What type of pad is most shock absorbant?

I am going to break my QH mare this spring/summer and I was thinking of starting out with a pad (english, stirrups or no stirrups). Why? I don't think it really matters, but if anyone wants to know it's probably because I want some extra grip and believe it or not, the less tack I have, the less afraid I am to fall. I can't wait to use my new saddle, but when training a young horse, the bulk of a saddle just gets in my way. I also really want something that will absorb most of the shock and prevent it from reaching my horse's back. I was looking at some with memory foam ro some with fleece... But I want to know what everyone else thinks would be best. Thanks :)