English Saddle Pad Buying Guide:
Types, Materials, & Features
Let us help you choose the most suitable English saddle pad!
As an equestrian, you understand the importance of selecting the best equipment for you and your horse. Among the essential tack for English riding, the saddle pad plays an important role in providing comfort, protection, and even a little style! With so many options available, choosing the right English saddle pad can feel overwhelming. Whether you are gearing up for your next dressage show, heading out for a jump school, or simply enjoying a nice hack, let our team of equine experts guide you through the process of picking the perfect English saddle pad for you and your equine partner. We will address how English saddle pads are sized, key factors you should consider, the types of saddle pads for different English disciplines, materials, and special features!
What is an English Saddle Pad?
What is a saddle pad, and why is it important? A saddle pad is a piece of tack equipment that is placed between your horse's back and saddle. Its primary purpose is to provide a layer of cushioning and relieve your horse from any pressure or friction from the saddle. Saddle pads also help keep your saddle clean and can prevent the saddle from slipping while riding. They come in various shapes, sizes, and materials—each suited for different disciplines of riding. However, every saddle pad serves the basic function of providing your horse with comfort and protection during your ride.
Saddle Pad Sizing
Regardless of what saddle pad you choose, it needs to fit correctly! The pad you pick should extend at least 2" past the entire perimeter of your saddle. You will want to refer to the measurements given on the sizing chart of each saddle pad, then compare them to the measurements of your saddle. First, consult our saddle measuring guide for help with obtaining accurate measurements of your saddle. Then, take a look at our guide on how to measure saddle pads to learn more about saddle pad terminology and measuring!
4 Key Factors in Choosing an English Saddle Pad
Before diving into the vast array of saddle pads, assessing you and your horse's specific needs and preferences is important. There are some essential factors to consider that will help streamline the process, and we will discuss each one in more detail in the sections below. The four key features we will expand upon are:
- Saddle Pad Types: The three most common types of saddle pads are dressage, close-contact, and all-purpose. Depending upon your saddle, you should choose a saddle pad that compliments the size and shape.
- Riding Discipline: Similar to types, your riding discipline will determine your saddle pad. If you are a dressage rider, you will need a dressage saddle pad. If you are a hunter jumper rider, you will most likely need a close-contact pad to accommodate your jump saddle.
- Saddle Pad Materials: Saddle pads come in a variety of different materials, and all materials have benefits and drawbacks. Some riders may lean toward cost-friendly options, while others may be looking for more breathable fabrics for equine comfort.
- Saddle Pad Special Features: Saddle pads with special features target specific issues riders are experiencing with their horses. This could include horses with sensitive backs, riders looking to prevent saddle slippage, or those wanting more shock absorption during intense rides.
English Saddle Pad Types & Riding Disciplines
The discipline you ride in is one of the most influential points in determining what saddle pad you will need. Each discipline follows certain guidelines and trends that help you decide which saddle pad to choose. Within each English discipline, there are also options for different saddle types. Each type of saddle has a specific shape and will have an appropriate saddle pad that matches its shape. We will address each English saddle pad type/shape below!
Dressage Saddle Pads
Dressage saddle pads are specifically designed to accommodate the long flaps of a dressage saddle. The shape of the pad is long and straight, plus it comes in a variety of materials and colors. You can choose between more functional and durable dressage saddle pads or more luxurious, stylish ones.
If you are looking for a dressage pad to use in the show ring, keep in mind that USEF/USDF rules state that the pad must be white (or another conservative color). Contrast color and piping are permitted, but striped, multi-colored, shiny, or reflective pads are not.
Due to the long billets and short girth used for a dressage saddle, you will want to make sure your saddle pad does not extend too far past your saddle flap. A good rule of thumb is to have 2" of pad past your saddle flap, and around 3" between the bottom of your pad and girth. This safeguards against pinching from the pad being stuck under your girth.
| Pro-Tip: Having the correct girth size is crucial for equine comfort and functionality. Read our article on how to measure and fit a dressage girth, so you order the right size! |
Jumping & Close-Contact Saddle Pads
Jumping and close-contact saddle pads are designed to have a shorter flap length with a more forward cut, just like the close-contact saddle they are used under. This shape of the saddle helps the rider maintain a balanced position over fences, giving the horse more freedom of movement to jump properly. Close-contact saddle pads can be square or have an ergonomic shape that follows the curves of the saddle.
We suggest choosing a pad that has a contoured shape to the spine to allow for wither and shoulder clearance to help your horse perform its best over fences. Selecting a pad with shock-absorbing qualities can also help protect your horse's back from becoming sore due to repetitive impact from jumps.
Tips for Picking a Jumping & Close-Contact Show Pad
While there are no specific USEF/FEI rules on what saddle pad to use in the different jumping classes, here are some guidelines of what we feel is best:
Jumpers: We recommend avoiding any saddle pad with bright colors or bling. White is always a great option, but dark colors like navy or hunter green are popular as well. The trend in this sport is to have a square-shaped pad.
Hunters/Equitation: For hunters and equitation, it is highly recommended to follow the traditional look and choose a white fleece, saddle-shaped pad. We carry synthetic fleece, as well as genuine sheepskin and wool; we are sure to have an option suited towards every rider's personal preference and budget.
Cross Country: Eventers usually use this phase to show their individual style. Fun, personalized color combinations are common. Ergonomic-shaped pads are the current trend in this phase. We recommend picking a non-slip pad with moisture-wicking properties to keep your saddle in place and your horse's back cool and dry during long gallops.
All-Purpose Saddle Pads
All-purpose saddle pads have a shape somewhere between a dressage pad and close-contact pad, and they feature a variety of both materials and colors. The flap is slightly forward and most commonly square, although some all-purpose pad options are shaped to the saddle. These pads are made with an all-purpose saddle in mind.
Versatile for both flat work and riding over fences, the all-purpose saddle is made for a rider who prefers a slightly deeper seat and less forward flap than a close-contact saddle. Keep in mind that while this type of pad may work for a close-contact saddle with a less forward flap, we advise you to select a pad made for your specific saddle type. An all-purpose saddle pad will not be long enough to accommodate the flap of a dressage saddle.
All-purpose saddle pads are used in casual riding and competitive events. In casual riding, like schooling at home or going out for a nice hack, let your personality shine with fun colors and prints. If you're choosing a pad to fit under your all-purpose saddle for a show, keep in mind the same color and pattern suggestions for your specific discipline as discussed above.
Saddle Pad Materials
Saddle pads come in a wide variety of natural, synthetic, and blended materials. Each type of material has its benefits and drawbacks. Let's explore some of the most common materials available, and we'll help guide you in selecting the optimal material for both you and your horse.
Natural Fibers
Cotton: Cotton pads are a budget-friendly option with being easy to care for (most being machine washable), lightweight, durable, and absorbent. Cotton saddle pads have little to no cushion and may take longer to dry than other materials.
Sheepskin/Wool: A higher-end product, sheepskin/wool is a durable option with superior moisture-wicking properties. It offers extreme breathability and helps dissipate heat from your horse's back. Naturally having excellent cushioning and weight-distributing properties, sheepskin/wool also easily molds to your horse's back. The natural fibers grip your horse's coat to prevent slipping, keeping your saddle in place. More high-maintenance than other options, sheepskin/wool requires special attention when washing.
| Pro-Tip: Unsure how to properly care for sheepskin or wool? Read our article on how to clean saddle pads! |
Synthetic
Fleece: A synthetic version of wool, fleece is meant to give you the same look at a fraction of the cost. Fleece pads are a budget-friendly option and are easier to maintain, but they are typically less breathable and not as shock-absorbing as wool.
Material Blends
Pads that come in natural and/or synthetic blends are usually crafted to meet the special needs of some horses and riders. These pads are offered in a wide range of price points and styles, but they are generally more expensive than your standard cotton pad. An example is saddle pads made with foam to add extra padding and shock-absorbing qualities, but they may allow less airflow. There are also mesh pads to help increase breathability, and even pads that are woven with anti-bacterial material to help decrease the possibility of skin problems. With a wide range of options for every horse and rider, explore the special features below to determine if a specialty pad would benefit you or your equine friend.
Saddle Pad Special Features
When it comes to saddle pads, special features can make all the difference in comfort, performance, and protection for the horse and rider. Whether you are dealing with a sensitive-backed horse, fighting against sweat buildup, or seeking better shock absorption, these pads are designed to solve common challenges whlie meeting the demands of various disciplines. Explore how these innovative saddle pads can address your horse's unique needs and elevate your riding experience.
High-Cut Withers: You can find pads with a high-cut wither profile in many different materials, types, and styles. These pads have more of a curved spine shape with extra material to keep the pad from rubbing or pressing down on a horse with higher withers or swayback.
Increased Airflow: Horses that undergo intense training, live in hot climates, or are prone to skin issues caused by bacteria and sweat will benefit from a pad with specialized airflow technology and increased breathability.
Moisture-Wicking: Similar to pads with increased airflow, moisture-wicking pads take it one step further and actively pull moisture from your horse's back, keeping it dry. These pads are especially beneficial in hot, humid climates or for horses in intense performance work.
Corrective Inserts/Shims: A corrective saddle pad typically has built-in pockets to add inserts, also known as shims. These inserts can help with common horse conformation issues like uneven muscling, reduced muscling (typically found in older horses, or horses coming back into work), high-withers, and swayback horses. Corrective pads can be adjusted to help correct minor saddle fit issues, though a properly fitted saddle should be your priority. The extra padding will also help with impact protection.
Non-Slip: Even when we do our best to find a saddle that fits our horse, a saddle that slips out of place might still be an issue. To keep your saddle more secure, choose a saddle pad made with a non-slip material for that extra peace of mind.
Therapeutic Properties: Saddle pads can be made with specialty fabric(s) that aid in keeping your horse feeling their best. Some materials provide therapeutic relief by increasing blood circulation and aiding in muscle recovery. If you have a horse returning to training after an injury, an equine prone to sore back muscles, or on an intense training routine, these saddle pads will help keep your horse more comfortable.
Shock-Absorbing: We recommend shock-absorbing saddle pads for riders who suffer from back pain, as these pads will absorb some of the concussion to your spine. These pads will help a horse that tends to get back sore, protect from the repetitive impact of jumping, or simply give your equine partner some extra comfort.
Closing Thoughts
Finding the perfect English saddle pad is vital to ensure the comfort, performance, and well-being of your equestrian partner. Saddle pads can also be a fun way to show your personal style. At Riding Warehouse, we strive to empower riders like you to make an informed decision that suits all of your horseback riding needs. With our diverse range of English saddle pads tailored to each discipline, expert guidance from our knowledgeable team, and a seamless shopping experience, we strive to make the decision process as streamlined as possible. If you need more assistance, please reach out to our helpful team of customer service associates via phone at 1-800-620-9145 or email at info@ridingwarehouse.com. Happy riding!
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