Western saddle pad recommendations

I'm looking for a good, durable western saddle pad for my very short backed horse. My current pad is a barrel pad that is 30" long. I like the barrel pad shape, but would like something shorter.

I've been looking into non-slip pads, because he's a very round horse (very low withers) and he sweats a lot. I looked at the Tacky Tack pads and they have a barrel pad. I don't know if they're any good or worth buying.

Does anyone have recommendations for a pad?

You couldn't pay me to ride in anything but 100% wool felt. Period. And the best one out there is 5 star. Pricey, but let your horses back breathe. All that tacky crap does is hold the heat in. Just my .02.

I agree w franknbeans that's what we ride in I love mine
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Five star, Impact Gel, Tacky Too, CE BioFit and Won pads are what I use.

I have the SMX Air Ride but I find they slip.

Count me on the all wool wagon. I dislike nonslip anything. If I was a horse, I'd hate that on my back; it's got to be grippy, and snaggy and pinchy and scritchy and icky.

Personally, I would think that if the horse really sweats a LOT, that neoprene would get slick, but, that is just me.

Frank,

Is the 5 star better than other all wool felt pads? And are they all 100% wool? Sometimes they say "wool felt pad" but you dont' know what percentage is wool.

I am with everyone on the pure wool pads. I have been using Diamond wool pads for years and they are 100% wool. I always shop for a fancier pad then get scared and run away back to my good 'ol stand bys..lol.

As you probably know, a thick pad is a pain in the ass on a low withered round backed horse. Your saddle has a lot of roll. I try to use the thinnest pad I can get away with on a horse like that.

That's been my problem with finding a saddle pad that I like. They all look just as thick as what I have now. I'd rather get something that fits a little better and works really well.

Man, I had NO idea how expensive those saddle pads could get!! I'll have to hope for finding something on ebay or something, lol.

Yes, the 5 stars are 100% wool, and they are felt. They are a really nice quality felt, believe me there is a difference. The felt is a very tight pressed felt so that it will wear well, and it is incredibly soft. They also come in several thicknesses as well as sizes and styles.