Bareback Pads, Oh My

So, I've decided I really need a bareback pad. I can't decide if I want to just get an inexpensive one, or if I want to splurge and get one of the really nice ones. My tax return is going to be large, and it's looming in the distance. Part of me screams "Put it all towards your wedding!" but my horsey needs are more immediate. Stuff like lessons, training, tack, stuff that could be used now (and often) make me think "well, spend some of it on the wedding and spend some of it on horsey stuff." I still have seven months left for the wedding, and most of it is already paid for by the generous amount allotted for the event by my father. It isn't like I don't have time to save up more and pay for SOME of the stuff later. I don't REALLY need to rush off and buy all the centerpieces seven months in advance. Still, I'm trying to make the most responsible decision. Since I've started riding bareback a lot more frequently, I really am leaning towards buying a pad, but I'm still torn as to which one.

For example, this one is nice enough looking and looks functional, a lower priced model but still suede. Retails for around $34 on the discount site Horse.com (one of my favorite websites :))



http://www.horse.com/item/mustang-microsuede-bareback-pad/WIM01/



 But if you search a minute longer, then you come across the "Cadillac" models, if you know what I mean. For instance, this Thinline ComfortPlus bareback pad, retailing for around $130:

http://www.horsetackco.com/bareback-pad-by-thinline.html

And of course, when big name celebrity trainers/riders start tacking their names onto things, prices go up from there. Stacy Westfall's Gell Ultrasuede Bareback pad weighs in around $154.



http://www.shopatron.com/products/productdetail/part_number=35-9350/1207.0?utm_source=google&utm_medium=shopping&utm_campaign=googleshopping

 This one catches my attention. It makes me think I'd love to go ride my ponies in my shorts! Sheepskin allows for breathability and comfort for both you and your pony, but it comes with a price tag, weighing in at $190 discounted on Amazon.com:



http://www.amazon.com/Fleeceworks-Bareback-Pad/dp/B001JYIEWC

 I think of the ones that I've posted, my favorites are the 2nd Thinline one and the 4th Fleeceworks one, but GOODNESS they're expensive. What do YOU ride in?