l was just wondering what western saddle pad is the best. Please do not tell me about one thats like 200 dollars because l need it to be affordable.

l like the AirRide saddle pads because they fit my horse and are usually pretty reasonable. She is a QH and these pads do not slip when l am zooming full speed ahead plus they are breathable and relieve a lot of pressure off the horses back. If you can not afford one new you could check 'em out on ebay.

l like the non slip neoprene, or a good wool pad. Neoprene will make them sweat more, but it wont slip. Wool is a little more on padding & giving & wicks the sweat. Check these places: Jeffers Equine, Valley Vet, KV Vet Supply.. they have dozens to chose from & reasonable. There r many types of thicknesses & materials to use. There r cutbacks, & built up.. the list goes one. The kind u get will be based on what kind of material, extra padding needed, wither clearance. There r prices from $20 on up, ur better ones will cost around $50-150 depending on what u get. You get one for $15, it probably is not good & wont last. There is no ''best'' one. all depends on what u need.

I've been using Kool Back and Wool Back pad for the last 30 years. They last a LONG time and go nicely. l still own my first Kool Back saddle pad and they are not $200.00.

Saddle Right saddle pad is about 230.00 but it is guaranteed for life.
So you save in the long run. Go to saddleright.com and learn a lot about saddle fitting and pads. This is the only pad we have used in 16 yrs. and l have one that is that old and still in good shape.

l use a SaddleRight pad. Also the Correctors are really good.

Well before l went hunter/jumper l had my share of western days. My favourite Saddle Pad would have to be Air Ride

http://outfitterssupply.com/images/SMX_dm_ny.JPG

Its a professional choice and very comfy for the horses back. It allows the heat on the horses back to circulate and it cools there back on those long hard working hot days.

http://z.hubpages.com/u/376768_f260.jpg

Well l am in love with all the professional is choice SMX Air Ride pads--also the Charmayne James shaped barrel pad with Ortho Sport..but these around around 200$-400$ each.but they r worth it--they last longer than any cheapo- pad ever will

If u r looking for something for just booting around on the trails with, l would suggest a 3/4 inch hospital felt underliner (about $30-45 ) & a 5 lbs saddle blanket to go over top (about $25)

You can find these products on westernshop.com & go under tack & saddle pads.

Good Luck (ps its a CDN site but they also have USD Prices)

l read that the Proffesional is choice SMX line is the best for durability, price, and shock absorbing. But l am primarily english, so l do not have a preference.

Last month, l had western Saddle Pad in reasonable price at http://agritura.com/index.php/cat/c1_Horse---Rider.html/category/Horse---Rider . This saddle pad is really nice. The material is soft and easy to clean and there is a great choice of colors to choose from. Its great value of spending value. Try it here.