SmartPak Ratings and Reviews

Customer Reviews for Contender II Saddle Pad

Contender II Saddle Pad

Top Manufacturers Join to Develop the ?Ultimate Saddle Pad?
Average Customer Rating:
4.615 out of 5
4.6
 out of 
5
(26 Reviews) 24
Open Ratings Snapshot
Rating breakdown 26 reviews
5 Stars
19
4 Stars
5
3 Stars
1
2 Stars
1
1 Star
0
25 of 26(96%)of customers would recommend this product to a friend.
Customer Reviews for Contender II Saddle Pad
Review 1 for Contender II Saddle Pad
Overall Rating:
2 of 5
2 of 5

Liked at first BUT impossible to get clean!

May 24, 2013
ByDogbluehorse
fromHarvard MA
I have used this product for:1-2 years
Expertise:Expert
Riding Style:Hunter/Jumper
Competitor:Rated
Quality:
4 of 5
4 of 5
Value:
3 of 5
3 of 5
Durability:
2 of 5
2 of 5
"Hi,
Bought for a horse with back problems. I like that the pad stays in place, and horse seems fine with it. BUT it is impossible to clean. It's really big and the thinline pad part is really stiff, so if you put it in a pretty big washing machine (the top loader type), it doesn't agitate properly and is really hard to clean. Then eventually somehow the washing machine sliced through the thinline pad part, so I guess now it's trashed. Am thinking to rather buy separate back on track pad with separate thin-line pad, hopefully easier to clean.
"
Review 2 for Contender II Saddle Pad
Overall Rating:
5 of 5
5 of 5

Great Pad

April 22, 2013
Byrhreqn
fromIllinois
I have used this product for:less than a month
Expertise:Intermediate
Riding Style:Hunter/Jumper
Competitor:Rated
Quality:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Value:
4 of 5
4 of 5
"Just received my AP pad - Love It and my horse loves it even more. Have been a big fan of Back on Track products - this is a great combo. Even better it FIT my County jumping saddle just perfect!!"
Review 3 for Contender II Saddle Pad
Overall Rating:
5 of 5
5 of 5

Quality

March 22, 2013
ByPickels
fromExeter, NH
I have used this product for:less than a month
Expertise:Intermediate
Riding Style:Dressage
Competitor:Rated
Quality:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Value:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Durability:
5 of 5
5 of 5
"Back on Track has our horses best interest in mind as obvious from using this product. It works!"
Review 4 for Contender II Saddle Pad
Overall Rating:
3 of 5
3 of 5

Nice Pad

March 21, 2013
ByMeals
fromColchester, VT
I have used this product for:1-3 months
Expertise:Intermediate
Riding Style:Dressage
Competitor:Rated
Quality:
3 of 5
3 of 5
Value:
2 of 5
2 of 5
Durability:
2 of 5
2 of 5
"Well I do like how the pad fits under the saddle, and how easy it is to have the shims go right into the pad. It also washed really well! The only issue I have with it is some of the stitching where the billets of the saddle lie have come undone, and I have only had the pad a month. Luckily my mother is a seamstress and will fix it for me but otherwise I would have to get it repaired already."
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Review 5 for Contender II Saddle Pad
Overall Rating:
5 of 5
5 of 5

I love this pad!

February 2, 2013
Bybeaulah
fromCalifornia
I have used this product for:1-3 months
Expertise:Intermediate
Riding Style:Dressage
Competitor:Local/Open
Quality:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Value:
4 of 5
4 of 5
"I have a 17.1h warmblood with high withers. For years I have used a shearling half pad to protect his withers but have always struggled to get the two pads perfectly aligned. This pad does it all. It ensures that the saddle is off his withers (using the additional shims) and is very well made and handsome. Not to mention the Back on Track therapeautic qualities, which I strongly believe in."
Review 6 for Contender II Saddle Pad
Overall Rating:
4 of 5
4 of 5

Warms up my horses back while grooming

November 8, 2012
ByQEDsMom
fromCT
I have used this product for:1-3 months
Expertise:Intermediate
Riding Style:Leisure/Trail Riding - English
Competitor:Non-competitor
Quality:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Value:
3 of 5
3 of 5
Durability:
5 of 5
5 of 5
"I do notice a difference in how quickly my older horse warms up with this pad so I am glad I purchased. I think I recommend that basic pad without the thinline pad because I'm not sure that addition is really worth the extra cost. The cost is why I only gave it 4 stars."
Review 7 for Contender II Saddle Pad
Overall Rating:
4 of 5
4 of 5

Horse seems to warm up more quickly

October 18, 2012
ByQEDsMom
fromCT
I have used this product for:less than a month
Expertise:Intermediate
Riding Style:Leisure/Trail Riding - English
Quality:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Value:
3 of 5
3 of 5
Durability:
5 of 5
5 of 5
"I recently decided to make the rather large investment in this saddle pad on the recommendation of a trainer. While I can't say the results are very noticeable, I do think he warms up quicker and moves out better. I also really like the idea that you can purchase optional shims to slightly adjust the saddle fit."
Review 8 for Contender II Saddle Pad
Overall Rating:
5 of 5
5 of 5

Nice product

October 8, 2012
Bylesliekr
I have used this product for:6-12 months
Expertise:Intermediate
Quality:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Value:
4 of 5
4 of 5
Durability:
4 of 5
4 of 5
"I really like this saddle pad. I've tried it on several horses that have a tense back and it seems to have made them more comfortable. I've had the pad for about 6 months. Prior to this I had a thinline over a regular pad, but this is much better because I don't have to worry about getting it placed just right or the thinline slipping. The ability to use shims has come in handy when I had a horse I was getting back into shape after injury, as I was able to adjust the shims as he changed shape and got more fit. I hand wash it and let it air dry and it always comes out looking nice. The "thinline" imprint is starting to wear off, but that's not really an issue to me. The lettering on the strap that the girth goes through doesn't get as white as it was originally, though I imagine it might if you wash it more frequently... but no one can see it so it does not really matter to me."
Review 9 for Contender II Saddle Pad
Overall Rating:
4 of 5
4 of 5

this pad really helps my horse and I

July 12, 2012
Bymocha
fromMissouri
I have used this product for:less than a month
Expertise:Intermediate
Riding Style:Leisure/Trail Riding - English
Competitor:Non-competitor
Quality:
4 of 5
4 of 5
Value:
4 of 5
4 of 5
Durability:
4 of 5
4 of 5
"My horse was acting like something wasn't quite right so i bought this pad and shims . He moved better than he did in months. Next day the chiro worked on him and the poor hoses withers and back were out of alignment .i don't want To ride an injured horse again but it says alot about the pad"
Review 10 for Contender II Saddle Pad
Overall Rating:
5 of 5
5 of 5

Very helpful!

May 22, 2012
ByBinka
fromLansing, MI
I have used this product for:1-3 months
Expertise:Intermediate
Riding Style:Leisure/Trail Riding - English
Competitor:Non-competitor
Quality:
4 of 5
4 of 5
Value:
4 of 5
4 of 5
Durability:
4 of 5
4 of 5
Fit
Excellent
Excellent
"My retired eventer TB turned trail horse came out of winter with a sore back. Everytime I got on he would roach his back and act ouchy, like he was "cold backed". I found this pad and read the reviews. I was sceptical because of the price, but got it based on the reviews. I have had three great rides with this pad. I ususally take my time tacking and do some light lunging to help with the warming effect of the pad. Overall: I am very happy with this pad and it has exceeded my expectations! Would certainly recommend this pad to others."
Review 11 for Contender II Saddle Pad
Overall Rating:
5 of 5
5 of 5

Worth the pricetag

December 26, 2011
ByTroubiGirl
fromVernon, NJ
I have used this product for:1-3 months
Expertise:Novice
Riding Style:Dressage
Competitor:Local/Open
Quality:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Value:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Durability:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Fit
Excellent
Excellent
"My WB gelding had some backsoreness issues this fall, so the saddlefitter recommended that I look into Back on Track or Thinline products to alieviate my horses pain issues. I came across the BOT Contender saddlepad and have used it ever since. As I groom his body, I already place the saddlepad on his back, to let the ceramic properties do their magic. Especially during our cold winter days in the NorthEast I feel confident that my horses back is already warming up, while I am still grooming. This saddlepad, while pricey, is definetely worth the money. My WB is back to his cheery self in the crossties and more relaxed and willing under saddle."
Review 12 for Contender II Saddle Pad
Overall Rating:
5 of 5
5 of 5

Great pad

November 23, 2011
ByJuneMoon
fromDaytona Beach, Fl.
I have used this product for:1-3 months
Expertise:Intermediate
Riding Style:Dressage
Competitor:Non-competitor
Quality:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Value:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Durability:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Fit
Excellent
Excellent
"Looking for a pad that helped with slippage
In my treeless Ansur saddle, it's great
"
Review 13 for Contender II Saddle Pad
Overall Rating:
5 of 5
5 of 5

Worth the money!

October 17, 2011
ByAri13
fromCarmel Valley, CA
I have used this product for:1-3 months
Expertise:Novice
Riding Style:Hunter/Jumper
Competitor:Non-competitor
Quality:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Value:
4 of 5
4 of 5
Durability:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Fit
Excellent
Excellent
"I own a wonderful but very stiff WB mare. My trainer and I have been working on getting her supple now since I bought her a year ago. I've tried supplements, chiro, injections and accupuncture. I thought why not try the BOT products too! Well I've had this pad for about 1 month and absolutely LOVE it. My mare is really coming round under saddle and carrying herself beautifully without me even asking. I haven't tried anything new lately so I'm pretty sure I can contribute the change to this pad. Definitely worth the money and has even prompted me to try the mesh sheet!"
Review 14 for Contender II Saddle Pad
Overall Rating:
5 of 5
5 of 5

Worth every dime

September 1, 2011
Bygr8katesky
fromMN
I have used this product for:less than a month
Expertise:Intermediate
Riding Style:Dressage
Competitor:Local/Open
Quality:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Value:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Durability:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Fit
Excellent
Excellent
"I was a bit uneasy purchasing this pad due to its high cost. After a few rides, I am completely sold. The first ride created a more rounded horse and a more stable riding position. I purchased the black due to uncertainty in keeping the white up to show standards and I hope to throw a white baby pad over it for actual shows. the quality is great and it is truly worth the money. I would buy a white one if I could afford it :) the ceramic fibers kept my horse completely cool under the saddle in the 90 degree heat while my friend's horse had a heat emanating, sweat covered back. try it!"
Review 15 for Contender II Saddle Pad
Overall Rating:
5 of 5
5 of 5

great purchase

August 23, 2011
Bytwobits
fromvirginia
I have used this product for:less than a month
Expertise:Expert
Riding Style:All Around
Competitor:Rated
Quality:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Value:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Fit
Excellent
Excellent
"have had clients by the same product it was out of ths world to ride in"
Review 16 for Contender II Saddle Pad
Overall Rating:
5 of 5
5 of 5

Love this Pad!

June 5, 2011
BySarah10
fromOhio
I have used this product for:3-6 months
Expertise:Novice
Riding Style:Dressage
Competitor:Non-competitor
Quality:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Value:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Durability:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Fit
Excellent
Excellent
"I have an ultra thin line pad that I use with my everyday dressage pads in the summer. This is ok but sometimes so hard to get the pads just right! I LOVE the combination of the ceramic in the "back on track" pad for warmth and cushion of the ultra thin line...and no worries about pad placement! Love it!!"
Review 17 for Contender II Saddle Pad
Overall Rating:
5 of 5
5 of 5

Excellent saddle pa

May 10, 2011
ByHomeland
fromRochester, NY
I have used this product for:6-12 months
Expertise:Intermediate
Riding Style:Dressage
Competitor:Local/Open
Quality:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Value:
4 of 5
4 of 5
Durability:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Fit
Excellent
Excellent
"Excellent saddle pad. I love the support this saddle pad gives to the saddle and to my horse and me. He really enjoys the extra room that it gives him with the saddle for his shoulders."
Review 18 for Contender II Saddle Pad
Overall Rating:
5 of 5
5 of 5

Wonderful Saddle Pad

March 29, 2011
ByMhorselover
fromAlvarado, TX
I have used this product for:1-3 months
Expertise:Intermediate
Riding Style:Other
Competitor:Local/Open
Quality:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Value:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Durability:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Fit
Excellent
Excellent
"I bought this pad for starting my Friesian mare, and since she is just getting used to carrying a saddle I started bringing the pad to work with me. I am a therapeutic horseback riding instructor at a center where we have around 30 horses. I began putting the dressage pad under the normal western pads of some of our horses that have routinely sore backs and the change in their attitudes and work ethic has been so positive. Because of this pad our horses are more comfortable, our volunteers are saved from having to deal with a crabby horse, and the riders get a better experience. I wish we had one of these pads for each of our horses."
Review 19 for Contender II Saddle Pad
Overall Rating:
4 of 5
4 of 5

Back on Track products are great

March 16, 2011
Byodyssey
fromorange county, california
I have used this product for:less than a month
Expertise:Intermediate
Quality:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Value:
4 of 5
4 of 5
Fit
Excellent
Excellent
"I have given this to my trainer to use when riding my horse who is coming back after injury. My thinking was that his saddle may or not fit my horse and this would decrease possiblle discomfort from being ridden in his saddle. Also, i thought that it would simplify things for the trainer, e.g. no baby pad or half pad etc, just one pad that covers several conncerns. Anyway, I am familier with Back on Track products and have been very pleased, I own the leg wraps and hock boots.
I have not yet washed the pad, so can't comment on how well it washes up.
"
Review 20 for Contender II Saddle Pad
Overall Rating:
5 of 5
5 of 5

Simplicity

December 13, 2010
ByHunterJumper123
fromA very cold state!
I have used this product for:less than a month
Expertise:Intermediate
Riding Style:Hunter/Jumper
Competitor:Local/Open
Quality:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Value:
4 of 5
4 of 5
Durability:
4 of 5
4 of 5
Fit
Excellent
Excellent
"I am loving this pad. Instead of hauling all around and getting a baby pad + a fleece pad that then slips and bunches and creates bulk beneath my leg - this pad as really simplified my ride. My horse has a young strong back so rather than using this pad to help fix a problem - I'm hoping it will prevent one! So I cannot comment yet as to whether the ceramic properties are helping yet or not."
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