There was a time when all you had to know when choosing a saddle pad was if your saddle was English or Western, and then decide on the color. Saddle pads have evolved in recent years as new ideas and materials have become available. Manufacturers have brought the humble saddle pad into the arena of high-tech, with more cushion, better absorption, breathable, durable and washable. Customers want all of that in an attractive pad, whether they ride English or Western.

Purpose is the first consideration in choosing a saddle pad. It may only serve to protect the saddle from sweat. But, a well-designed pad can also improve the saddle's fit, keep the horse cool, and give the rider a more comfortable ride.

Materials used to design a saddle pad fall into two main categories: natural and synthetic. Natural materials include cotton, sheepskin, and wool. These pads still are favorites with many riders. The sheepskin pad is tough, lightweight, comfortable and washable, but more expensive than the cotton or wool pad. Cotton pads are low cost and easy to clean. They are popular for schooling. Unless additional padding is added the cotton pad does little more than protect the saddle from sweat. Saddle pads come in a variety of colors and patterns. Woven or felt pads are tough, absorbent, and can be dyed in an array of colors and patterns.

Youngsters and the young at heart like colorful, novelty pads for schooling. They seem to favor the large, square pads and love to match up the color of the pad with splint boots or their helmet covers. All kinds of snazzy pads are on the market, including colorful glitter pads, pastels, cartoon character prints, and zebra patterns.

Western riders can choose a100-percent wool 32 x 64 blanket for a double fold thickness. Wool breaths well, wicks sweat away from the horse's body, and does not over heat the horse's back, plus it is very durable. On the down side wool is hard to clean so is usually reserved for special occasions. There are synthetic and blended fiber pads that are ideal for every day riding because they act much like wool but are easier to clean. No matter which blanket one prefers, keeping it clean is the key to keeping it performing as it should.

The Dixie Midnight No Sweat Saddle Pad is used under a regular pad. It is designed to draw sweat away from the horse's back, not only keeping the horse comfortable, but also keeping the regular saddle pad clean and dry. These pads were first marketed to cattle ranchers who spent long days in the saddle.

The No Sweat is made of interlocking large diameter polymetric fibers that wick away sweat from the horse. It is heat sensitive, so that the warmer it gets the softer it gets, making it very comfortable for the horse. Cleaning is a snap-just hose the pad off after use.

Tacky Tack Pads are constructed of ventilated, shock absorbing, soft, durable USDA-approved foam. The pads are made so not to slip or creep and are machine washable. They come in English and Western styles.

Thinline pads are easy to clean, lightweight, and do not slip. The Thinline is made of open cell foam, a material that does not compress and is very durable. They manufacture both English and Western styles. In addition, they make a style that is sheepskin lined for extra cushion. The Thinline is very easily cleaned either by sponging it off or machine washing.

Natural materials and traditional styles have not been completely replaced by new technology, but the new materials give riders more choices than ever before.