How to Buy a Saddle Pad

A saddle pad is the cushion that sits between the horse and the saddle to protect the horse's back.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Saddle Pads

1. Determine if you'll be riding English or Western. English saddle pads are much smaller and are shaped to the curve of the English saddle. Western saddle pads are rectangular to protect the horse from rubbing or chafing from the saddle skirt.

2. Know that English pads are either dense cotton, usually quilted to provide extra cushioning, or fleece.

3. Be aware that Western pads are either felt, usually formed to the horse's back, or fleece.

4. Realize that some pads have extra padding to give more cushioning from the saddle.

5. Use a saddle pad that doesn't slip. You may have to try several types before you find one you like.

Tips & Warnings

• Clean pads regularly to prevent a buildup of dirt, sweat and debris that could irritate your horse's skin.
• Make sure there are no stickers or pieces of hay on the pad before you set it on the horse's back.
• When you place the pad on the horse's back and then put the saddle on top, hold the front of the saddle up with one hand and lift the front of the pad off the withers to create a small gap between the horse and the pad to prevent the pad from constricting the horse's movement.

[gomidnight]

on 7/7/2008 If you're looking for more information on saddlepad fit and how it can affect your saddle fit and horse's behavior, check out http://www.csipads.com They manufacture a therapeutic pad that can really make a difference in your horse.

on 8/2/2006 I bought a Wintec 250- one of the best saddles ever, in my opinion- and then a saddle pad. The pad didn't fit right with the saddle and always scrunched down the tree. I found that this was happening because there was extra padding where the saddle fit more tightly. This made it tight and started to rub down. All in all, make sure to get a pad that works with your saddle. Most of them do, but not all.

on 12/16/2005 A unique touch to your saddle pad can be a breed logo. If your breed of horse has a logo (Such as Hanoverian, Oldenburg) you can have the logo embroidered into the corner of the pad for a really finished look. Also, some show pads come in white with many different colors choices for piping. Coordinating the piping with your jacket can look really smart. I am looking forward to buying a charcoal show jacket with a lilac plaid overlay and a purple shirt, so the pad I am buying is white with purple piping and my initials embroidered in the corner.

on 11/22/2005 Before going to pick out a pad, measure your saddle from the front most part of the pommel, straight across to the top of the cantle. Add between 1-2 inches to each end. For the horses comfort, at least 1 1/2 inches should show out around the edges of the saddle, since saddles often move around a bit during vigorous exercise.

on 11/22/2005 If you have saddle slippage, or your horse gets sore back problems, you might need a therapeutic pad (these pads can solve difficult problems). Some horses can have plain saddle pads and do just fine.