Blankets or pads

[menagerie]

I would like to hear who uses a pad and who uses a blanket under their saddles and why. I currently use a pad but have considered using a blanket only but don't really know if this would be appropriate. We have really hot summers here (MS) and the winters aren't too bad so I thought my horse might be more comfortable that way. ???

[WashingtonBay]

Under a western saddle I think you want a good shock absorbing pad if you're going to be in it all day such as on trail, or a ride of significant duration. The navajo blankets look pretty for an hour in the show ring, but don't provide much in terms of padding, shock absorption or pressure point distribution for going all day, IMHO.

The same is true for the little thin English pads. I use a more substantial pad than that when on trail.

[zoel_222]

Under a western saddle I think you want a good shock absorbing pad if you're going to be in it all day such as on trail, or a ride of significant duration. The navajo blankets look pretty for an hour in the show ring, but don't provide much in terms of padding, shock absorption or pressure point distribution for going all day, IMHO.

The same is true for the little thin English pads. I use a more substantial pad than that when on trail.

What she said :D

[menagerie]

WB so if you were just riding around the home for an hour or less would you think it ok to use just a blanket? I'm asking because thats what we mostly do at this time. We haven't had much time to go for a day trip or decent trail ride for some time so just utilize the area around our home to get in some saddle time.

[WashingtonBay]

It might be fine, it's just less forgiving of any imperfection in riding or fit. There's no padding in a Western saddle between you and the horse, that you don't provide.

[AppyLady]

I use pads myself, but I know a lot of people who use nothing but Navajo blankets and get by with them just fine. A good quality Navajo blanket is actually quite thick.

[gaited07]

I use a pad. I prefer some cush/protection for my horses back. I will add that I purchased a reinsman neoprene (waffle back) saddle pad and very disapointed in it's quality and life span. After about 6 months, this pad is paper thin and the waffle neoprene holds dirt and sweat. No matter how much you wash the pad, it still has an awful odor. And it's not like I washed it and let it mold, I would let it dry for a few days in my back yard under cover from the sun.
So with all this said, anyone have any suggestions or comments on their pads?

[cowpuncher]

When I'm training in the arena, I ride with a wool felt pad with a canvas cover sewn to it and nothing else. When I'm riding big circles outside, or have any roping to do though, I add a navajo over the top of the pad.

I would never use, nor recommend using, just a Navajo....As WB said, there's not enough padding there to take up the shock of impact with the tree.

I know a lot of people love neoprene type pads, but I got turned off to them in Utah one summer, cause they seemed to gall a lot of horses. The wool pad I use now seems to work really well, and I've been using the same type for years.

[menagerie]

Sounds like pads overall, its about time for me to replace mine so after reading all the comments I think I'm going to look for a good wool one.

Thanks all!

[Country Girl 43]

Hey Gaited...I have gone through several different types of pads. I'm with you on the Reinsman, I didn't like it. I finally found a Cashel pad for Ladybird and actually use it on all my horses. It's Great. I put a wool blanket on first, then use the Cashel pad. It conforms to the horses back really well.

I also like to have different colors, so I will put another light blanket on top of the pad, just for prettiness...LOL.

[luvs2ride1979]

If the horse's back is well muscled, you are a lightweight rider, and the saddle fits PERFECTLY without any pad on, then you can get away with just a blanket for short rides. That said, American Western saddles are not made to be used with only a blanket. The synthetic fleece lining doesn't give any cushion at all to the horse, so the hard tree is pretty much right on the horse's back. Would you like that??

If you want to use a pretty blanket, then get a 1/2" or 5/8" felt liner pad. They are thinner and usually cheaper than a full pad. Real felt will provide some cushion and the liner will "hide" under most blankets. Wool felt will also breathe, which helps keep a horse's back cooler than synthetic fleece, neoprene, gel, or "tacky" pads.

[cloedoll]

You have already received some great replies, but I just throw in my two sense. I think the difference is function. Saddle pads can be more customized, be "non-slip," address certain issues, distribute weight over a larger area, correct minor saddle fitting problems and things like that. A blanket just looks pretty and is not able to do any of the things I just mentioned that a pad can do. Now, not all saddle pads have a function like the ones I mentioned, some just look pretty like blankets, but they do make many for all kinds of things. You could always purchase a saddle pad and put a blanket over the saddle pad. =)