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[NoBite]

I've been riding in a Steele saddle for a couple of years now and I love it. So comfortable and secure. I've been using their saddle pad and recently have been looking for an alternative pad. I just don't like the support their pad gives. I'm leaning toward a 3/4" wool felt pad, but am looking for experiences from other Steele saddle riders.


I have no idea if anyone here rides in a Steele saddle! If you do, what pad works for you?

[stablemind]

I'm not a Steele saddle rider, at least not currently, but I recommend a good wool felt pad for any saddle.

[NoBite]

I'm not a Steele saddle rider, at least not currently, but I recommend a good wool felt pad for any saddle.

Can you recommend a brand that is good, but won’t break the bank?

[KysaSD]

I use a barrel style air ride pad from Professional’s Choice with the felt bottom under my Crest Ridge Sinclair.  I like it a lot, lightweight, easy to clean.  In my climate it will be dry in 24 hours or less.

But a good 100% wool pad is a good recommendation as well.

[ponymare]

I don't  have a Steele saddle but I have been pleased with this Rancher - wool felt backed pad. And it's only around $90 I think. I like bright solid colors!

https://www.diamondwoolpads.com/collections/work-pads/products/the-rancher-ranch-pads-32-x-32?variant=7545448988723

My husband has a nice Equi Pedic with memory foam inserts and extra shims you can insert that mold to the shape of the saddle and horse but they are a little pricey. You might could find a used one for around $100-125 but new ones cost around $200.

[stablemind]

This is the brand I have most recently bought. I don't know who makes them for Stagecoach West, but they are dense and very good quality. https://www.stagecoachwest.com/western/pads/wool-felt-pads.html?___SID=U

[KysaSD]

Made by Triple E....but yes, those are nice pads.

[NoBite]

This is the brand I have most recently bought. I don't know who makes them for Stagecoach West, but they are dense and very good quality. https://www.stagecoachwest.com/western/pads/wool-felt-pads.html?___SID=U

Thank you for the link! Those do look really nice!

[stablemind]

Triple E, of course. That company makes a lot of the items sold under the Bar J brand.

[NoBite]

This is the brand I have most recently bought. I don't know who makes them for Stagecoach West, but they are dense and very good quality. https://www.stagecoachwest.com/western/pads/wool-felt-pads.html?___SID=U

I have never had a pad with a cut out, but this sure looks like something that would fit the bill. Any experience with such a pad?


Bar J Contoured Cut Out

[Walkin45]

I have a diamond wool
For sale. Pretty sure that’s what it is. Green

[Cassidy]

I have a steele saddle and their new pads are supposed to be better. That said I use a Saddleright pad and have used the same pad for best guess 12-15 years and it still looks like new. People think they are stiff but once on it just conforms to the horse without any problems. I've used this same pad on Crest ridge, Steel and I forget the name now but the one with flexible panels that was so popular about 10 years ago. Yes, they are expensive but you can look for used. I think they are worth the price as one lasts forever. Also my horses never had a dry spot or issues with this pad. I'm with you and don't use the Steele pad. I  also had a 5 star and that was good too but I like Saddleright better. My hubby uses 5-star but he only rides Crest ridge.

[NoBite]

I have a steele saddle and their new pads are supposed to be better. That said I use a Saddleright pad and have used the same pad for best guess 12-15 years and it still looks like new. People think they are stiff but once on it just conforms to the horse without any problems. I've used this same pad on Crest ridge, Steel and I forget the name now but the one with flexible panels that was so popular about 10 years ago. Yes, they are expensive but you can look for used. I think they are worth the price as one lasts forever. Also my horses never had a dry spot or issues with this pad. I'm with you and don't use the Steele pad. I  also had a 5 star and that was good too but I like Saddleright better. My hubby uses 5-star but he only rides Crest ridge.

Thanks, Cassidy! This is going to shock you, but we sold two Saddleright pads about 15 years ago! We used them with our QH's and then when we moved to gaited horses and got different saddles, we no longer used them. 


So, I ended up buying a 3/4" wool pad from Stagecoach West. I should receive it Monday. I will reply here with how it works out. Thanks to everyone for feedback!!