I have a Buena Vista plantation saddle and wondered what type saddle pad is best. It is a 19" seat. I just got this saddle. Thanks for suggestions!
See what the endurance riders are using: the Toklat Coolback (synthetic) or Woolback (real) fleece.
You can get them in any shape & size from Long Riders Gear. They have great service & fast, free shipping.
No, I do not work for them. Yes, I am a happy customer.
I do Competitive Trail and LD endurance and love my Supracor Cool Grip saddle pad. They come in different shapes; the one I have is the Endurance pad which would probably work for your saddle also. They’re pricey but worth it, I think - I’ve used mine for about 9 years now; same pad every single time I ride. You just dunk it in water or hose it off to clean.
Here’s their link: http://www.supracor.com/store/equestrian/cool-grip-pads/
Whoops, double post, sorry.
I’m riding right now with a Granduer pad and a Dixie Midnight with my endurance saddle, though I have a zillion pads accumulated over the years and it really depends on what saddle I’m riding in. Right now, I happen to like that combination.
ETA: I second both the Coolbacks and the Supracor. It really all depends on your horse, how your saddle fits, and what works for your set up. Good luck!
www.TheAlpacaHorse.com for the best all-natural, organic saddle blanket on the market. Entirely made in the USA from New England alpaca fleece.
Thank you all so much! I have been out of town and am getting ready to check out all the pads you’ve suggested. It’s been many years since I’ve looked at anything but Western saddle pads. Thanks y’all!
You can spend a lot of money on pads and get a little. Or you can spend a little and get a lot.
The Army used a wool blanket folded into a six-layer “laminate” pad. It was folded like this:
You can buy a 90% wool blanket from a Pendelton Wool Outlet for about $60. You can also buy replica Cavalry blankets from The Blockade Runner or What Price Glory for a bit more.
When folded they produce a pad more than one inch thick (actual thickness depends on the wool). It also has six layers. So not only do you absorb vertical impact, you also take care of a fair amount of lateral movement.
The two folded sides go to the right and front. This is not completely clear in the drawing.
I use one pretty regularly and find them very satisfactory.
G.
That was cool, G! I have a Pendelton blanket that I got from an ex boyfriend that would make an awesome saddle blanket! Multi-functional too…
I got my Buena Vista from Myron Razor at Hill Crest Saddlery - he builds saddles to order. When I asked him about what sort of pad to use, he recommended a thin Navajo or dressage pad, or he offered to make me a wool felt pad. I got the wool felt - it works great and protects my horse’s back nicely. I am considering a dixie midnight no-sweat pad next summer, it just goes under your pad to keep some air between your horse and the pad. This part of the country is very humid and the pad gets very sweaty.
I think there are various versions of Buena Vista saddles, Myron makes his in the traditional way - yours may be different.
I am using my Skitto pad with a dixie midnight pad, but I think the dixie midnight is rough on my girls back, she is starting to get white hair speckled thoughout her back. My saddle is a Bob Marshall, so I don’t think that is the problem. I just ordered the vent pad from Stateline tack. I also asked another lady I ride with what she uses, and she is a trainer who recommends Equipedic.
Thanks again to Trailpal and sbwinde. I’ve had to be away from riding since I posted and still haven’t bought a saddle pad for the plantation saddle. Trailpal, I have a traditional Buena Vista. Sooo comfortable. And I don’t think this particular saddle was used but a handful of times. I will take a look at the Dixie no-sweat. I think a dressage pad would work if it’s big enough. The Skitto also looks to be a proper shape. Thanks for your suggestions.
