Stay Connected to Your Horse — No Bulk Between You and the Saddle

The Weaver Synergy Close Contact Saddle Pad solves the problem every barrel racer and performance rider knows too well: thick pads that put distance between your leg and your horse's side. This 28" x 30" pad features a butterfly cutaway design that tapers at the fenders, giving you direct contact where it counts while still delivering the shock absorption and wither protection your horse needs during hard stops, tight turns, and fast work.

Built with F1-rated Merino wool felt, this pad wicks moisture up to eight times its weight and provides high-compression protection rated at 21 PSI. The contoured flex-spine mimics your horse's natural topline to eliminate bridging, and the extended oiled wear leathers stand up to years of friction from cinches and saddle rigging. From our barn to yours — this is the pad for riders who need both performance and feel.

Why Riders Choose the Weaver Synergy Close Contact Pad

• Closer leg contact without sacrificing protection — Butterfly cutaway design tapers at the fenders so you get direct communication with your horse while the high-density Merino felt still absorbs impact where the saddle sits.
• Eliminates wither pressure and bridging — Contoured flex-spine follows the natural curve of your horse's back, sitting up and off the withers to prevent pressure sores during hard work.
• Keeps your horse cool and dry — F1-rated Merino wool wicks moisture up to eight times its weight and allows maximum airflow, even during long training sessions or back-to-back runs.
• Built for the long haul — Extended oiled wear leathers protect high-friction areas from cinch and saddle wear, and the high-compression felt holds its shape run after run.
• Right-sized for barrel and round-skirt saddles — 28-inch spine length provides the standard 1–2 inch border without bunching at the hip or adding unnecessary bulk.
• High-compression shock absorption — Engineered to handle 21 PSI, safeguarding your horse's back during stops, spins, and technical maneuvers.

Best For

Barrel racers, reiners, and performance riders looking for maximum leg contact and communication without compromising back protection or wither clearance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will this pad fit my barrel racing saddle?

Yes. The 28-inch spine length is the industry standard for barrel racing and round-skirted saddles. It provides the necessary coverage without interfering with your horse's hip movement or causing bunching behind the cantle.

Q: Is this pad suitable for horses with high withers?

Absolutely. The contoured flex-spine and butterfly cut are specifically designed to sit up and off the withers, providing essential clearance and preventing the pad from pulling down and causing pressure sores. This is one of the best pads we've seen for high-withered horses doing fast work.

Q: How do I clean and maintain the Merino wool?

Brush away hair and dirt after each ride to keep the fibers working properly. For deeper cleaning, hose the pad with cool water and air dry — skip the washing machine and hot water, which can damage the wool and reduce its moisture-wicking performance.

Q: What's the difference between this and a regular contoured pad?

The butterfly cutaway. Most contoured pads provide wither relief, but this one also tapers at the fenders so you get closer leg contact for more precise cues. If you need to feel every shift your horse makes, this design makes a noticeable difference.