When it comes to saddle pads there is a large assortment of colors, shapes, and areas of use to keep track of. The choice of saddle pad can be both a matter of color preference, as well as which discipline (dressage, jumping or eventing) you intend to use it in. This article was written to help clarify the different areas of use for you.
What is the purpose of a saddle pad?
A saddle pad is a shape-fitting fabric placed under the saddle to protect the horse from chafing and wounds, enhance comfort, and wick away sweat. Additionally, saddle pads serve as fashion accessories, with a wide range of colors, patterns, and designs available in the equestrian market.
Function
- The saddle pad is a blanket placed under the saddle to reduce the risk of chafing.
- Provides extra support for the saddle and protection for the horse.
Fashion Aspect
- Saddle pads have become a popular accessory in equestrian sport, complementing the rest of the tack and gear.
Sizes
- Pony: Smallest size, designed for small ponies.
- Cob: Designed for larger ponies or smaller horses.
- Full: Intended for larger horses.
Variety
- Saddle pads come in various colors, details, shapes, and sizes.
How do I know what type of saddle pad I need?
The choice of cover depends on the type of saddle you use. For a dressage saddle, it's recommended to use a dressage saddle pad, and for a jumping saddle, a jumping saddle pad is ideal. If your horse has a sensitive back, placing a pad between the saddle and cover can help distribute the saddle's pressure more evenly, providing greater comfort while riding.
How frequently should a saddle pad be washed?
To avoid unnecessary wear and tear on your saddle pad by washing it too often, it’s always good to brush the underside of the saddle pad after riding and hanging it to dry if the horse has become sweaty. When the horse sheds, it’s especially important to brush off fur that has stuck to the saddle pad. Equestrian Stockholm’s saddle pad has a quick-dry function that keeps the pad dry during the riding session and fresher for a longer period of time.
Wash your saddle pad in the washing machine (30 degrees Celsius). Fasten all velcro straps and fold the saddle pad inside out to maximize the effectiveness of washing on the dirty side and reduce wear on the metal tray. Feel free to use a laundry bag. Avoid fabric softener and bleach and tumble dry.
What are the consequences of not washing your saddle pad regularly?
Neglecting to wash the saddle pad regularly can result in hygiene issues where dirt blocks your horse's sebaceous glands, leading to visible bumps on the skin. Accumulated sweat on the pad and saddle area can become uncomfortable and cause itching for the horse. Furthermore, a dirty saddle pad increases the likelihood of skin irritation and fungal infections. Additionally, dirt on the underside of the pad can impair its performance, affecting breathability, flexibility, and fit. Specifically, with lambskin pads, inadequate cleaning can diminish their absorbency and lead to bothersome knots for the horse.
Which saddle pad is right for me?
When selecting a saddle pad, it's crucial to ensure it fits both your horse's back and the size and style of your saddle. For example, a jumping saddle pad may not offer sufficient coverage for a large dressage saddle with long flaps, so a larger dressage pad would be a better choice in that case. Ultimately, the best saddle pad for you will depend on your individual needs, your horse, and the riding discipline you practice.
What is the difference between a saddle pad for jumping and a saddle pad for dressage?
Size and Shape:
- Dressage Saddle Pads: Long and straight.
- Jumping Saddle Pads: Short with curved corners.
Purpose:
- Dressage Saddle Pads: Designed to fit the longer flaps of a dressage saddle.
- Jumping Saddle Pads: Made to match the shorter, curved shape of a jumping saddle.
Coverage:
- Dressage Saddle Pads: Provide full coverage for the extended area of a dressage saddle.
- Jumping Saddle Pads: Offer appropriate coverage for the more compact area of a jumping saddle.
Find your right size
- If your saddle is 15 inches or larger, we recommend choosing a size Full saddle pad.
- If your saddle is smaller than 15 inches, we recommend choosing size Pony in jumping saddle pads and size Cob in dressage.
- If you have an Icelandic horse (lucky you), our Cob style saddle pads fit perfectly!
See here the exact measurements of:
Continue here to shop your next saddle pad.
  
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Understanding Dressage Saddles and Saddle Pads
Sportive Chantelle
Understanding Jump Saddles and Saddle Pads
The saddles used for show jumping are different. The saddle flaps are shorter due to the stirrup straps being shorter. The knee support on the saddle flaps of a jumping saddle are more curved, to help support the riders knees even better while in a two point position. There are also saddle pads made for show jumping. These saddle pads are a bit shorter due to the saddle being shorter and follows the shape of the jumping saddle much better.
For eventing, both types of saddles are used as both dressage and jumping are part of the competition. Eventing equestrians therefore mostly have both a dressage saddle and a jumping saddle.
Dressage saddle pad Champagne
All-around saddle
The third saddle, the all-round saddle, is a combination of both the dressage and the show jumping saddle. The all-round saddle is perfect for the beginners, or equestrians who ride both jumping and dressage without any particular preference. All-round saddles are very common at riding schools.
If you’re looking for a saddle pad for dressage, it is always good to check the description to make sure it is made for dressage. These kinds of saddle pads are often larger to cover the whole area where the dressage saddle lies. Dressage saddle pads can also be used with an all-round saddle.
Jump saddle pad Bordeaux
Saddle cloth
Beside the traditional saddle pad, there is also another version called a saddle cloth. A saddle cloth is saddle-shaped and gives saddle-shaped protection; nothing more, nothing less.
If you’re having issues with the saddle not staying in its place, it is also possible to add some extra stability with an anti-slip pad. This is a small pad used in combination with a regular saddle pad or saddle cloth.
Find the perfect saddle pad
Equestrian Stockholm offers a large assortment of saddle pads, that are perfectly designed for either your dressage saddle, jumping saddle or all-round saddle. Our jumping saddle pads come in sizes Pony and Full, while our dressage saddle pads come in sizes Cob and Full. Equestrian Stockholm saddle pads are made with luxurious materials which help transport away sweat very well, they are also designed to stay clean for a longer period of time.
