower leg when he jumps over fences.
FAQs To Best Ever Saddle Pads
Q1: Should I consider a used saddle?
Yes, you can as long as it is still well maintained, soft, comfortable, and ready for use.
Check the leather and tree condition, the main stress points, and other parts carefully to make sure it is safe.
Q2: Should I prepare a wire tracing before buying a horse saddle?
Not necessary in In most cases because the trees are made to fit the horse.
Q3: Rough-out leather or smooth leather?
The rough-out leather is easy to maintain and does not scratch. You can get rid of dirt and oil without soaping.
The smooth one can grip better when you ride but has more complex tooling and requires more maintenance, for example, cleaning with soap.
Conclusion
And now, the choice is yours! I hope you will find a satisfactory product from my list of the five best ever saddle pads.
If you still do not know what to choose, I recommend the Wintec Saddle. It is well-known for its durability, comfort, and fit. So it has almost nothing to complain about! And it is suitable for various types of riding.
Thank you for reading.
>> Read more posts about Horse Saddle:
Source:
How to Fit a Western Saddle: 9 Steps (with Pictures)
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