Best English Saddle Pads

Whether you have a few favorites rotating through the tack room or an entire collection in a myriad of colors, a good saddle pad is an essential part of your horse's tack. Using the right English saddle pad makes a world of difference in the comfort and performance of your horse. Not only do they put a cushioned layer between your horse and your saddle, but they can also offer added benefits such as shock absorption and moisture-wicking abilities. Given this, it's no wonder why it's important to understand the key features of the saddle pad chosen for your rides!

With over 10 years of experience in the equestrian industry, we understand how difficult it can be to choose among the numerous saddle pads on the market. To help you find the best English saddle pad for you and your horse, we have compiled this guide containing our favorite saddle pads for each saddle type and more. We consider price, quality of materials, special features, and of course, customer reviews and our own experience with the product!

The Best English Saddle Pad Category Winners:

Weatherbeeta Prime All Purpose Cotton Saddle Pad

We'd be hard-pressed to give just one reason why the Weatherbeeta Prime Saddle Pad takes its place as our top pick for an all purpose saddle pad; there are just so many things we love about it! This impressive pad features a mesh spine for breathability and extra airflow, while we find the contoured high wither profile fits most horses' conformations by allowing for extra space where it's needed. Not only does the Prime pad offer comfort for your horse, it is also built to last. Made of durable cotton, PVC-covered girth patches add further protection so you and your horse will be able to enjoy this saddle pad ride after ride! Not only do we love it, but our customers have also raved about the high quality of this pad, making it a sure-fire winner in the tack room and in the arena.

LeMieux ProSport Luxury Suede Close Contact Saddle Pad

It's all in the name when it comes to the LeMieux ProSport Luxury Suede Close Contact Saddle Pad. A truly luxurious pad, the ProSport has the best of both worlds, bringing both style and functionality to your tack. The high-cut wither and swept-back spine are designed to keep your horse comfortable as they work by keeping pressure away from sensitive areas. We adore the soft bamboo lining, which is both breathable and moisture-wicking. Not only that, but this lining is also quick-drying and reduces slippage, so you can be sure that your saddle will stay in place throughout your ride. A gorgeous suede top comes in a variety of colors, all designed to mix and match with the rest of your LeMieux wear!

Back on Track Therapeutic Dressage Saddle Pad No. 1

Durable and versatile, we especially love the Back on Track Therapeutic Dressage Saddle Pad No. 1 for its therapeutic benefits, because a healthy horse is a happy horse! Back on Track's innovative Welltex technology is at the forefront of this pad's therapeutic abilities. The special 200g felt is combined with pure cotton felt to offer your horse superior shock absorption, stability, and pressure distribution throughout each ride. Welltex also assists in temperature regulation and adds breathability to the pad. And the ergonomic shaping makes things even more comfortable for the horse. The Therapeutic No. 1 features a timeless look that makes it perfect for any occasion, whether schooling at home or showing in the dressage court.

LeMieux Merino+ Hunter Saddle Pad

Our top pick for the best hunter pad, the LeMieux Merino+ Hunter Saddle Pad is rated 5 stars by our reviewers for good reason. First and foremost, this pad is designed to provide ultimate comfort for your horse so they can perform their best. We appreciate this pad's flexible backing and wool structure, which shapes to each horse's unique conformation. This top-notch pad features only the best in ergonomic comfort, including a clear spine, high wither shaping, and an anti-rub lumbar area. Your saddle is guaranteed to stay secure with the subtle silicone grip at the top of the pad. The LeMieux girth protection area at the bottom of the pad adds further security while contributing to the pad's sleek look. With both exquisite style and exceptional functionality, this hunter pad has everything you could need in a pad as you enter the ring.

Professional's Choice XC Saddle Pad with VenTECH Lining

Our staff and customers alike have been raving about the Professional's Choice XC Saddle Pad, so of course it's our top pick for the best cross-country pad! Designed to keep your horse cool as they traverse over ditches and down banks, this breathable pad features absorbent VenTECH mesh lining which is moisture-wicking and quick-drying. This pad's contoured shape offers wither clearance, truly providing everything your horse could need to stay comfortable. The quilted cotton top not only gives the pad a traditional look but also includes a stain-resistant, anti-microbial finish to keep it looking and feeling fresh! Reinforced billet guards provide durability by preventing excessive wear. Rounding out all of the exceptional features of the VenTECH XC Pad are the fun color options available, so you can match your cross-country gear while you keep your horse cool and comfortable!

ThinLine Trifecta Cotton Half Pad

Tried and true, there's no question why the ThinLine Trifecta Cotton Half Pad is a favorite here at Riding Warehouse! This unique half pad offers exceptional benefits to your horse as it naturally molds to the contours of each individual's shape. This enables it to not only improve saddle fit but also enhance overall comfort for both horse and rider. The Trifecta Half Pad offers horses exceptional impact protection, comfort, and shock absorption via ThinLine's exclusive technology. While still maintaining its lightweight nature, the half pad also distributes weight and pressure evenly across the pad for further support. Complete with a ventilated spine and anti-fungal and anti-microbial agents, you and your horse are sure to love this half pad for the comfort it provides!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the purpose of an English saddle pad?

A: English saddle pads provide a cushioned layer between the horse's back and the saddle which prevents any rubbing or discomfort that may occur between the two. The added layer of protection and comfort is beneficial for both the horse and the rider.

Q: How often should I replace my English saddle pad?

A: How often English saddle pads should be replaced depends on a few different factors. Well-cared-for pads may last up to several years, so it is important to take good care of your pad through routine cleaning! Frequency of use is also a big factor in determining how long a saddle pad will last. Having a few different saddle pads on hand to rotate through may help increase the longevity of a pad. When your saddle pad starts to show signs of wear and tear such as fraying or holes, it may be a good idea to replace it.

Q: How do I care for my English saddle pad?

A: Cleaning and keeping your saddle pad in good condition can help extend the life of the pad. However, as each saddle pad is unique, it is important to check the manufacturer's care instructions before washing since some pads may have specific guidelines. Typically, saddle pads may be cleaned in a washing machine in cold water on a gentle cycle and left out to air dry. For more information on how to clean saddle pads, we recommend reading our How to Clean Saddle Pads article!

Q: How do I know if I need a half pad for my horse?

A: Whether or not your horse requires a half pad depends on a variety of factors. Half pads are used to improve the fit of your saddle, provide pressure distribution, and offer impact protection for your horse. If you are having issues with saddle fit or your horse's comfort under saddle, a half pad may be a good addition to you and your horse's tack setup! For more information on half pads, be sure to check out our article on How to Choose an English Half Pad.

Whether it's a casual ride or a high-performance competition, the right saddle pad can make all the difference in your horse's comfort and performance. We hope this guide has helped you in your journey to find the best English saddle pad for you and your horse. No matter your preferred discipline, we've got your back! For further information on all things saddle pads, we highly recommend reading the articles below. As always, if you have any questions, our customer service team is happy to help and may be reached at 1-800-620-9145 or info@ridingwarehouse.com. Happy riding!

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