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.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

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.