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10 Best Saddle Pad For High Withers 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Impact Gel 32" Contour Felt 1" Thick Black Saddle Pad

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,375
Wither Relief
Fit and Size

Most important from
54 reviews

Wither Relief
This pad was highly recommended and made a noticeable difference in my horse's comfort after recovering from a sore back.
Fit and Size
The pad fits perfectly and my horse loves it.

The Impact Gel 32" Contour Felt Saddle Pad is crafted for equine comfort and performance. Its standout feature is the 1-inch thickness that provides substantial padding and support, essential for high withers. The unique wool blend material promotes air circulation between the pad and the horse, improving comfort and reducing the likelihood of overheating. This aspect can be particularly beneficial during long rides or in warmer climates.

The pad's dimensions (32 inches wide and long) make it a versatile fit for both round and square-backed saddles. Its even pressure point distribution and flexibility ensure the horse remains comfortable, potentially preventing pressure sores and distributing the rider's weight more evenly. The pad is also handcrafted and sewn in the USA, which might appeal to buyers looking for domestically made products.

On the downside, at 8 pounds, this saddle pad is relatively heavy compared to some other options on the market, which might be a consideration for those looking to minimize tack weight. For riders with high-wither horses seeking a quality pad with good air circulation and pressure distribution, this product from Impact Gel could be a solid choice, though its weight and competitive market position should be taken into account.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,375
Wither Relief
Fit and Size

Most important from
54 reviews

Wither Relief
This pad was highly recommended and made a noticeable difference in my horse's comfort after recovering from a sore back.
Fit and Size
The pad fits perfectly and my horse loves it.
#2

Southwestern Equine OrthoRide Correction Saddle Pad 1" Made in USA (31 x 32, Natural Leathers)

Rating
9.7
Wither Relief
Padding and Support
Material

Most important from
315 reviews

Wither Relief
The saddle pad instantly transformed my horse's comfort and performance, making him move forward willingly without any balking.
Padding and Support
It corrected the saddle fit perfectly, leveling it out and eliminating any discomfort for my horse.
Material
Remarkably durable and easy to clean, this saddle pad maintains its quality and functionality even after many rides.
Fit and Size
The design ensures no slipping and provides a precise position with its cut-out area for the cinch, enhancing the overall riding experience.

The Southwestern Equine OrthoRide Correction Saddle Pad is a solid choice for anyone dealing with saddle fit issues, especially for high-withered horses. One of its major strengths is its design specifically aimed at providing wither relief, which is crucial if you have a horse that often experiences saddle rubs in that area. It’s also beneficial for young horses with less developed shoulder muscles, ensuring their comfort during rides.

The PORON-RXD material under the saddle bars is impressive, absorbing up to 90% of shock, which means it can help protect your horse during more intense activities like team roping and barrel racing. The padding and support offered by this saddle pad are commendable, giving additional comfort for both horse and rider. Made from natural leathers, it not only looks good but also ensures durability and longevity.

The custom fit feature is great as it means the pad can adapt to different saddle shapes and horse sizes, covering a wide range of needs. However, the 1-inch thickness might be a bit too thick for some users, potentially causing a tighter fit under certain saddles. Additionally, while it solves many saddle fit problems, it might not fully eliminate them in all cases, meaning some trial and error with saddle adjustments might still be necessary. Weighing in at just under 3 kilograms, it’s relatively manageable in terms of weight, although some might find it slightly heavy compared to other saddle pads. This product is a great fit for those looking to enhance their horse’s comfort and performance, particularly if they are dealing with high withers or underdeveloped shoulder muscles.

Rating
9.7
Wither Relief
Padding and Support
Material

Most important from
315 reviews

Wither Relief
The saddle pad instantly transformed my horse's comfort and performance, making him move forward willingly without any balking.
Padding and Support
It corrected the saddle fit perfectly, leveling it out and eliminating any discomfort for my horse.
Material
Remarkably durable and easy to clean, this saddle pad maintains its quality and functionality even after many rides.
Fit and Size
The design ensures no slipping and provides a precise position with its cut-out area for the cinch, enhancing the overall riding experience.
#3

Classic Equine BioFit Correction Saddle Pad 30" x 30"

Rating
9.1
Padding and Support

Most important from
26 reviews

Padding and Support
Enough padding to use only one saddle pad even for sway-backed horses.

The Classic Equine BioFit Correction Saddle Pad is designed to offer superior support for horses with high withers. One of its notable features is the wedge placement that helps fill void areas, providing extra support where it's needed most. The contoured design ensures a better fit against the horse’s back, which can help prevent pressure points and discomfort during rides.

Its construction with a felt bottom and a shock-absorbing wool felt center adds to its durability and comfort, making it suitable for strenuous riding activities. This saddle pad’s 30” x 30” size and one-size-fits-all approach can accommodate most horses, but it may not be perfect for those requiring more customized dimensions. Weighing 5 pounds, it strikes a balance between being substantial enough to offer support without being overly cumbersome.

The material used is felt, which is known for its breathability and moisture-wicking properties, keeping the horse comfortable during long rides. However, some users have noted that the pad could be a bit stiffer than expected, which might require a break-in period. Additionally, its black color might show dirt and sweat more easily, necessitating regular cleaning. The Classic Equine BioFit Correction Saddle Pad is a solid choice for high-wither horses in need of extra support and comfort, but it may require some consideration regarding its stiffness and maintenance needs.

Rating
9.1
Padding and Support

Most important from
26 reviews

Padding and Support
Enough padding to use only one saddle pad even for sway-backed horses.

Buying Guide for the Best Saddle Pad For High Withers

Choosing the right saddle pad for a horse with high withers is crucial for ensuring comfort and preventing injury. High withers can create pressure points and discomfort if the saddle pad does not provide adequate clearance and support. When selecting a saddle pad, consider the specific needs of your horse and the type of riding you do. Here are some key specifications to consider when choosing a saddle pad for high withers.
Wither ReliefWither relief refers to the design feature of the saddle pad that provides extra space and clearance around the withers. This is important because it helps to prevent pressure and rubbing on the sensitive wither area, which can cause discomfort and sores. Look for saddle pads with a contoured or cut-back design that offers ample clearance for high withers. If your horse has very prominent withers, a pad with a deep cut-back or high-rise design may be necessary to ensure proper fit and comfort.
Padding and SupportPadding and support are essential for distributing the rider's weight evenly and reducing pressure points. This is particularly important for horses with high withers, as they are more prone to pressure sores. Saddle pads come with various types of padding, such as foam, gel, or wool. Foam and gel pads offer good shock absorption and support, while wool pads provide natural cushioning and moisture-wicking properties. Choose a pad with sufficient padding to provide comfort and support without being too bulky.
MaterialThe material of the saddle pad affects its durability, breathability, and comfort. Common materials include cotton, wool, synthetic fabrics, and sheepskin. Cotton and wool are breathable and moisture-wicking, making them ideal for hot weather. Synthetic fabrics are often more durable and easier to clean. Sheepskin pads offer excellent cushioning and comfort but require more maintenance. Consider the climate and your horse's skin sensitivity when choosing the material of the saddle pad.
Fit and SizeThe fit and size of the saddle pad are crucial for ensuring it stays in place and provides adequate coverage. A pad that is too small may not offer enough protection, while a pad that is too large can shift and cause discomfort. Measure your saddle and your horse's back to determine the appropriate size. Ensure the pad extends slightly beyond the edges of the saddle to protect your horse's back from the saddle's edges. A well-fitting pad will stay in place during riding and provide consistent support.
ThicknessThe thickness of the saddle pad can affect the fit of the saddle and the level of cushioning provided. Thicker pads offer more cushioning and can help fill in gaps for a better saddle fit, but they can also raise the saddle higher, potentially affecting balance. Thinner pads provide less cushioning but allow for closer contact with the horse. Consider the fit of your saddle and the level of cushioning your horse needs when choosing the thickness of the pad. If your saddle fits well, a thinner pad may be sufficient, while a thicker pad may be needed for additional support.

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