Saddle Pads

Saddle pads are not merely decorative accessories—they are fundamental to your horse’s long-term comfort, movement, and overall performance. When a saddle sits directly on the horse’s back, pressure concentrates unevenly along the spine and shoulder muscles. This pressure not only causes soreness but can also limit the horse’s natural range of motion, eventually leading to tension in the topline and reluctance in forward movement. By placing high-quality saddle pads between the horse and saddle, riders can prevent friction, encourage muscle relaxation, and maintain even weight distribution. A comfortable horse willingly rounds through the back and stretches into the contact, which improves transitions, rhythm, and consistency during training. Riders who use premium horse saddle pads often report more elasticity through the stride, fewer behavioural objections under saddle, and better willingness to lift through the horse seat during work.

Types of Saddle Pads — Choosing Based on Training Purpose and Riding Discipline

Different riding disciplines require different saddle support systems. Selecting the correct pad ensures that the saddle position, shock absorption, and responsiveness align with the horse’s workload and the rider’s style.

General Purpose Saddle Pads

General Purpose pads are the most versatile and widely used saddle pads horse owners rely on. They provide consistent cushioning beneath the equine saddle, making them suitable for riders who perform flatwork, hacking, schooling and light jumping in a single session. These pads are structured to stabilize saddle placement without restricting airflow or movement in the shoulders, allowing the horse to move comfortably through the back in a balanced riding posture. Riders who train regularly across multiple exercises often choose these pads because they offer adaptability and dependable support throughout daily work without being overly discipline-specific.

Close Contact Saddle Pads

Close Contact pads are precision-built for riders who need heightened feel and responsiveness—especially jumpers and performance riders. Unlike general training pads, which add a broader cushioning layer, Close Contact pads minimize thickness to maximize body-to-horse sensitivity. They allow the saddle pad saddle interface to sit closer to the horse, making the transmission of seat, leg, and upper-body signals more immediate. Riders who compete or ride forward-seat disciplines benefit from these riding pads because they do not compromise directional cues or lateral aids during turns, jumps, and collected canter. A horse that understands a lighter aid moves with more confidence, making these pads ideal for performance-focused training.

Saddle Pad Comparison — Fast Reference for Riders

The table below helps riders quickly assess which pad suits their training goals.

Even riders new to the sport benefit from understanding this distinction, ensuring they choose a horse saddle pad that complements both their training and their horse’s biomechanics.

How to Choose the Right Saddle Pad for Your Horse

The best saddle pad depends on more than just thickness or material. Proper choice should reflect your horse’s shape, the type of saddle used, and the way your horse moves during work. Horses with compact backs may need a pad that helps distribute weight across a shorter bearing surface, while long-backed horses often benefit from pads that prevent saddle shifting. For horses with high withers, pads that protect the wither pocket prevent rubbing and improve saddle fit. Meanwhile, horses that sweat heavily during training require moisture-wicking technology that prevents skin irritation and salt buildup.

There’s also an aesthetic element to saddle pad selection. Riders competing in dressage or formal shows often favor a white saddle pad because it enhances definition of the horse’s topline and appears clean and professional in the arena. Riders who prefer a lower-maintenance color or a modern profile frequently choose a black saddle pad, especially for jumping disciplines and daily training. While color preference shouldn’t drive fit decisions, it is a valid factor for turnout consistency, brand identity and personal preference during competition.

Benefits of High-Quality Saddle Pads for Equine Comfort and Performance

A quality horse saddle pad plays a profound role in a horse’s long-term musculoskeletal health. A well-fitted pad absorbs shock from the rider’s movement, reducing strain on the muscles surrounding the spine and shoulder. Horses that work regularly—whether in schooling or competition—depend heavily on this comfort to maintain progress without tension. When back muscles remain relaxed under the saddle, the horse is more willing to bend, collect, extend and perform laterally without resistance.

High-grade equine saddle pads also regulate heat more effectively than standard pads. They draw sweat away from the skin, preventing hotspots and irritation. This is critical for performance horses that generate heat rapidly during work. Pads made from breathable materials allow air circulation where it matters most, preventing the risk of fungal buildup and hair breakage on the contact surface. Additionally, superior saddle pads protect the saddle itself from sweat and salt damage, preserving stitching, flocking and leather texture over time.

Saddle Pad Care and Maintenance — Extending Performance and Longevity

A saddle pad that is well cared for maintains performance benefits far longer than one that is left unmaintained. Sweat, dust and hair build up on the underside after each ride, and if they are not removed properly, pressure points can form beneath the saddle. Washing saddle pads at appropriate intervals with horse-specific detergents prevents material breakdown while maintaining comfort. Pads must be allowed to dry completely before reuse because moisture trapped beneath the pad can contribute to mould and bacterial growth.

• Wash saddle pads with detergents designed for equestrian fabrics
• Allow full air-drying to preserve material performance
• Inspect for thinning or uneven fibre distribution and replace when necessary
• Rotate between multiple pads during heavy training periods to prolong cushioning lifespan

Correct care not only protects your investment but also safeguards your horse’s comfort during every ride.

Final Reflection — The Right Saddle Pad Builds Confidence, Comfort and Connection

A saddle pad may appear simple, but it plays a powerful role in shaping the riding experience for both horse and rider. A General Purpose Saddle Pad provides reliable comfort and stability during diverse daily training, while a Close Contact Saddle Pad maximises sensitivity, responsiveness and performance. When a saddle pad fits well and supports the horse’s biomechanics, the horse moves with more freedom, trusts the aids more deeply and participates confidently in the work. The most rewarding riding moments come from harmony—and the right saddle pads are one of the most effective tools to support that harmony every time you ride.