10 Reviews: Best Orthopedic Saddle Pad (Nov 2023)

This saddle pad is designed for horses with high withers and is adjustable to suit a horse for the rest of its life. The Impact Gel is designed and precisely positioned to relieve pressure spots created by the saddle’s bars. They added an adjustable hook and loop strap in front of the gullet hole to their tried and tested Classic Contour contoured pad. With this update, the pad can now open up to four inches wider. The saddle pad fit relieves pressure on the shoulders and provides a greater range of motion for improved comfort and agility. The special wool mix enables air to circulate between the pad and the horse. Heavy-duty wear leathers are built to last for years. These features provide a flexible energy-absorbing fit for you and your horse, resulting in high-performance, non-slip, non-rollover protection.

Love this saddle pad! We have a mare with high withers and this is the only pad I will ever use on her! Seems to make a difference and keeps saddle in place! She seems to be way more comfy!

by Danny

The AQHA Impact Gel Fleece Pad has the same characteristics as the premium hunting pad from this brand. This white fleece AQHA pad is ideal for circuit hunters, jumpers, equitation horses, eventers, and flat horses. Professional horsemen and veterinarians recommend Impact Gel technology to support and balance both tack and rider since it is designed to provide critical impact protection and stability. It offers several qualities such as machine washable durable white synthetic fleece. The open spot where the quarter horse exhibitor’s number may be pinned. Impact Gel is a unique polyurethane detachable gel bladder.

I'm so glad I bought this! Worth every penny. I always feel like the English saddle pads are never thick enough and I don't want to pile on multiple pads that slip around. This pad stayed in place through several hours of showing and the horse was comfortable all day. Love it! Buying a schooling pad next!

by Nancy Vanco

The Underlayment Pad is a great addition to your favorite woven blanket in the arena or on the trail. This small 1/2″ Contour Pad provides the same important Impact Gel protection as the Classic Contour but is thin enough to enable close touch with the rider when worn beneath a tailored blanket. This saddle pad is ideal for all judged performance events and is required in most Western Pleasure, Reining, and Horsemanship programs. The 29″ size is excellent for a horse with a short back. It includes several characteristics such as light and thin but supportive material and an open back to eliminate bulk on the spine. Furthermore, it is ideal for usage beneath a tailored blanket.

The pad goes great underneath a thin show pad for performance. It provides great protection for my horses back and is great quality!

by Anna Carman

This pad’s open and closed cell foams work together to preserve memory, absorb stress, and decrease the impact. This pad’s job is to shift weight away from the bones and onto the muscular framework, hence improving gullet function. This saddle pad not only alleviates saddle fit issues and enhances the flexibility of movement, but it also removes pressure spots and back discomfort and increases freedom of movement. Merino wool is reversible, thin, aerated, breathable, lightweight, durable, and washable.

For all of you western riding enthusiasts and even the serious trainer; I have found the best saddle pad for you and your horse. Whether you ride for pleasure or are training, The Cavallo Western Built-up Therapeutic Saddle Pad has many benefits for your horse’s health and your convenience. [...]

by Amazon Customer

The typical western cut of this brand meets their groundbreaking new 3D material. Impact protection and cushioning are provided by ultra-breathable fibers. The mesh material adheres to the saddle snugly, while open-air holes in the pad ensure consistent breathability and ventilation. The 3D compression material is ultra-light and offers excellent impact resistance. The pad’s painstakingly designed top line promotes airflow for optimal breathability and circulation. They exclusively sell high-quality items that have been thoroughly examined. Hand washes in cold water with a light detergent. To dry, hang or lie flat. Ironing is not recommended. Dry cleaning is not recommended.

Love this pad, light and breathable and allows for close contact with my horse, highly recommended.

by Sheila Austin

The Challenger saddle pad is constructed of 100 percent thick wool felt that remains soft and fits the horse’s back after just a short period of breaking in. Wither relief is provided by the contouring. It aids in the dissipation of heat and the removal of moisture. Top-grain wear leathers and spines offer protection and long-lasting performance. Shock absorption is provided by the material’s ability to mold to the horse’s back while yet retaining its density.

Made of 100% thick wool felt, the Challenger saddle pad does not need to be broken in before it can be used on a horse. Wither relief contoured. As well as wicking away moisture, it helps to dissipate heat. Wear leathers and spines made of top grain give long-term durability and protection. Cheetah print and colorful arrows adorn the leathers. The drop is 15 inches and the overall length is 32 inches. There are a number of felt colors to choose from!

This saddle pad is beautiful! My daughter loves it!! It’s going to look great on her horse Paris when she rides, Daytan is so excited!!!

by Tonya

You will be amazed by the color combination of black, tan, and turquoise on this Wool Felt Therapeutic Saddle Pad. It is constructed of a fresh new strong wool felt with a thickness of 3/4″ and is made entirely of wool. This saddle pad has the ability to contour to the horse’s back while retaining density, and it also has shock absorption capabilities. This is a brand new, high-quality hefty saddle pad in excellent condition.

Nice quality saddle pad.

by JFK

The Challenger saddle pad is constructed of 100 percent thick wool felt that remains soft and fits the horse’s back after just a short period of breaking in. Wither relief is provided by the contouring. It aids in the dissipation of heat and the removal of moisture. Top-grain wear leathers and spines offer protection and long-lasting performance. Phyton print and feathers are used to decorate the leathers in this collection. The length of the spine is 32 inches, while the descent is 15 inches. Felt colors are available in a range of hues!

With a brushed flannel bottom, this blanket is very soft. Breathable and moisture-wicking. There are three contoured memory foam shims in each of the four compartments (two on each side). To avoid pressure spots, the adjustable memory foam shims may be changed wherever support is required. Skin-friendly and hypoallergenic. Two billet straps secure the saddle properly. The pad comes with memory foam that is shaped particularly for front or back placement for a better ergonomic fit. Allows for customization, as well as the ability to fit and correct for changes in the horse’s form as a result of age or physical condition.

Worked perfect for our rescue horse who is getting back into work. He was having some sensitivity to the saddle, causing him to be back sore due to lacking some muscle. This pad worked perfect and we were able to adjust the whims to where he needed them!

by john sauerwald