The Ultimate Guide to Western Saddle Pads: Wool vs. Synthetic & Finding the Perfect Fit

They say "no hoof, no horse," but at 5H Western, we reckon "no back, no horse" is just as fitting.

As Australian riders, we ask a lot of our equine partners. Whether you are turning cans at a rodeo, pushing cattle in the scrub, or competing at the highest level, the interface between your saddle and your horse's back is where comfort meets performance.

One of the most common questions we get asked is: "Which saddle pad do I actually need?"

It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the options. You’ve got steam-pressed felt, synthetic fleece, gel inserts, and varying thicknesses from half-inch to one-inch. But here is the reality: choosing the wrong pad doesn't just waste your money—it can cause dry spots, white hairs, and even long-term soundness issues for your horse.

In this guide, we are stripping back the marketing fluff to give you the honest facts on saddle pad materials, thickness, and fit, so you can ride with confidence knowing your horse is comfortable.

Material Matters: Wool vs. Synthetic Fleece

When you browse the aisles of a tack shop or scroll online, you’ll generally see two main contenders: Wool and Synthetic (often fleece or neoprene). While synthetic pads have their place—usually due to a lower price point or "easy clean" features—they often struggle in one critical area: heat removal.

Why 100% Wool is the Gold Standard

If you look at the gear used by top professionals—from a Cutting Futurity Champion to a Gold Cup campdrafter—you will almost always see a high-quality wool pad, like the SPH Performance range we stock here at 5H Western.

Why? Because wool is a natural fiber with a hollow structure. This allows it to:

1. Wick Sweat: Wool pulls moisture away from the horse’s skin and releases it into the air. This keeps the back cooler during those scorching Australian summers.

2. Shock Absorption: Dense wool felt has an incredible compression rating. It absorbs the shock of your weight and the saddle’s movement without "bottoming out" like cheap foam does.

3. Grip: High-quality wool conforms to the horse's back, preventing the saddle from rolling or slipping without the need to over-tighten your cinch.

When to Use Synthetic

Synthetic pads are often cheaper and can be easier to wash (some you can just hose off like Neoprene). If you are only riding for short periods of time, a synthetic fleece or Neoprene pad can work. However, be aware that they trap heat. If you are riding hard in hot and humid conditions for long periods of time, a synthetic pad can act like an oven mitt on your horse's back.

Choosing the Correct Thickness

Many riders make the mistake of thinking "thicker is always better." This isn't true. Adding too much padding under a well-fitting saddle is like wearing thick wool socks with tight dress shoes—it just creates pressure points.

Here is a quick guide to standard thicknesses:

• 1/2 Inch: Best for under show day blankets or for horses with a very well-fitting saddle that requires little padding out.

• 3/4 Inch (The Standard): This is the most versatile thickness. It offers great protection for all disciplines without altering your saddle fit too much and can still facilitate the use of a show blanket over the top.

• 7/8 Inch to 1 Inch: Designed for long days in the saddle, heavier riders, or to provide additional support to the saddle. These pads are common for trainers to use with young stock as their bodies are constantly changing.

Note: No pad can fix a saddle that fundamentally doesn't fit. If your saddle is bridging or pinching, a thick pad is just a band-aid.

Pad Shapes and Sizes Explained

Just like saddles, pads aren't "one size fits all."

• Square Skirt: The traditional look. These offer maximum coverage andlook great with square skirted saddles.

• Round Skirt: These have rounded corners to fit shorter-backed horses or round-skirt saddles.

• Wither Relief: This is non-negotiable. Always look for a pad that has an open shaped wither, this eliminates the downward pressure on the wither and helps to free up the shoulders. Beware of pads that have a strap over the front and clever marketing, these pads still push down on the wither! Every pad in the SPH Performance pad range feature Total Wither Relief to relieve wither pressure.

• Leg Cutout: This feature provides excellent feel for the rider, is great for those with shorter legs and even better for kids.

  
  

Care Tips: Making Your Pad Last

A good wool pad is an investment. If you treat it right, it can last for years.

1. Brush it: After every ride, use a stiff brush or a cleaning pad to remove hair and dirt from the underside. This keeps the wool soft and prevents hard spots from forming.

2. Air it out: Never leave a sweaty pad under a saddle.

3. Wash rarely: Wool cleans itself to a degree. You only need to wash it when it feels hard or heavy with sweat. Use cold water and a wool-safe cleaner—never harsh detergents or pressure washers. Do not soak, aim to wash the first couple of millimeters of underside only.

   
   

Conclusion

Your saddle pad is one of the most important tools in your tack room. By choosing high-quality wool and the correct fit, you are investing in your horse's soundness, comfort and performance.

Is your current pad doing your horse justice? Don’t guess when it comes to your horse’s back. Check out our full collection of Western Saddle Pads to find the perfect fit, or contact us if you need help measuring up.