When I was growing up my mother used an old army blanket folded up on her ironic board. (They were 100% wool back then.) I just looked up the horse pads and they are less than half and had great reviews. Wish I would have found them before I ordered the one I have. Trying to justify ordering one. But my mat is 17 x 24 and the other is 30 x 30. since it would iron a full fat quarter might be my reason......