My horse is a big race QH type with an enormous wither, and I’ve tried a few pads but haven’t loved any of them. Right now I’m using a Derby Originals Tahoe I got on Amazon which is okay, but I don’t love it. I’d like to get something that is decent quality and tents up over his withers well without shifting around once it’s on. Anyone have any recommendations?
5 Star saddle pads. Pricey, but worth it.
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Another vote for 5 Star here
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I’m curious what everyone thinks also. I have a young mare (coming 5) that has high withers and needs to work on her topline. I purchased a cut back built up saddle pad. I tent it up but after riding (just walk/jog) for about 30 minutes it’s pulled down over her withers so tights it ruffles the hair there. I’ve seen saddle pads with a cut out over the withers but still attached in front of that. Is wool really the best?
I’m a fan of the Diamond Wool pads. I have not splurged on a 5-Star yet, as it’s hard for me to keep the other wool ones clean during the winter. It would killl me to spend that much and not be able to hose it off afterwards! I also like my Won pad.
Take a look at SPH as well. Like 5 star. I like the split design for the withers as I can adjust easily after I get the saddle up there.
Diamond Wool makes a really nice contoured 1" wool pad that’s available on Amazon for about $80. Mine’s held up great so far over a year and a half. I think it would work well for a horse with high withers.
I like the Back on Track full sized square pad with Thinline. There are pockets under the Thinline for shims that can lift the saddle off the withers, if the Thinline doesn’t lift the saddle enough… Fleeceworks also makes nice pads. They are expensive, but the only pad that works for my one horse.
