I am thinking about saving up for a nice wool/felt saddle pad, but I am very overwhelmed by all the ‘stuff’ and technology that is out there. I just watched a couple of YouTube videos about CSI pads, and I really like that they have a removable liner, and the “flex-plate” that they use sounds pretty cool. I have personally touched a few 5-Stars and thought they felt really nice. Made the Diamond Wool pads sitting on the rack next to it feel like cheap carpet in comparison. :lol: Best Ever is another brand I am considering. Or, does anybody else have any other suggestions? Was thinking I would like to stay as close to $300 as possible.
1 Like
Hi,
I can’t speak to the other brands but I have a 5 Star pad as do several of my riding friends. They are pretty great. Just need to brush off the dirt/hair periodically. My horses like this pad better than my air-ride as it conforms to their backs. I have only had mine for a year but I have friends using ones that are several years old with lots of miles and they are still in very good condition.
1 Like
I’ve tried both the CSI and the 5Star and returned both of them. IME, they are too thick at the withers and create too much bulk around the withers and my horse didn’t like either of them. I use a barrel shaped Woolback pad and like it much better.
1 Like
I love my 5 Star pads. They are worth every penny, and they hold up really well.
I tried a CSI pad. Wasn’t a fan. I think I’m spoiled with the softness of the 5 Star. Everything else to me just seems too stiff.
[QUOTE=Pocket Pony;8499539]
I’ve tried both the CSI and the 5Star and returned both of them. IME, they are too thick at the withers and create too much bulk around the withers and my horse didn’t like either of them. I use a barrel shaped Woolback pad and like it much better.[/QUOTE]
Totally curious: Which version (style) and thickness of the 5 Star did you try?
1 Like
Love my CSI pad!!!
I just received my 5 Star pad. I got the 3/4" and will be trying it out on Thursday at my lesson. I currently have an Impact Gel, but it is rock hard if it gets cold, and I’m not sold on the concept of the gel. I will keep it as my spare. I know, not very helpful. A certified fitter highly recommends them though.
I think I tried both the 1/2" and 3/4". My saddle isn’t too wide for my horse, so any extra padding is just too much.
Don’t forget there are other option than the new fancy pads.
We still use some of those old white fleece hospital pad quality ones sewn to a regular blanket material.
Don’t even have a brand tag, have had those for years on end and still work fine for most riding.
If we are riding in the summer hottest days, we do get off every so often and lift them off the horse’s back to let them air and dry a bit under there.
Any other time, they work as good if not better than most other pads.
If a saddle fits very well, a doubled navajo style blanket is what many cowboys still use here.
I think a lot of “which pad is the best” depends on how your saddle fits. They all work a little differently.
Think of it like shoes and socks, If your shoe is too big a thick sock and an insole can help.
If your feet sweat a lot that will influence your fabric choice.
If your shoe is just right than a thick sock can ruin the fit.
If your shoe is too tight and pinches, a sock (no matter what thickness/fabric) is pointless.
My saddle fit my horse well, but not perfect, so I chose a Thinline Pad. It can be shimmed to correct minor fit issues.
www.thinlineglobal.com/shop/western-saddle-pad-blanket-liners/western-felt-correction-pad-pro-tech
[QUOTE=Pocket Pony;8500801]
I think I tried both the 1/2" and 3/4". My saddle isn’t too wide for my horse, so any extra padding is just too much.[/QUOTE]
Interesting. Those are the same thicknesses I use for my horses as well. I feel “Less is more” if your saddle fits well.
Did you have a contoured pad?
I guess I’m curious on this “too much bulk on the withers” that you experienced.
I have three 5 Star Pads, and love them. Have used them for years. I am considering a CSI, just to get one custom made for my horse that has issues in her withers. But 5 Star is definitely worth the money…mine all still look new, years later! I have one that is 1/2" and my other two ar3e 3/4"…I prefer the 3/4".
I have several 5 Star pads and love them. I have a Best Ever that I won and it’s OK, but I like the 5 Star better. Haven’t tried CSI.
Ive ridden both a CSI and a Wade pad, which both are built with the plates in them. I don’t like them because I can’t feel my horses back. I feel disconnected.
Team roping or steer stopping, I wouldn’t mind using them to lessen them taking a jerk on their backs.
