Western saddle pad needed opinions???

[gaited07]

Okay, another saddle pad thread:rolleyes:

But,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,I need peoples suggestions about a Good western saddle pad that will last more than 6 months.

Here is what I need.
I do a "lot" of trail riding which consists between 5 miles to 25+++ and need protection for my horses back. I have a reinsman tacky back (piece of garbage) that claims to be the best for horse and rider ????. Anyway, the pad is now paper thin and maintains a nasty odor ALL the time. (cleaned regularly)

I'm looking at some of the wool pads but there are sooooo many out there and the prices range from 80-250+ (I like the $80 but???)
If anyone has any experiences that they would like to share, I would love to hear your opinions, suggestions and any information you can give.

Thank you in advance:)

[AUEquine]

I've had very good experience with the Todd Sloan Pads. They're more in the $150 to $200 range, but they are very good pads. I just use mine for mild trail work, but my friends son has one for barrle racing. And he's your typical 16 year old boy and of course doesn't take good care of his stuff. But other than the dirt, that pad has held up perfectly through it all!

[Buckpoco]

I love my Skito pad...my horse does too!

[Lynn_70]

I read a study that SMX pads held up the longest and had the least compression of materials while absorbing hte most shock. They tested pads in the $75-$200 range.

Lynn

[gaited07]

I read a study that SMX pads held up the longest and had the least compression of materials while absorbing hte most shock. They tested pads in the $75-$200 range.

Lynn

Thanks Lynn,
This might be what I'm looking for.

[cloedoll]

I have a CSI Pad (http://csipads.com/) (English, though) and I really like it. Keidas' (my gelding) back is sensitive and it really did help. It never compressed or anything. The only reason I'm not using it anymore is because I am without a saddle and it's too thick (1") for what I need now. I know they aren't well known, but might be something to look at.

I always liked the looks of SMX, but have no idea how well they hold up and that good stuff. Professional's Choice always has awesome products, though, so I would expect good quality and good function. Here (http://www.profchoice.com/htmldocs/prd/western/index3.html)is a link to the ones I think would work well for ya. =)

[cloedoll]

Oopsie, I can't believe I forgot good 'ole ThinLine (http://www.thinlineinc.com/store/cart.php?m=product_list&c=5)! I <3 ThinLine. Again, I had an English pad, but it was awesome!

[Lakota's Pet]

I have a diamond wool pad that I love. I have just the 1" thick liner for now that I bought from Stateline a few years ago. I work security on horseback in June in TN for 6 days, 12 hour shifts at a whack, and have never had any soreness problems with it. I have used my gas powered pressure washer to clean it when we get home, and it comes quite clean and doesn't look much different now than it did new.

[vicklynn]

I love my SMX pad. I have an Ortho Barrel pad, by Charmayne James. FYI anyone, I have an oregon cut skirt, and bought the square pad, glad I did too, the round cut is for a smaller saddle. I ride a 16 inch seat.
Get measurements of pads before you purchase.

[gaited07]

I love my SMX pad. I have an Ortho Barrel pad, by Charmayne James. FYI anyone, I have an oregon cut skirt, and bought the square pad, glad I did too, the round cut is for a smaller saddle. I ride a 16 inch seat.
Get measurements of pads before you purchase.


Thanks everyone!

VIcklynn,
I'm looking at these right now. Do you know anything about the wrangler air ride??

[vicklynn]

Thanks everyone!

VIcklynn,
I'm looking at these right now. Do you know anything about the wrangler air ride??
Sorry no. I did have an SMX simular to it, bought it at an auction, sold it for what I bought it for. You will find it on Dixies horses....lol. I tell ya, when it comes time for me to replace any of my thick pads, an SMX will be what I search for.
Citys saddle sits better on him(withers)and he is way more happy, sweats evenly too.
Im stuck on SMX. No matter what type you get.

[gaited07]

Thanks Vicklynn :)

[luvs2ride1979]

I have had very good experiences with the ThinLine Felt pads (http://www.aretesaddlery.com/tack/thinline-pads/western-pads/thinline-western-felt-pad/prod_216.html). The felt is top quality and the ThinLine on the top is very non-slip and shock absorbing. They are pricey, but worth it IMO. They have a 30-day guarantee too, so you can ship it back if you don't like it.

I have also VERY good experience with Skito pads (http://www.aretesaddlery.com/tack/skito-pads/cat_14.html). In your situation they might require more maintenance than you'd like though. They take a bit to dry if it's humid and will really hold sweat. They are very comfy for the horse though and keep the horse's back cool and comfy even if they are sweat laden lol. A lot of endurance riders swear by Skito pads!

One pad that I have not tried, but heard great things about is the Supracor pad (http://www.aretesaddlery.com/tack/tack/saddle-pads/supracor-saddle-pads/standard-pads/cat_46.html). They have a washable cover that has a felt bottom with the inside a very shock absorbing and breathable honeycomb material.

[luvs2ride1979]

I read a study that SMX pads held up the longest and had the least compression of materials while absorbing hte most shock. They tested pads in the $75-$200 range.

Lynn

They didn't compare it to Skito or ThinLine pads :cool:. Both of which, IME, far out perform ProChoice pads. The average life of a high quality saddle pad is 2-4 years under moderate use, after that they lose integrity and cushioning ability. My first Skito is going on 8 years old and still going strong! ThinLine pads have an average life of 7-10 years.

[gaited07]

They didn't compare it to Skito or ThinLine pads :cool:. Both of which, IME, far out perform ProChoice pads. The average life of a high quality saddle pad is 2-4 years under moderate use, after that they lose integrity and cushioning ability. My first Skito is going on 8 years old and still going strong! ThinLine pads have an average life of 7-10 years.


Thanks luvs2ride,
The thinline sounds pretty interesting to me. I was also looking into the saddle right pad.
The Skito pad is a bit out of my horsey budget (hubby alert, hubby alert)
I just want a descent pad that will last.
I paid 75.00 for the reinmans tacky back and I wish I would have saved my money and invested in a better pad, but who knew. Reinsman spoke of how great this pad is, which it well maybe for a occasional rider but I'm not your ordinary or occasional rider.;)

[mypaintpony]

I have a Diamond Wool pad and it's held up nicely and still looks in tip top shape and I've had and used it for over a year and a half. We have Tacky Too pads at the barn and everyone seems to like them. My new pad is the Charmayne James barrel pad and I just recieved it today but I'm not liking it at all on first impression. It looks like a piece of canvas type bag sewn together to create a very thin pad with fleece or something on the bottom. By the looks of this pad I would at most pay $50 for but $114-$120 is way beyond how much it's worth. Just my opinions...

[Vegashorselady]

I like my Classic Equine ESP wool top pad. I've had it for 3 years and use it on all 3 of my horses. It has held up beautifully and has at least a couple more years of life left. Ii was a little pricey, $200 + range, but it's a great example of how spending a few extra bucks on quality ends up saving you money in the long run!

[PatriotsDreamer]

just found this http://www.horsetackreview.com/review-display/3570.html

I personally dont know anything about the pad so my openion doesnt count!