|
|
Veteran
Posts: 107
| Okay, it is about time for a new pad, actually it's well past due. But there is so many conflicting opinions these days. My mare is a big ole' mutton withered gal, so I need something that won't roll. I've heard everyone say that 5 star is their go-to but there was one for sale in my local tack store and it seemed really flimsy which is not what I expected at all.
I also know a fellow horse woman that claims Diamond wool pads are just as good of quality as a 5 star. Yes? No? Or Best Ever pads are cheaper and similar to a 5 star as well. I actually do have a 1" Best Ever and it is alright, but it pinches my mare's shoulders and leaves dry spots right behind her shoulders... Plus it pills too. Should I go down to a 3/4" and use a liner or what?
I wanted to try a saddleright but $300 is a LOT of money, and for the life of me I cannot find a used one that is the right size for my saddle or isn't a crazy color like hot pink, etc.
So, 5 star, Best ever, Diamond wool, maybe saddleright....Any others? Thickness suggestions? And what pad liner should I get? BOT? |
|
| |
|
Go Get Em!
Posts: 13503
   
Location: OH. IO | I have NEVER seen a flimsy 5star.That is our go to for every horse:) |
|
| |
|
 Elite Veteran
Posts: 889
Location: on the fine line between insanity and geniusness | I HATE diamond wools. My brother rode cutting horses and swore by them, I bought one and hardly ever rode in it. It slides back on EVERYTHING. I am a best ever girl but have been wanting to try a 5 star. My best friend rides nothing but schneiders (?!) I think. She rides a pretty low withered stallion and has never had any problem with them rolling. With all of that being said, when I ran my old rodeo gelding whom was built like a barrel, an old school tod alone fit him better than anything else. They are great quality for the price and last FOREVER. |
|
| |
|
Married to a Louie Lover
Posts: 3303
| My husband won a Best Ever a few years ago - no where near as nice as 5 star IMO. It is very pilled now and compressed.
I have a number of 5 stars. I have a couple older ones that are "softer" if that makes sense, but still lots of protection. We also have newer ones that are a bit stiffer.
Thickness will make a big difference in your saddle fit. If your saddle fits well you could easily go with a 1/2" and have plenty of protection. On a more mutton withered horse I find the thinner the better.
Personally, I do not like CSI's on mutton withered horses, I've found them to roll. I didn't care for the saddleright I did find used, neither did my horse, but I know some swear by them. |
|
| |
|
The Advice Guru
Posts: 6419
| I understand what you are saying about the 5 star pads, When wells sold the 5 star name, the quality changed. I don't like that they are not smooth but have little wrinkles in the wool from the felting process.
If you want to go with an all wool, Tod Sloan pads are felted in the same plant as 5 star so are the ed Wright ones.
CSI pads are my go to, but for a mutton horse, chances it will roll unless you go with a merino liner and those are 250 just for the liner (I do love mine though.)
Saddle right pads are reall nice and do carry a warranty, I didn't like them as I found they were too rigid and rubbed my horses loins. To prevent rolling most treeless people use these.
Diamond wool are one of the bottom of the barrel pads for quality, if you see needle marks or the edges sewn rule of thumb not complete wool.
Wade pads I like that they are conformed to the horses back, the 5 star quit doing this so the 5 star have more of a tendency to push on the withers where as the wade will not. The csi also will not put pressure on the wither. Saddle right how they are built won't do this either |
|
| |
|
Veteran
Posts: 107
| OhMax - 2017-06-02 8:31 PM
My husband won a Best Ever a few years ago - no where near as nice as 5 star IMO. It is very pilled now and compressed.
I have a number of 5 stars. I have a couple older ones that are "softer" if that makes sense, but still lots of protection. We also have newer ones that are a bit stiffer.
Thickness will make a big difference in your saddle fit. If your saddle fits well you could easily go with a 1/2" and have plenty of protection. On a more mutton withered horse I find the thinner the better.
Personally, I do not like CSI's on mutton withered horses, I've found them to roll. I didn't care for the saddleright I did find used, neither did my horse, but I know some swear by them.
My 3/4" classic equine zone pad is well worn and I used it with every ride/saddle and it is pilled and very worn down. I can also notice that it is compressed at the shoulder area because it doesn't "hold up" to the pressure of my saddle. The Best ever I have is 1", so a lot thicker and just leaves some dry spots because it is tight there. I have heard the 5 Star does not compress - so I'm thinking 3/4" will be just fine for her? Thoughts? Saddle fit is good, not great/perfect by any means! I just want to get the right one  |
|
| |
|
Veteran
Posts: 107
| Ashley Lynn - 2017-06-02 7:42 PM
I HATE diamond wools. My brother rode cutting horses and swore by them, I bought one and hardly ever rode in it. It slides back on EVERYTHING. I am a best ever girl but have been wanting to try a 5 star. My best friend rides nothing but schneiders (?!) I think. She rides a pretty low withered stallion and has never had any problem with them rolling. With all of that being said, when I ran my old rodeo gelding whom was built like a barrel, an old school tod alone fit him better than anything else. They are great quality for the price and last FOREVER.
Good to know, never heard anyone rave about Diamond wool pads besides that one person! I'll take a look at the Tod Slone pads!  |
|
| |
|
Veteran
Posts: 107
| cheryl makofka - 2017-06-02 10:06 PM
I understand what you are saying about the 5 star pads, When wells sold the 5 star name, the quality changed. I don't like that they are not smooth but have little wrinkles in the wool from the felting process.
If you want to go with an all wool, Tod Sloan pads are felted in the same plant as 5 star so are the ed Wright ones.
CSI pads are my go to, but for a mutton horse, chances it will roll unless you go with a merino liner and those are 250 just for the liner (I do love mine though.)
Saddle right pads are reall nice and do carry a warranty, I didn't like them as I found they were too rigid and rubbed my horses loins. To prevent rolling most treeless people use these.
Diamond wool are one of the bottom of the barrel pads for quality, if you see needle marks or the edges sewn rule of thumb not complete wool.
Wade pads I like that they are conformed to the horses back, the 5 star quit doing this so the 5 star have more of a tendency to push on the withers where as the wade will not. The csi also will not put pressure on the wither. Saddle right how they are built won't do this either
Ooooo, my horse has a very short back so saddleright would probably rub...That's what has stopped me from getting one is hearing that they can be pretty rigid and don't conform well. Either people love them or absolutely hate them and the extreme opposite feelings towards the pad concerns me. |
|
| |
|
 Expert
Posts: 2258
| We have 5 star and saddlerights I use them on different horses and like them both. If you call saddle right they may have a used one in. I bought one they had not recovered yet it was in good shape just faded. I think I paid $90. My horse are all very short backed never had a problem with rubbing I do use the round pad and not a square.
Edited by cutnrunqhmt 2017-06-03 12:20 AM
|
|
| |
|
Veteran
Posts: 107
| cutnrunqhmt - 2017-06-03 12:18 AM
We have 5 star and saddlerights I use them on different horses and like them both. If you call saddle right they may have a used one in. I bought one they had not recovered yet it was in good shape just faded. I think I paid $90. My horse are all very short backed never had a problem with rubbing I do use the round pad and not a square.
Yeah it looks like I'm getting a used SaddleRight. Really hoping it works out and impresses me!  |
|
| |
Advice and Opinions needed- lots to discuss...