Best Saddle Pads

[Satirical]

Okay, so I am looking for recommendations on the best dressage saddle pads.

I don’t need something overly thick because my gelding’s saddle fits well without. However, he is a very sensitive and thin skinned boy, so I really want something that will bring him the utmost comfort. So far his upgrades in his bridle, saddle, and girth has made a world of difference in regards to his demeanor under saddle.

I have heard positives and negatives about Back on Track. I have their hock wraps, but I cannot say I’m a real believer yet. My boy does have quite the wither, so a pad that assists with clearance would be ideal as well.

So what do you ride in?

[alibi_18]

Back on Track and Ogilvy baby pads.

Other types of Ogilvy are also really good.

Mattes regular pads are also really nice, thick and well cut. Somebody stole mine at the show… Utterly pissed, I’m not sure I want to fork that much money for a show pad if I’m going to get it stolen again… But they are that nice.

[Daisyesq]

Love this pad! I own several of them.

https://www.smartpakequine.com/pt/steffen-peters-smx-luxury-shearling-pad-10598?utm_source=cpc&utm_medium=google&utm_content=shopping&utm_campaign=shopping%20-%20nb%20-%20tes&utm_term=20598

[scruffy_the_cat]

My horse adores his BOT pads more than other pads. He makes his preferences very well known, being the princess and the pea. I don’t entirely believe the in the BOT magical powers, but the pads themselves are super high quality and wick really, really well in the hot weather.

[_DressageDiva]

I find BOT really depends on the horse. Some horses really don’t like their products, while others do.

As for riding saddle pads, I personally love my BR Pads. They hold up very well, wash wonderfully and are a great design in general with most being a higher wither, spine breathability, etc.

[sicillianstallion]

This one:
http://shop.wilkers.com/dressage-show-saddle-pad/

or this one:
http://shop.wilkers.com/dressage-winning-colors-saddle-pad/

Both pads have a nice wither contour. The first pad is thinner. The second pad is a little bit thicker.

[joiedevie99]

These are the best on the thin skinned ones: https://www.smartpakequine.com/pt/ecogold-frictionless-dressage-pad-7386?utm_source=cpc&utm_medium=google&utm_content=shopping&utm_campaign=shopping%20-%20nb%20-%20tes&utm_term=17386

I’ve also had ones that loved the BOT pads.

Most, though, get by fine with these: https://www.smartpakequine.com/pt/smartpak-small-diamond-dressage-saddle-pad-9498

[JLR1]

Back on track are my go-to pads in the winter…in the summer here in AZ they are waaaay too much!

[gymangel812]

ogilivy baby pads, bot didn’t make a difference for me. i have a high wither horse and the ogilvy stays up off the wither.

[NJRider]

LOVE the Fenwick Bamboo pads. They wash well, do not slip, I have 2 of them. Company is great. http://www.fenwickfarm.com/products/products.aspx?id=13

[bettyk]

Ecogold! Highly recommended by my saddle fitter.

[MysticOakRanch]

[QUOTE=JLR1;8467565]
Back on track are my go-to pads in the winter…in the summer here in AZ they are waaaay too much![/QUOTE]

Me too! Love my BOT, and my mare loves it too - they are great pads, well made, and they seem to NEVER get dirty… In the Summer, I go to the PRI pads, also well made, and a really GREAT variety of colors…

[Arabiandressage]

As a tack store owner servicing tons of riders I have to say this one gets the most positive responses. The back on track/thinline blend. This is my pad of choice as well. Also the new Lettia Hex pad is pretty darn awesome too:

Here they both are:

http://www.theconnectedrider.com/horse-tack/saddle-pads/lettia-hex-saddle-pad/

http://www.theconnectedrider.com/horse-tack/saddle-pads/thinline-contender-ii-dressage-pad-back-on-track/

[myhorsefaith]

I tried the the Concept pad- so far so good! It has a wee bit of fleece underneath but nothing super thick. Love some of the design features, too!

http://www.theconnectedrider.com/horse-tack/saddle-pads/concept-quilted-high-wither-dressage-pad/

[GraceLikeRain]

the suede ones from le meiux are stunning

[J-Lu]

I actually really like the PRI pads. They have small squares so the padding doesn’t move or degrade much, they have a flannel lining, they aren’t particularly thick or thin, and the billet straps are in the “right spot”. The contour is good. They also seem to last forever - I’ve been intentionally trying to wear two out (I hate throwing out good pads) and they are resisting me.

[see_u_at_x]

[QUOTE=GraceLikeRain;8475712]
the suede ones from le meiux are stunning[/QUOTE]

I Googled and really like the look of these pads! Do you have an idea of how long they run down the spine? For example, would they fit an 18" saddle comfortably and with any room to spare?

[4wdNstraight]

I second the PRI. They are perfect for my saddle that fits like a glove. They are bombproof, wash great and last forever. Not expensive either

[greywithchrome]

Ogilvy baby pads ! Nothing magical just well fitting and good quality !

[GraceLikeRain]

[QUOTE=see u at x;8476005]
I Googled and really like the look of these pads! Do you have an idea of how long they run down the spine? For example, would they fit an 18" saddle comfortably and with any room to spare?[/QUOTE]

I would think so. Currently it is being used with a flatter 17" saddle with good space available.