Mattes, Lemieux, Christ horsedreams, fleeceworks, equine comfort products? I can’t decide. Saddle fits well so not looking for a ton of bulk. He doesn’t do well with rough edges or seams and doesn’t like half pads, only fitted or square pads for jumping saddle. Horse is extremely, extremely sensitive skinned so I need a good sheepskin pad against his skin.
Smartpaks own brand with the split at the wither. Real sheepskin and a smart low bulk design.
I love Christ/Horsedream because of the quality and durability, and I have a nice pad of theirs- but it is quite thick. For a well-fit or custom saddle, I’ve found it to be too thick and really change the saddle fit. So I look at it lovingly sitting in my tack room but can’t really use it 
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I like the LeMieux Merino pads.
The LeMieux merino pads are great and are not super thick. I’d agree that the ChristDream tend to be thick enough to really change the saddle fit. The LeMieux pads are not that thick, but they are definitely thicker than your average, quilted (no fleece) saddle pad.
What is most important to you?
I’m a huge fan of the Mattes pads, but agree you have to fit your saddle with them.
Mattes & Horsedream will be the thickest and offer the most cushion. They’re also incredibly durable. I have Mattes pads that are 10+ years old and still going strong.
Mattes has all sorts of fun color options. The piping will show wear relatively quickly, but the sheepskin and quilt hold up well.
Horsedream has limited color selections and be aware that their pad sizing runs on the small size.
I think Fleeceworks & ECP are a bit less dense than Mattes & Horsedream. I did have an issue with durability on a Fleeceworks pad, but it was years ago and they may have improved since.
All of these are sheepskin and will need to be washed with Melp or a similar detergent.
LeMeiux is actually sheepswool on a fabric back. It’s easier to clean than the other options and is still very soft with good cushion. It is less dense than the options above.
So max cushion - Mattes or Horsedream
Easiest care - LeMeiux
Hope that helps!
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Thank you very much. Went with the LeMeiux!
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If the saddle fits well then a sheepskin pad will make it too tight.
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My sensitive boy that loves fuzzy pads goes best in a Draper Therapies saddle pad. Pricey but mine are ten (?) years old and look new. They can machine wash. I wanted something less stiff than a BOT pad with a small layer of “fluff.” They aren’t too big and the edges are soft so no rub marks like other pads.
I find that it can look that way at first, but sheepskin compresses a great deal once someone is in the saddle.
Got the LeMeiux and tried it for the first time. Fit well and worked great on his skin. Thanks all!
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