Why are western saddle pads so thick?!

Can you post a picture?
What is the pad made of? Does it fit well without the saddle? Does it have the wither hump like English or is it straight? Contured?
Posted via Mobile Device

Some cheap pads are just awkward like that.

My saddle fitter says to use a thin pad. He says thick pads can act like thick socks that make your boots not fit anymore
Posted via Mobile Device

As thin a pad as you can
Posted via Mobile Device
Posted via Mobile Device

Sometimes you DON'T want a thin pad, I won't use under 3/4".
Posted via Mobile Device

While there is some truth to that - typically, a standard pad will only cause fit issues in a saddle that did not fit to begin with.....which is when a common mistake of "just add a pad" comes into play.

I believe in a western saddle, as long as the saddle FITS properly there is no need for a thick pad. A saddle pad is just to protect the saddle itself.

I have ridden several miles, and hours in my saddle with a thin Navajo pad and my horse has never came up sore. Right now I ride in a thicker one though, but mostly because it's the only really bright orange saddle pad I could find.

Even if a saddle fits well, a pad still protects from impact from the rider..that's a hard wooden tree plus the weight of the rider only being applied to wear the bars lay on the horse, so a pad also distributes the weight.
Posted via Mobile Device

^ Yes.

If I am at a barrel race or a reining/cowhorse show I want something to protect the impact on my horse's back. I really like Won pads, Impact Gels, Tacky Toos, or CSI pads. I really want to try the Zone pad from Classic Equine too.

However, for light summer trail rides or workouts I have a felt pad that is very thin and has the open breathe strip down the back so they won't get too hot. If there is anything strenuous though, I go back to my higher quality pads.

Did you know that if a western saddle fits the horse very well, it doesn't need but a thin blanket and can go all day without getting sore. Try your pony in a your english saddle pad and see how it is. Just watch it for bunching up where you tie the cinch.