Did you know that most horses can comfortably carry about 20% of their body weight? Keep in mind this number includes you and your saddle. Knowing this can help us as horsemen make smart decisions to keep our horses healthy and comfortable for many rides to come. 

There’s no shortage of saddle pads on the market, and plenty of claims about what they can do. But have you ever wondered what truly makes one pad better than another? And why does it matter so much?

Our team at Classic Equine has spent over two decades tuning in, listening, and producing revolutionary saddle pads that solve problems. Working alongside veterinarians, professional riders, and everyday horsemen, we take pride in helping you protect your horse. Our team is made up of horsemen and women who know firsthand how vital a properly designed pad is to a horse’s comfort, performance, and long-term happiness. 

From using high grade impact resistant materials found in sports protective gear to the finest raw materials, our team takes no shortcuts. 

As Classic Equine’s Production Manager, Shane White says, “We’re constantly improving. Whether it's adding contour designs for a better fit or using moisture-wicking technology, Classic Equine is never satisfied with 'good enough.' That’s the production mindset here.”

What’s at Stake?

A high-quality saddle pad does more than fill the space between your horse and the saddle—it plays three essential roles:

1. Help distribute weight from the withers to the loin
2. Mitigate and dissipate the rider’s percussion 
3. Protect and support the horse’s back

Unfortunately, many people do not understand that without the right pad, your horse can suffer from a range of issues, such as:

• Sore-backed horses becoming irritable, dreading being caught and saddled
• Galling, rubbing raw sores
• Expensive chiropractic and bodywork sessions trying to fix damage
• Muscle atrophy 

Prioritize Proper Fit and Regular Pad Replacement

• Poor saddle fit is the #1 culprit. If the saddle doesn’t fit, no saddle pad can completely fix the issue. Always begin by ensuring your saddle provides flat, even coverage across your horse’s back. Better yet—consult someone who knows how to fit a horse properly. Most reputable top saddle brands provide guidance on saddle fit. Keep in mind that a saddle pad is designed to complement a saddle that already fits well and cannot completely correct an ill-fitting one. 
• It's getting old, but it’s good enough. Squeezing out “a few more rides” from an already worn-out saddle pad can be detrimental to your horse. As pads age, they can wear unevenly depending on the amount of pressure applied under the saddle and its location. This can lead to painful soreness, after just one ride. Throw out those old pads and replace them for your horse’s sake. 

Pads wear out first in the areas the rides just towards the front and center of the pad panels on both sides.

• Using a pad that’s too thick. Contrary to age-old beliefs, using a thick pad to “fix” a tight-fitting saddle can only make things worse. 
  
  Think about it this way: Do you own a pair of boots or sneakers that fit pretty good, or maybe supportively snug? What if you added two thick athletic socks to those same pair of shoes? Ouch! The same applies to your horse’s back when you use a pad that’s too thick. It becomes extremely tight and amplifies existing pressure in the wrong places. 

Picking the Right Pad 

At Classic Equine, our commitment to the horse means creating saddle pads that meet the specific needs of every individual situation. Our team put together a general guide for those looking to up their pad game. 

Please note: These are general recommendations based on riding level and horse needs. No pad is strictly limited to one category; this is simply a broad overview to help guide your selection.

Elite Equine Athletes 
 

Hailey Kinsel, 4X World Champion Barrel Racer

Try: Zone™ Pad or ESP™ Pad

Why:

The Zone™ Series pad line is Classic Equine’s most revolutionary design. This high-tech pad is made with Zoombang® Technology—the same impact-dispersing material used in football helmets and military tactical gear. The individual capsules are soft and flex to allow your horse freedom of movement, but firm up instantly when the pressure hits and absorb the impact. The Zone™ saddle pads are durable and very long lasting. Choose from a wide range of thicknesses, sizes and designs for the perfect match. Padded with orthopedic grade felt, this pad provides the ultimate protection. Price ranges from $299.99 to $459.99. 

The Zone™ Series Pad is the only saddle pad that features a polymer protective material that changes its properties on impact to offer your horse the most comfortable fit while ensuring his protection, no matter how hard you ride. 

The ESP™ (“Extra Sensory Protection”) pad line utilizes a special open-cell foam that is breathable, lightweight, yet extremely dense and highly shock-absorbing. It provides a high level of protection with its self-adjusting profile to help conform to your equine athlete’s back. The orthopedic grade felt bottom soaks up moisture and provides incredible support. This pad is also available in a wide range of thicknesses, sizes, and designs. Price ranges from $319.99 to $359.99. 

Horse Trainers Who Ride All Day

Try: SensorFlex® or Performance Trainer

Why:

The SensorFlex® pad line is designed to absorb shock and mold to your horse’s back for a custom, contoured fit. These pads are lined with 100% merino fleece, which helps wick away sweat. Horses greatly appreciate the benefits of a fleece liner! Price ranges from $99.99 to $269.99.   

The Performance Trainer pad is popular amongst horse trainers and horsemen of all disciplines. This pad is designed with added breakover lines to help mold the pad to your horse’s back. It is also lined with 100% merino fleece, and the heavy-duty canvas top makes it highly durable, so it lasts a long time. Price ranges from $99.99 to $109.99. 

Competitive Weekend Warriors and Everyday Exercisers

Try: 100% Wool Felt or Alpaca Felt Pads

Why:

The 100% Wool Felt pads are a great choice for those who prefer a natural feel for their horse. Classic Equine’s 100% Wool Felt pad is “pressed” for better compression resistance and a much longer life. It has a superior ability to disperse pressure, wick away sweat, and diffuse heat. Pressed felt is also less susceptible to premature breakdown. This pad is contour cut unlike any other on the market and has an option for a fleece bottom. Price ranges from $219.99 to $459.99. 

Take a closer look at the shape and cut of Classic Equine pads. 

The Alpaca Felt pad shares the same contour cut, sizing, and thickness options as the 100% Wool Felt pad but with a few key differences. Alpaca fiber is exceptionally soft to the touch and has a rich, natural brown tone. These pads are made with “needle-punched” felt, which makes them more affordable at checkout—but they’re not as long-lasting as the denser, more durable “pressed” felt. Price ranges from $219.99 to $269.99.

Recreational Rider

Try: Classic Wool Top

Why:
Available in a multitude of wool banket tops with vibrant color combinations. The orthopedic grade felt bottom soaks up moisture, conforms to your horse’s back. This universal pad comes in a 1” thickness, and in two different sizes. Price ranges from $149.99 to $159.99. 

Getting the Most Out of Your Classic Equine Pad

Taking care of things makes them last longer, and that includes your saddle pad. With a little routine maintenance, you can keep your Classic Equine pad in great shape for many rides to come. When it is time to clean your saddle pad, we recommend using a gentle horse shampoo or cleanser, your fingertips and water. Circular motions will remove sweat and hair build up but not damage the felt or fleece.  Be sure to hang it over a fence to let the water run out evenly. Use only after your pad is completely dry.

Classic Equine 100% Wool Felt Saddle Pads are made by hand at our shop in Granbury, Texas.

The Zone Series Pad Line is now available in Micro Suede. The same great look of Suede, but at a lower cost. 

Classic Equine constantly strives to create new products and improve on the ones we already have. As time passes and technology advances, we are always finding new ways to help you achieve your goals. We appreciate feedback from our consumers. As horse lovers, we understand how much value an equine partner has, and we want to do everything we can to protect your four-legged teammates. We hope Classic Equine is a name you can trust for every equine-related need, and we are proud to offer what we trust on our own horses. 

Classic Equine saddle pads are available for purchase through authorized dealers. To find a dealer near you, head over to classicequine.com/Dealers/Search.

Paden Bray, NFR Average Champion, 3X NFR Qualifier