I do not recommend neoprene as it holds heat and unless it and the horse are immaculate, dirt combined with the additional heat, can cause sores. Worse sores than a horse would otherwise get.

I do like thick wool felt pads for my western riding. I use Argentine style wool blankets for polo and general hunt seat riding.

I also don't recommend gel pads. The gel also holds and increases heat on the back and it does not disperse pressure like so many other good pads do. The gel has been shown to pocket in areas causing uneven pressure.

 

I've always heard great things about wool pads. I'm going to be buying a relatively inexpensive Diamond wool pad when I get the opportunity.

 

5 star, and only 5 star. The quality of the felt is worth the price. JMHO

 

I second the 5 Star pad, they're great! I'm saving up for another one.

 

I've always used a combo---usually 2 wool saddle blankets. Really haven't had much use for actual pads. I've tried neoprene and not really liked them (although it's the only one that keeps my Aussie in place). I've tried felt--hated it. Tried a Prof Choice, didn't work out for my horse at all, returned it.
Most recently, I decided to buy a Cutter Classic. Don't even remember what made me spend that kind of money on a pad---maybe the fact that I've ordered a new saddle and I felt like throwing more money around? haha, lol. Anyway, I love, love, love it. I've bought another one now too! My QH mare seems to just move out so much better--why didn't I do this years ago??

 

I like the wool felt pads. They are great for dispersing pressure, wicking moisture away, and keeping the horses' back cool. They are easy to clean, I use the short tooth side of a curry comb for weekly cleaning and wash with water and betadine twice a year, then hang to dry. I do also recommend one with a canvas top for longevity

 

5 Star pads and Impact Gel pads.

Love them both!

 

I have a 5 Star pad as well. They come in various thicknesses and sizes. Full wool. You can't really go wrong with something tried and simple.

 

I love Tod Slone saddle pads. I used one while working for a horse trader for 8 years. That pas was on 5-10 horses everyday for years and still looked brand spanking new when I left. It never got compressed or lost it's shape.

I've got one now for my personal horses and love it just as much. The only 'bad' thing I can say is when i'm starting horses under saddle I use a light blanket when I am getting a horse desensitized to being saddled as they've got some weight to them and when you're desensitizing a bunch of horses a day, it can start to feel a bit heavy.

 

5 Stars HANDS DOWN! They are the only ones I use now And I have noticed a difference since I started using them.

 

A question for those who have bought brand new 5-Star pads. Do they come as soft brand new as when they have been used for a while? (All of mine have come second-hand and they are flexible and soft.) I am just curious if there is a "breaking in" period on them or not?

The reason I ask is I bought a different brand of 100% wool saddle pad and it is a little stiffer than my 5-Stars. I don't know if this other pad is not as good or if they soften up as you use them? The one I bought is a Classic Equine. It should be good. It's just not as supple as I was expecting.