Top 8 Best Western Saddle Pads for Horses [Reviews in 2024]

My search for the best western saddle pad began when I was invited to ride on a trail with a few equestrian friends from Montana.

I thought the saddle-buying process would be simple, but boy was I wrong!

If you are in a quandary about buying a western saddle pad, then read on: I have honest reviews of the 7 best saddle pads to help ease your selection process.

Start with a quick look at my favorites top rated saddle pads, then keep reading for all of the reviews!

This post contains affiliate links. We earn a commission if you make a purchase at no extra cost to you.

Don't have time? Here is a quick comparison of our favorites!

7 Best Western Saddle Pads (Reviews)

From affordable pads to luxurious options, I promise there's something for everyone below. Let's check them out!

1. Winner: Weaver Leather Western Gel Seat Pad

I have a lower backache issue so my main concern on the trail was shock absorption. This is why I chose Weaver shock-absorbing gel-based pad - it came highly recommended by my equestrian friends too.

The pad’s gel inserts absorb shock and relieve pressure points.

I love the fact that Weaver is a brand name Americans can trust because they have been making high-performing horse tack and pet products since 1973.

Features

• Ideal for western saddles in 15, 16, or 17-inches

• Thickness between ½ to 3/4th inch

• Mesh cover is breathable, washable, quick-drying, and prevent heat build-up.

• The pad features a webbing strap that attaches over the horn and behind the seat to keep the pad in place.

Benefits	Drawbacks
Can be taken on/off with ease	Many riders felt that the pad wasn’t breathable enough.
Comfortable	Also, the pad slipped for a few users.
Does not get too hot even on hot days
Superior impact resistance
Value for money
Easy to clean

How it Compares to Others

Opinions about this saddle pad are varied but most users found them very comfortable - especially for hours and hours of riding.

For me, personally, the gel-insert relieves pressure on my sit-bones. Also, many saddles cause soreness but with Weaver impact gels seat pads, you can avoid that. Affordable too!

Check Price on State Line Tack

2. Best Budget Option: Tough-1 Square Saddle Pad

I have used many Tough-1 products and have always loved them. They are well-made and the brand is reliable and popular among the equestrian community.

I keep this favorite saddle pad for daily riding. It features a soft and warm fleece lining with a Sierra blanket top. Tough-1 saddle pad has an affordable price.

Features

• Easily fits 16-inch saddle with dimensions of 30 x 30 inches

• Available in various colors.

Benefits	Drawbacks
Flexible and bendy	Many users received wrong colors than the ones they’d ordered.
Several attractive color choices	Even when right, the colors aren't the same as on the screen
Breathable saddle pad
Soft and comfortable, thick
Wicks moisture well

How it Compares to Others

Tough-1 western saddle pad is a complete value for money. It is made with high-quality materials.

The padding is thick and comfortable and you get several attractive color choices, even if they're not quite as vivid as they are on your screen. A great choice for casual shorter rides.

3. Best Small Size Saddle Pad: Tahoe Tack Contoured Canvas Western Saddle Pad

My daughter has a small-sized mare and wanted a smaller pad within a fixed budget. Tahoe Tack Contoured Canvas western saddle pad is available in mini and pony breed sizes which suited her well.

The high-quality saddle pad features fleece padding and contoured stitching that keeps it firmly in place.

Features

• 7/8th-inch fleece padding with canvas cover on top

• Available in 3 sizes and several attractive colors.

Benefits	Drawbacks
Great for daily use for ponies/small horses	Color tends to fade after washing.
Fitting saddle pad, comfortable, lots of padding, reduce saddle pressure.

How it Compare to Others

Tahoe Tack saddle pads are affordable and they hold up well for daily riding. The thick fleece pads also reduce stress on the lower back. Attractive colors are available but they might need hand-washing the first few times until the color sets.

4. Best Therapeutic Saddle Pad: ECP All Purpose Diamond Quilted Therapeutic Contoured Correction Support Western Saddle Pad

The reason why I have selected ECP Western saddle pad is due to its therapeutic quilted memory foam padding.

These inserts come in various pieces too, so you can use them as needed. This makes ECP Western Saddle Pad rather versatile - especially if you have multiple horses..

Features

• Insert foam come in 3 thin layers

• Lightweight

• Outer cover is great for all-year round use. It wicks moisture and is breathable too.

• Features 2-billet straps for securing it.

• Hypoallergenic for horse’s with sensitive skin

Benefits	Drawbacks
Good-quality	Some users found this pad too thin.
Comfortable and lightweight; reduces saddle pressure
Easy to wash

How it Compares to Others

Although the name does say western pad, ECP Western Saddle Pad is more like a western close contact pad and is built like an English all-purpose pad.

A few users found the pad too thin and some even had to use another pad for additional padding. There is also a large logo printed across it.

However, for the price, this is a decent pad. We love the adjustable inserts that let you customize it.

5. Best Western Saddle Pad with Shims: Weaver Leather Wool Blend Felt Shim Pad

Some users simply love pads with customizable shim pockets where you can add inserts the way you want.

The Weaver flexible western rider saddle pad with shims allows you to convert it from a bridge pad to a built-up pad as needed. This helps correct issues of confirmation as well.

Features

• 30 x 30 inches - butterfly cutaway design allows optimum leg contact

• Features 3-shim pockets

• EVA foam inserts are shock absorber

• The top consists of an easy-to-clean canvas with a wool-felt liner that wicks moisture.

Benefits	Drawbacks
Moisture-wicking	Shim foam is slightly thin
Well-designed	Not for high-withered horses

How it Compare to Others

Unlike most pads, this one does not have wither cut-out padding so the saddle pad tends to put slight pressure on the withers.

The price is also higher than most pads here. However, the shim pockets allow greater flexibility to add the inserts as needed.

6. Best All-Natural Wool Pad: Southwestern Equine Montana Extra-fine Pad

My friend swears by Montana pads and calls them her ‘go-to pads’. She has multiple horses and this quality wool pad has fit them all. Ideal for those who love natural pads.

Features

• The all-natural wool pad is made in USA

• Superior breathability

• Keeps the horse comfortable and cool due to wool’s temperature regulating property.

• Available in 3 colors and 6 sizes.

Benefits	Drawbacks
Value for money	Some users found the saddle slipping with this pad
All-natural pad for trail riding
Comfortable for horse and rider

How it Compare to Others

The leather insert used on the pad is of lower quality and also, some users did not like its non-contoured shape. The saddle slipped because of this. However, the all-natural wool material offers many benefits - especially moisture-wicking and enhanced breathable option.

7. Best for Western Round Skirt Saddles: Diamond Wool Contour Tough Barrel Saddle Pad

 If you have a short-backed horse, then the Diamond Wool Contour saddle pad is a great choice. Its contoured spine has a wither relief notch that can help overcome conformation issues.

Features

• Made with Ranch Tough -1 Wool felt

• Contoured spine is reinforced with distressed leather

• 30 x 30 with 1-inch thickness

Benefits	Drawbacks
Thick and comfortable	Need more size and color options
Breathable and durable

How it Compares to Others

Diamond Wool contoured designs wool pad for trail riding is breathable and moisture-absorbing. The pad’s price is totally worth the high-quality materials used.

Check Price on State Line Tack

8. Reinsman Wool Contour Trail Saddle Pad

Reinsman Wool Contour Trail Saddle Pad is a popular choice among riders for its comfort and quality. People love the wool material for its softness and durability and appreciate the contour design for a better fit and stability on their horses.
This saddle pad provides great shock absorption and helps distribute pressure evenly.

Features

• Material: Made from high-quality wool, known for its durability and comfort for horses and riders.

• Contour Design: The contoured design is made to fit the horse's back more closely, offering better stability and comfort.

• Shock Absorption: The wool material provides good shock absorption to help reduce stress on the horse's back during riding.

• Pressure Distribution: The contoured design helps distribute pressure evenly over the horse's back, reducing pressure points.

• Durability: The high-quality wool material is designed to withstand heavy use and provide long-lasting performance.

• Easy to Clean: The wool material is naturally moisture-wicking, making it easy to clean and maintain.

• Style: The Reinsman Wool Contour Trail Saddle Pad comes in various colors and patterns, allowing riders to choose a style that matches their personal preferences.

Benefits	Drawbacks
Comfortable for the horse	May not fit all saddles:
Durable	Can shift during riding
Contour design	May require additional break-in time
Shock absorption	Higher price
Pressure distribution
Easy to clean
Style options

How it Compares to Others

Compared to other saddle pads made from synthetic materials, the Reinsman Wool Contour Trail Saddle Pad may provide a more natural feel for the horse, as well as better durability and moisture-wicking properties.

Additionally, the contoured design sets it apart from other saddle pads with a more traditional shape.

Check Price on State Line Tack

5 Types of Western Saddle Pads

Western saddle pads are of different types, shapes, and materials. Regardless of the type, they have the same function: to keep the horse comfortable and safe. Here are common types of western saddle pads:

#1 Hair Pads

Natural hair pads have been around for a while but they tend to get caked with dirt and sweat. You must keep them clean otherwise, they can cause sores on horse skin.

#2 Orthopedic or Therapeutic Pads

These pads were earlier made using orthopedic hospital pad materials and are ideal for riders with back pain. Today, you have different ones like memory foam, gel, etc. which offer good cushioning and comfort.

#3 Woolen Pads

Navajo wool pads are high-quality but they are only used on horses that aren’t worked too much and only ridden for short periods.

#4 Corrective Pads

There are several sub-types in these:

• Built-up pads - for  high withered horses. Check our list of saddle pads for high withered horses.

• Swayback pads - for horses that have swaybacks.

#5 Contoured Pads 

These are shaped or contoured pads that conform to the natural curve of the horse’s spine and allow a more comfortable riding experience.

READ MORE: How to Measure a Saddle Gullet

How to Select the Best Western Saddle Pad

Here are the factors to consider when selecting a western saddle pad:

Discipline

Saddle pads differ for dressage saddles, jumping saddles, and even for general purposes or trail riding. So select one according to the purpose you have in mind.

Size and shape

A standard saddle pad measures 30 x 30 inches through a longer pad of 32 x 32 inches would be better for larger western saddles.

For ponies or small horses, go for 20 x 20-inch size. You can choose from square, round, contoured designs, cut-back, or other shapes based on the saddle.

The main idea here is that the saddle pad should not interfere with the saddle.

Check our Western saddle pad size guide.

Material

As seen earlier, you can get pads in natural or synthetic materials (neoprene pads). Natural materials are hypoallergenic and generally do not cause blisters, hair loss, or skin issues in horses.

Synthetic materials may be easier to clean. You can also get a blended pad of natural and synthetic materials.

Comfort

Extra comfort is paramount when selecting a saddle pad. Choose one that will absorb moisture and keep your horse cool.

The pad should also come with adequate padding to cushion your seat bones. At the same time, it should not cause the saddle to slip or move during riding.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mda6gX2S9o8

FAQs

How thick should a western saddle pad be?

Ideally, a western pad should be at least 7/8th to 1-inch thick.

How often should you replace your pad?

If you simply ride on weekends, then a good pad should last for at least 2-3 years. If you ride daily, then replace the pad every 6-12 months depending on the wear, material, etc.

Final Recommendations

A saddle pad can protect your horse’s back from rubbing and chafing and regardless of the style of riding, you need one under your saddle.

For western saddles, we recommend the Weaver leather gel-seat western saddle pad which absorbs impacts and offers superior cushioning. It also keeps the horse cool and comfortable while riding. Moreover, Weaver has been a popular American brand name in pet products since the 1970s.

Don’t forget to check out our other recommendations as well.

Check Price on State Line Tack

References

What is the best Western saddle pad for your horse? Let us know in the comments below!

• “1.” 2021. Horse Racing Sense. 2021. https://horseracingsense.com/.

• Dunning, Al. 2016. “Saddle Pads Made Simple.” Horse&Rider. Horse&Rider. February 22, 2016. https://horseandrider.com/gear/western-saddle-pad-advice.