True Partners Always Have Your Back

 Rodeo horses are not an inexpensive investment. Their skills are highly valued and their companionship priceless.

 Like any good investment, they need to be protected. While this comes in various forms, protecting a horse's back is one task that has daily significance and lasting consequences.

 A horse’s back absorbs impact with every movement from the rider. Added to that are the weight of the rider, the weight of the saddle, and the potential strain of things like a dallied steer or a roped calf.

 A saddle pad or saddle blanket makes a huge difference in protecting the horse's back from these burdens when properly selected.

 So what do you look for in a saddle pad or blanket?

While some of this depends on the activities you’ll be participating in and your horse's specific anatomical needs, there are some general factors to consider. First, let’s break down the difference between saddle pads and saddle blankets. A saddle pad can often be used as a stand-alone piece of equipment under the saddle, whereas a saddle blanket is commonly paired with a saddle pad and doesn’t provide enough padding to be used as the only item under the saddle. In addition, saddle blankets are normally woven in the same way you might imagine a traditional blanket to be.

 But when it comes to browsing pads, there are some questions to consider. What is the pad made of? How does this material perform in various temperatures? Will it trap heat, provide cooling, or absorb sweat? Does it have qualities that lead to greater impact absorption? How thick is it? Will that thickness be sufficient on its own, or do I need to pair it with a saddle blanket? Will it fit the size of my saddle and my horse’s back? All of these questions can guide you toward making the best choice for your horse’s comfort.

 Popular choices of pads in the rodeo world include those made of fleece, wool, gel, neoprene, or orthopedic foam. Many brands have special combinations of these materials that are part of their trademark and offer unique qualities and longevity. While you want enough thickness to provide adequate protection, adding too much padding can cause the opposite problem, leading to an ill-fitted saddle fit and saddle sores. A range of ¾-1 ¼ inches is considered preferable for padding, with a 1-inch pad or 1-inch total pad and blanket combo being very common in rodeo events.

  Within this range, there are endless options and combinations to choose from. For example, a horse that has high withers will benefit from a contour cut pad, whereas a horse with normal or low withers will thrive in a normal or straight cut pad. A senior horse or one with sensitive withers may even thrive in a pad with the withers cut out.

 When it comes to combinations, many individuals use a saddle blanket as a liner to protect the underside of their pad and be the first point of contact for sweat absorption. Others, particularly in show rings, will place a blanket over a thin pad for visual appeal.

The good news is that there aren’t many wrong ways to approach using saddle pads and blankets–it’s all about finding the best fit for your horse that keeps them comfortable.