Western Saddle Blankets

Purchasing a Western saddle pad, is not as simple as just perusing a glossy horse supply and tack catalog, and deciding on one listed there. You will find that there are so many listings that you are likely to get confused. Each saddle pad is of unique cut, material type and function. The individual blurbs, on each page do not help much. The one thing that will stand out is the cost – high!

Like all horse owners, you must be on a tight budget with daily bills to pay, feed bills, veterinarian's bill, board bills, lesson bills, and a host of other bills. Under the circumstances, you may be tempted to opt for the cheapest of the lot. No one can blame you. On the other hand, consider this – where tack is concerned, cheaper does not equal to better. Inexpensive saddle blankets are usually so thin, that they neither provide adequate cushioning, nor are they able to stay in shape. They tend to bunch up and cause saddle sores. They tend to slide off when riding, particularly if the horse is built like a barrel.

There is however an advantage in choosing inexpensive blankets - they are washing machine compatible. The disadvantage however is that they do not last for more than a few washes. The only time these are useful is when you are first saddling a young horse. If cost is a major factor, do consider looking at the clearance sections of the catalog and tack stores. It is often the case, that you get a good bargain, when you are not really looking for one.

The next important factor to be kept in mind when you are shopping for a Western saddle blanket is the kind of saddle that you use. All Western saddles are not designed the same. Each saddle type is shaped to fit a specific breed. For instance, Arabians and Quarter Horses require different shapes of saddles. The purpose is also important - a racing saddle will be completely different from one used on a roper. The critical factor is that when the saddle pad is put on the horse, no part of the bottom of the saddle should touch the back of the horse.

The shape of the body of your horse is the next thing to be kept in mind. If your horse is shaped like a barrel, and its withers are conspicuous by their absence, (this is typical of ponies), you will need a saddle pad, that will not slip off easily from its position. If on the other hand, your horse has prominent withers, you will need a pad that will give extra protection and padding in the front. If you tend to favor one side, when astride, you will need a non-slip saddle blanket. A swaybacked horse will need a saddle pad that will provide extra protection everywhere. You will also need a saddle pad that is thick enough so that your saddle will sit above the withers and hips of the horse.

Western saddle pads are too stiff and cumbersome to be washed in a washing machine. If you however succeed, in coaxing them into one, you will find that it takes forever for them to dry out completely. They will also lose their initial appearance. Most Western riders keep their saddle pads clean by placing an inexpensive Navajo rug under the thick fluffy Western Blanket.

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