10 Reviews: Best Saddle Pad for Barrel Racing (Apr 2024)

The Impact Gel contour saddle pad has been redesigned to work better with barrel saddles. The Impact Gel Barrel Saddle Pad has a total length of 28″, with the front extending down 16″ and the back reaching 13″ from the midline. Dropped-down rigging is protected by the dropped-down side. They also have the shortest saddle pad available. This saddle pad is designed to accommodate barrel saddles with a circular skirt. It has a contour cut along the spine for optimal comfort.

This is a wonderful pad, high quality, great fit and great protection for my horse. Has kept my mare from getting sore and has made her overall more comfortable.

by Monika Belinda

This non-skid, barrel saddle pad with a Galaxy theme is perfect for long trail rides, competitions, and those who want a stylish yet protective pad. The Impact Gel contour saddle pad has been redesigned with a rounded skirt to better fit barrel saddles. With Impact Gel’s unique Impact Gel technology, this pad is intended for demanding labor and built to last. The Impact Gel Non-Skid Barrel Saddle Pad has a total length of 28″, with the front extending down 16″ and the back extending 13″ from the midline. Dropped downrigging is protected by the dropped downside. This cushion is held together by heavy-duty black worn leathers that will last for years.

The Impact Gel proprietary XT Impact Gel technology-equipped Zero Slip pad is made for demanding work and built to last. The Zero Slip Barrel Pad was created by professionals with meticulous attention to detail. The innovative Impact Gel XT bladder is molded and put intelligently to meet the saddle’s positioning, easing pressure spots, allowing for free range of motion, and giving additional ventilation. Finally, the revolutionary Non-Skid top will not roll or slip. The Zero Slip pad enables you to run a looser cinch, allowing the horse to breathe and perform at its best. This saddle pad is a stunning combination of their most popular Classic Barrel Pad and Legend Elite Saddle Pad.

The Impact Gel proprietary XT Impact Gel technology is used in the Zero Slip pad, which is designed for heavy work and durability. The Zero Slip Barrel Pad was created by professionals with meticulous attention to detail. It is flawlessly crafted, with close touch characteristics such as a contour cut at the spine and an expanded cutaway at the gussets. Teal Non-Skid Top designed to keep your pad in place. The bottom is lined with felt for better moisture-wicking. Free-range of motion is provided through a cutout at the withers. The skirt has been extended to provide for tighter contact and a better saddle fit. A contour cut along the spine ensures a perfect fit. Heavy-duty wear leathers provide years of service.

I absolutely love this pad! It works so good on my mustang! This pad doesn’t slip one bit and works for me every day.

by Skylar Wood

The innovative Impact Gel XT bladder is molded and deliberately fitted to match the saddle positioning, easing pressure spots, giving a free range of motion, and offering enhanced ventilation. The unique Non-Skid top will not slide or roll. The Zero Slip pad lets you run a looser cinch, allowing the horse to breathe and perform at their best. This Saddle Pad is a lovely hybrid of the company’s best-selling Classic Barrel Pad and Legend Elite Saddle Pad. It has a contour cut around the spine for a perfect fit. This saddle pad is not only attractive, but the strong hard wear leathers promise years of longevity. Perforations in the bladder of the XT Lite Gel give more airflow and breathability.

You just can’t go wrong with an impact gel pad. They are very well made and make my horse ride so comfortably. I would absolutely recommend this pad! You will not be disappointed.

by Olivia Weisenborn

Contoured Tough Barrel Pads are manufactured from 1″ Wool felt in the “Ranch Tough” style. Western round skirt saddles are tailored to fit. The curved spine is strengthened with distressed leather and includes a wither relief notch. This saddle pad is airy and long-lasting thanks to its technology. Its thickness is also great. The advantage of selecting this saddle pad is that it is lightweight, so your horse will not be carrying any extra weight. This western saddle pad curved just enough for larger withered horses while being durable enough for frequent usage. The contoured spine and wither relief notch improve fit, especially on high-withered horses.

I was looking for a saddle pad that was contoured enough for my high withered gelding and this pad has been perfect. It’s very light weight compared to my felt pad and it conforms to your horse’s shape very well. It dries fast and is the perfect shape for my round-skirt western saddle.

by Brady

This pad is an excellent choice for a variety of reasons. The Classic Equine brand provides excellent value for money. Build-up is strategically placed to cover fill the empty spaces in a horse’s back below the withers, providing extra support for the saddle. A contoured design that molds and conforms to the horse’s back, offering increased comfort and a superior saddle fit. The bottom is made of premium felt, with shock-absorbing wool felt core. Supports the front of the saddle from collapsing behind the shoulder due to muscle loss, poor saddle fit, or conformation. Strategic wedge placement fills in the vacant region and provides additional support. Works well for horses with very high withers or elderly horses with a declining topline.

This pad works great! I needed a small bit of rise for my saddle on my horse's withers and this is perfect. I ordered the 30" as he has a shorter back (Florida Cracker horse). It dries quickly and is holding up well. I would definitely buy again.

by Bethany D. Flores

This saddle pad is one of the softest available. It is made of soft wool felt and fits the horse’s back, preventing the saddle from causing discomfort to the animal. This pad has a spine length of 30 inches and a drop length of 15 inches. Heat does not build upon this saddle pad, and sweat is dissipated away, keeping horses far more comfortable during races or lengthy rides. In addition to the heavy-duty wool felt, this saddle pad has full-grain leather applications on the spine and sides, making it far more durable than other varieties. This saddle pad has a great, even fit and stays secure even on the most difficult rides. It does not sag or bunch up beneath the saddle.

I was extremely pleased with the quality of the pad. I was able to customize it and give it as a gift. The receiver was very happy and uses it all the time

by Teen04

The saddle pad has been developed with a shape that reduces saddle roll while maintaining a natural fit on the horse. This saddle pad is made of EVA sports foam, which allows for better breathability and airflow to keep sweat and grime at bay. Furthermore, raw wool keeps the wick dry on your horse, allowing you and your horse to have the finest experience possible. This saddle pad is also lightweight, making it a perfect choice for barrel riders who want to keep their horses and themselves comfortable. The brand ensures that the material is of good quality and will endure a long time. Finally, this technique may be used to saddles with short skirts.

Love the color and fit of this saddle pad. It sits evenly on horse’s back and offers the perfect protection.

by Laura Graves

This Tahoe Tack saddle pad is ideal for barrel racers searching for a high-quality saddle pad that gives them the best of both worlds. This saddle pad has a lot of appealing features. It’s comprised of a quilted cotton mix pad that’s layered over the double back fleece and padded with wool felt. This pad may be hand washed and then hung to dry, and it will look fantastic and last for years. The wool felt underpinning is non-slip, so you can rest assured that your tack will remain put. The horse will also appreciate the plush felt lining.

This works great with my round skirt barrel saddle and fits my fat girl absolutely perfect. I like how thin it is but also the quality of it!

by Rachel Collins