I buy my pads from this company…the quality of Mattes is wonderful.
They last forever.
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Sophie is shaped like a barrel and I have never fould a quilted saddle pad that fits her. The flat ones are to flat and the high cut ones bunch. So she wears Thermatex pads from the UK. They are knit so they mold to her shape. Yes they are expensive…
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Nope, not the only one :lol: I might splurge for a $30 pad if it’s something really unique and it’s on sale, but otherwise I have at least a dozen pads that are 10+ year old house-brands, never more than $20. I once paid $69 for a pad, but that’s because I was at a show and discovered I somehow forgot to pack my dressage pad, so I had no choice but to buy from the vendor tent.
I can honestly say I’ve never had a saddle pad wear out. Maybe I’m doing something wrong. :lol: I love the pretty colors of all the matchy stuff, but half the time my socks don’t even match, so…chances are my horse laundry wouldn’t either!
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I think mine wear out faster because I live in Florida where many months of the year it is quite hot and humid. So saddle pads really get nasty and need to be washed often. After my original post and all the great replies, I decided to treat myself to a new Equestrian Stockholm dressage pad in their new spring color, Pistachio. Just the pad, I do not use polos or bonnets and the color will look pretty in my chestnut mare. Turned out I had a 20% off promo code and free shipping which was expiring at midnight…so that made it a good deal. Yay
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I purchase quality pads, in darker colors, and keep them for years and years. Cannot keep white looking presentable long-term with our red dirt!
I’m not a particularly trendy person in this regard, and appreciate that dressage apparel/tack as a whole is not overly influenced by temporary fashion trends IME, but I’ve noticed when a clinic participant has a shirt that coordinates with a saddle pad which is in a color that flatters the horse, and thought it gave an attractive appearance.
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I’ve been using LeMieux for a while now. I had pads that are 5 years old and still look brand new. I love the way they sit on a horse and always wash up well.
I’ve recently got an Anky and Equestrian Stockholm pad too. Both were second hand but honestly look like they’ve had minimal use or they just wash up extremely well! I love the ES pad because its the shiny material on the outside and it never looks dirty. I have to admit I do love my matchy matchy, but the price is a huge factor in me not having an entire room full of them.
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I only use LeMieux these days. I get them from around $42 a pad in the UK. I’ve seen the 90$-$100 PSoS or Eskadron ones and while they are pretty I just can’t. Too spendy.
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I pretty much only buy PS of Sweden or Equestrian Stockholm now, with the odd Equito…why…because IME they wash so much better than Eskadron and the cob size is perfect on my 13hh where as most pony size pads are too small, cob seems a rare size.
Lemieux rub unfortunately as the S/M is also a good fit.
All of you with PS of Sweden and Equestrian Stockholm, which pad do you like better? I remember complaints awhile back about the Equestrian Stockholm pads shifting and not staying in place. I keep going back and forth and I’m not sure which one to get.
I prefer the PS of Sweden, but I get them at https://www.dressageperformance.shop - decent prices for what they are. I do think it’s an individual preference as well as how it fits your horse. I’ve also gotten some Hufglocken Diamante pads, which are sparkly and delicious but I don’t use them terrifically often because of the barn dust.
I wasn’t into matchy matchy until I really started to focus on only one horse (and my kids were grown and out of the house). Now I love all of the matchy matchy stuff, and my horse is way better dressed than I am.
Good to know about their cob size being a nice fit on smaller horses. One of mine can be overwhelmed by a standard pad.
I love my Ogilvy pads! I only have them for showing currently.
Also - the matchy matchy sets are KILLING ME! I am obsessing over the gray and the teal colors.
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Neither move for me but the PSOS design with the little block at the front would be the better option if you are concerned 
Those of you ordering much cheaper fro Europe…where are you getting Le Meiux and Mattes pads affordably? Favorite websites? Thanks!
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Following this thread with interest. I have about 5 Kingsland saddle pads that I bought back in 2015ish that are ready to be retired – getting threadbare near the billet keeper. I got them on clearance from SmartPak for $25 a piece so definitely can’t complain! I would love to simply replace them but they are $115 each regular price . . . I also like the idea of the D ring strap that LeMieux etc. offers as I have a monoflap saddle. Was thinking of trying the WoofWear knock off, but sounds like they aren’t as sturdy.
I prefer my PS of Sweden, but they are pretty comparable to be honest.
I get all my dressage stuff from matchydressage.com . I don’t think they have Mattes or LeMieux, but they have other high quality saddle pads. I will usually get quite a few of them at once from there if there’s a big sale since shipping is expensive.
I have converted the last few years into mainly using Mattes because of several factors they really last due to good quality materials and construction, they are dense enough especially with the sheepskin that they are shock absorbing and absorb sweat without ruining the pad and they always stay in place and never shift, wrinkle, or cause rubs. I am always looking for a good price and I would never pay the 300$ price tag you see at retailers. I have currently been getting mine from Hufglocken the last custom pad I ordered from them full sheepskin front rear and underneath and 3 colors of cording Dressage Euro Cut Large with their discount code (25%) was 127$ including free shipping and no tax. You cant beat that seriously totally worth it.
But I have just been turned onto this company -> Premier Equine International
https://www.premierequine.co.uk/saddle-pads-c102x3071700
I ordered from them last week and got the Pad I ordered on Monday I haven’t ridden in it yet but Very comparable to Mattes not quite as nice but seriously for the price absolutely worth trying they even do some of the bright colors. shipping was cheap and I think the pad with shipping was 70$ or less US.
I also don’t do boots or wraps anymore (way too hot) and same with the fly bonnets also too hot for my very Hot Blooded horse he just sweats way to much.
I think I’m the only one that likes my Mattes Euro-cut dressage pad, but isn’t impressed enough to order another straight away. The girth strap freyed quickly after very gentle use. And it tends to slide back, no other pads I have do this. I really pull it into the saddle channel too. The stitching is ok, it is substantial, and the colors are nice. But I can’t say I’m committed to the brand (I do have their girth and a custom half pad, which I love) for the saddle pads yet.
I picked up a Premier Equine pad months ago but had to pass it on. It is thick, which is fine, and stiff. It rubs my horse and is harsh around the edges. I gave it to a friend that has a longer horse. So this could also be a horse shape issue. I was bummed because they look to be good quality for the price, but it just didn’t work for this horse.
I’ve never tried Ogilvy but I am curious.
Professionals Choice also offer a pad with D-ring attachments. It’s a Ventech pad only available in a few colors, a bit pricey. I have not tried it. The Schockemöhle pads with D-ring attachments are nice!
