What Saddle Pads & Cinch/Girths Do You Like?

My new gelding Kubie has been ridden in a neoprene girth. I always thought those were bad, as they let the horse sweat up an ocean under them. For those who use neoprene cinches/girths, what do you like about them? Just the ease of cleaning? Also, do they tend to slip since they get so wet? Someone told me that some horses are allergic to them, so I have never purchased any.

Scotch has a mohair rope cinch, but I was told these are much easier to break and stretch out than other types of cinches. The reason I bought the rope one for him was because someone told me it was better because they don't sweat as much with them. I think I'd rather have my horses sweat than put us both in danger with a broken cinch...has this ever happened to anyone?

I also have a felt lined cinch, but it is impossible to clean, so I don't think I would get another one of those.

As far as saddle pads go, what type do you prefer? Kubie had two navajo blankets. I always thought you needed an actual pad for comfort--like an inch or so thick. I've seen neoprene pads, felt pads, and fleecy pads. What are the pros and cons of each? Why do you use what you use?

I look forward to reading all of your opinions.

I only use:

Pro Choice cinches (roper).

For the pad I use 5 star, unless I need something "pretty", then I use a Pro Choice one.

Oh, I don't like the neoprene girths, they look so uncomphetable and feel weird. But I've never ridden with a rope cinch, they don't look too bad though, but I really wouldnt know sorry(: haha.. and for saddle pads a prefer the fleece pads that fit the saddle, some people put a normal pad under the fleece one incase it slips or something but I wouldnt recommed that(: hahah sorry that's not too much help

I only ever use the wintec anti-gall girths. They stay clean, don't slip, and don't rub. I have one modified by my saddler to work with my stock saddle, he takes out the guts and replaces it with seatbelt stuff, but still with the anti-gall outer.

In regards to pads - if the saddle fits well, a pad is only there to keep the saddle clean.

My preference is wool pads as they are good for the skin, thick enough for some padding but not thick enough to change the saddle fit. I hate those inch thick felt pads - They just make everything fit tighter and sit you higher off the horse.

I also use thinline pads for shock absorption.

I have Pro Choice for my english and western saddles (different models, of course :) ). It doesn't slip, easy to clean and so far I haven't notice any rubbing problems (and I use it for 3 years already).

As for pads I use Reinsmen for western, cotton pad for english saddle for qh, and non-slip pad for english saddle for paint.

I have used mohair for YEARS. They are definitely my all time favorite cinches. I have never had one break or stretch, though I do only buy good quality ones . I still have my first mohair cinch, a billy cook model. It's over 10 years old now and going strong!!

I have two horses that prefer neoprene. No clue why, but they're pissy with mohair and behave well with neoprene, so that's what they use, lol. I am not a fan of neoprene when at all possible because of the heat build up and if dirt gets in there, it can really make a nasty gall mark.

For pads I prefer a truley shock absorbing pad. I like Skito and Supracor best. I will also use a ThinLine pad (one of their cheaper plain pads) over wool felt or an English quilted pad. ThinLines are nice for saddles that "just fit" or horses that are round and have a hard time keeping a (well fitting) saddle in place. Skito and Supracor pads are the best at keeping the horse's back cool, but they do tend to be a tad thick, so they work best with western saddle or English saddles that are a bit on the wide side for the horse.

I have heard really good things about Saddleright pads and 5 Star felt pads, but have not tried either one myself. My wool pads are by Diamond.

That is true for English saddles and padded Aussie stock saddles, but not the case for western saddles. 99% of western saddle have synthetic sheepskin lining, which is really just for looks. It doesn't provide any protection for the horse. The hard saddle tree is sitting right on the horse's back.

Also, horses that don't have great topline muscle or riders who are still a bit bouncy at certain gaits should use real padding, as well as horses who are "performance" horses doing hard work (ie. Jumping, endurance or long distance, cutting, eventing, etc. IMO).

Thats fair enough - However I would still go with a shock absorbing product such as Skito or Thinline as opposed to using a thick felt or wool pad. I just feel they pack everything tighter and sit you further off the horse, making communication via subtle aids that much harder.

Very true, I agree. I am not a fan of thick wool pads, even under western saddles. My thickest felt pad is 3/4" and it's not very stiff. The one I use most often is only 1/2 inch thick. I usually use a ThinLine western half pad over that. I am a heavy rider (over 250 lbs), so I never go without a shock absorbing saddle pad.

I use a 1/2in wool pad and I put a thin blanket pad over that. I use the weaver neoprene girths and have never had any issues with them gaulding. I also stretch thiers legs after I tack up....