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In addition to being an essential part of riding equipment, the saddle pad has become an integral part of the look and fashion statement in equestrian sports. So how do you choose the right saddle pad? Firstly, you should choose a saddle pad that suits your saddle and the discipline you ride. Saddle pads have a specific shape for each discipline, so they are more angular for dressage and usually a little shorter for show jumping. Saddle pads are also increasingly functional, offering breathability, thus guaranteeing maximum comfort for your horse even during hard training or on warm days. Some styles have a mesh strip along the spine canal where the saddle does not touch the horse, this ensures optimal ventilation at the back. Moisture-wicking materials such as bamboo absorb the horse's sweat well and dry quickly. There are different ways of preventing the saddle pad from slipping under the saddle. The saddle pads from PS of Sweden, for example, use so-called stop pads, while the classic variant is two Velcro strips that are attached to the girth straps. Eskadron, among other manufacturers, has equipped some saddle pad models with silicone in the saddle position to keep the saddle in place.
Some saddle pads already have an integrated sheepskin lining, which provides additional padding and protection for your horse's back. If this is not the case and you have a sensitive horse or you want to correct the position or fit of the saddle, sheepskin pads or gel pads are suitable as an additional layer. Gel pads also prevent the saddle pad from slipping due to their slightly 'sticky' surface. A sheepskin pad made of real sheepskin, e.g. from Christ, can also be placed directly on the horse's back (and thus under the saddle pad), because sheepskin has an antibacterial effect and absorbs sweat much faster than other materials. In our range you will find a large selection of different materials, each with its own advantages. With the help of these half pads you can avoid pressure points and protect your horse from chafing.
The classic saddle pad is small-stitched and single-coloured, but nowadays there are hardly any limits to the design of saddle pads. Those who want to shine in the stable or at the show like to reach for stylish dressage saddle pads with large quilting and colour-contrasting piping. The Eskadron Platinum Collection, for example, stands out with its elegant outer materials and details. Some styles also feature crystals and glitter. The colour choice is pretty much unlimited nowadays. With the great variety of saddle pads in our shop, you are sure to find the right one for your taste. You can choose a saddle pad to match your outfit or the boots your horse is wearing. Many manufacturers colour-coordinate their collections so you can outfit your horse and yourself in the same colour, from saddle pads, ear bonnets and bandages, to breeches and jackets. A must-have saddle pad is probably the classic white show pad, which is compulsory in dressage competitions.
Take a look around and discover our range of saddle pads from Horze and other top brands such as LeMieux, Eskadron, Spooks, Acavallo, PS of Sweden, Back on Track and HV Polo.
The saddle pad is a form of a saddle cloth. Other cloths are saddlecloths or pads. The saddle pad is usually rectangular and is placed between the horse's back and the saddle. Like all saddle pads, it absorbs the horse's sweat. It therefore protects both the saddle and the horse's back. Besides this function, the saddle cloth also serves as a decoration for the horse. As it is larger than the saddle, it can be embellished very well. Such ornaments are for example embroidered names or club emblems.
To fulfill its function optimally, the saddle pad should be breathable, absorb sweat well, act as a damper between saddle and horseback and be easy to clean. Saddle pads are either made of cotton, a mixture of cotton and synthetic fibres, lambskin, polyamide or polyester. These materials each have their own specific advantages and disadvantages. You won't find a saddle pad that meets all requirements perfectly. When buying a saddle pad, you must therefore always decide which characteristic is most important to you.
You can select saddle pads according to both material and shape. Cotton is very breathable, absorbs sweat well and is easy to wash. However, these saddle pads only have a slight cushioning effect. Saddle pads made of a synthetic fibre are inexpensive, very breathable and easy to wash. However, they hardly absorb sweat and have no cushioning effect.
Very popular are saddle pads made out of a mixture of cotton and synthetic fibre. They combine the positive properties of both materials and are still comparatively inexpensive. Lambskin is extremely breathable and therefore lambskin saddle pads absorb sweat very well. They have a good cushioning effect and are easy to clean. Saddle pads differ in shape for dressage and eventing or jumping horses. Dressage saddle pads are longer in the area of the saddle flaps. Saddle pads for baroque horses are often pointed at the front. For ponies, shettys and minishettys there are special size-adapted saddle pads.
To ensure that you can enjoy your saddle pad for a long time, proper care is important. It depends on the type and frequency of use How often you have to wash the saddle pad. Not only the appearance is important.
The sweat that the saddle pad has absorbed while riding must also be washed out.
However, before washing, you must first remove the horse hair from the underside of the saddlecloth.
To do this, you can either use a special coat weeder or a hard brush. Before washing, you should read the care instructions of the saddle pad carefully. It is often recommended to hand wash the saddle pad at a moderate temperature. Saddle pads made of pure synthetic material can also be washed in the washing machine. The manufacturers usually recommend a special washing lotion for lambskin saddle cloths. You should never use fabric softener. It reduces water resistance, makes the fibres stick together and can cause allergic reactions to horses. After washing, the saddle pad is air dried. However, it should not hang directly in the sun.
The saddle pad must fit the saddle and should not be too small. There should be no creases. It must not press or rub.
You should also make sure that the room between the saddle cushions is not reduced. Of course, it should not disturb the movement of the horse. To meet these requirements, saddle pads are adapted to the shape of the saddle.
That is why saddle pads for all purpose, jumping and dressage saddles have different back lengths as well as different lengths in the saddle flaps.
When buying a saddle pad, you must therefore first know which saddle it is supposed to fit under.
When using the saddle, you should always pull the girth straps of the saddle through the corresponding eyelets of the saddle pad. Only then you can be sure that it will not slip out of place when the horse moves.
