[*Aftica*]

In the last two months I have thrown out 3 saddle pads.Due to the foam / padding inside scrunching up ,or the pad itself conform to the shape of the saddle.

I am now down to 5 pads and don't know if I should start replacing with more cheap pads or wait until im down to two and make my own.

How often do you discard saddle pads? or do you buy the expensive ones and not have any problems?

[pinevalley]

You tend to get what you pay for. I pay attention to the brands and check reviews online and see if there have been problems reported before I try a new brand.

I personally only purchase pads and blankets which are only natural materials. Foam breaks down from heat and moisture, which to me doesn't go with anything horse related

[AllAroundRdr]

What type/brand of pads are you buying currently that you're having problems with?

[Huntseat]

I have had the same two fitted show pads for the past 6 years. One was a cheap, no-name, and the other was Dover I think. The cheap one was never great to start with, but hasn't broken down or anything like that, and the nicer one is still going strong. I have several schooling pads that are still going strong with minimal signs of wear and tear after several years worth of heavy use.

[iridehorses]

I have Classic EXP pad that has over 250 hours under my saddle and it's still like new. It was expensive but will last for years making it much more cost effective then several cheap ones plus it makes my horses happier.

[Dawn]

I use a schooling pad that I bought extremely used 4 years ago. While the edges are very ratty and frayed, there's nothing functionally wrong with it.

I have an Old Mac half pad that I've had for over 4 years that is still going strong. I use it every ride.

I have a schooling pad that I just bought because I liked the color. I'm sure it will go strong for at least several years.

I have several other half pads that I rarely use. Most were bought used and are in excellent shape.

[DiamondRio]

I can honestly say that i have never thrown out a saddle pad. I am a collector and have around 20 but most of them are the nicer quality $20 and above pads. I have found that they hold togather nicely and have never had bunching problems or anything like that.
I am also a fan of the baby pads because they are easy to wash and are not taht expensive so i dont feel bad buying a lot of them and using them more often.
Other than that i really just have lots of pads that i rotate around depending on what boots i have on my horse or what half pad i decide to use that day.

AFter thinking about it, i think i have never discarded a saddle pad because i tend to buy and sell a lot of them pretty often. My first saddle pad ever though that i got when i was 7 is still here. My mom made it for me and it has all sorts of zoo animals on it. (its too embarassing to ride in these days)

[Lindsayanne]

Originally Posted by pinevalley

You tend to get what you pay for. I pay attention to the brands and check reviews online and see if there have been problems reported before I try a new brand.

Yep. We move a lot of saddle pads and I test a lot of saddle pads. Basically if you are using cheap pads (under $15) you can count on replacing them about every 3 months of regular riding, more often if you are a 5x a week rider. Some people like that, because then their pads always look new.

For a longer lasting "normal" pad, try the High Point saddle pads or another higher end brand that is made using punched/stitched wool felt padding instead of poly/cotton batting or foam.

Most of the foam pads hold up very well, but don't look traditional. Mattes and Fleeceworks do okay, but I'm a bigger fan of wool felt.

[Nevada_Silk]

I've had 2 SMX pads for 8 years and a Classic Equine wool pad for 8 years. All are still in wonderful shape and have a lot of years left!

[*Aftica*]

Thanks everyone.I now know not to buy cheap items lol .