Choosing the correct saddle pad can be as difficult as picking the right saddle for your horse.
There are many different styles, materials, colors and sizes to choose from.
This article outlines the various characteristics of each type of material used in saddle pads as well as the variation of the different shapes offered.
Saddle Pad Materials Cotton More commonly used with English Saddles Relatively Cool Doesn't absorb moisture or cushion well Felt More commonly used with Western Saddles Consists of several layers of wool compressed together Absorbs moisture well and draws the heat away from the horse and allows it to disperse into the felt Absorbs shock well Helps to decrease pressure points caused from a poor fitting saddle Synthetic Fleece Commonly used with Western or English Saddles Last a long time Does not break down as quick as fleece Inexpensive Fleece Commonly used with Western or English Saddles Made of either sheep fleece or wool More absorbent than synthetic fleece Offers slightly more cushion than synthetic fleece Becomes matted and compact quicker than synthetic fleece May become unstable from the horse's sweat if not cared for properly Inexpensive Foam Molds to the shape of the horse Distributes weight well and absorbs shock Foam pads are not very absorbent unless covered with fleece or felt Provides good airflow for a cooling effect Tends to be cooler than fleece or felt Neoprene Offers a cooling airflow to the horses back due to the molded waffle pattern Waterproof Easy to maintain The neoprene has a stickiness that greatly minimized saddle movement Some riders prefer to use fabric covers to prevent the pad from sticking to the saddle Saddle Pad Shapes Built Up Designed for horses with high withers The pad is built up in the center to raise the saddle up off the horse's withers Contour Designed for a horse with high withers or a swayed back Contoured higher in the front of the pad to minimize pressure on the horse's withers Cutout Designed for horses with high withers The top front section of the pad is cut out to prevent pressure on the horse's withers Round Designed for horses with short backs Rounded at the corners Generally used with saddles that have a round skirt Straight Designed for horses with mutton withers or a flat back May also be used for horses with normal withers The top is straight from the front to the back of the pad Sway Back Designed for horses with a swayed back or high withers Gradually increased in thickness towards the center of the pad The type of activity is another important variable when determining the best saddle pad material and shape for your horse.
The longer and more strenuous the ride, the more cushioning your horse will need.
Also, consider the weather when choosing a saddle pad.
If you're going to primarily ride in warm weather, you should consider choosing a cooler pad material for a more enjoyable ride for you and your horse.
There are many different styles, materials, colors and sizes to choose from.
This article outlines the various characteristics of each type of material used in saddle pads as well as the variation of the different shapes offered.
Saddle Pad Materials Cotton More commonly used with English Saddles Relatively Cool Doesn't absorb moisture or cushion well Felt More commonly used with Western Saddles Consists of several layers of wool compressed together Absorbs moisture well and draws the heat away from the horse and allows it to disperse into the felt Absorbs shock well Helps to decrease pressure points caused from a poor fitting saddle Synthetic Fleece Commonly used with Western or English Saddles Last a long time Does not break down as quick as fleece Inexpensive Fleece Commonly used with Western or English Saddles Made of either sheep fleece or wool More absorbent than synthetic fleece Offers slightly more cushion than synthetic fleece Becomes matted and compact quicker than synthetic fleece May become unstable from the horse's sweat if not cared for properly Inexpensive Foam Molds to the shape of the horse Distributes weight well and absorbs shock Foam pads are not very absorbent unless covered with fleece or felt Provides good airflow for a cooling effect Tends to be cooler than fleece or felt Neoprene Offers a cooling airflow to the horses back due to the molded waffle pattern Waterproof Easy to maintain The neoprene has a stickiness that greatly minimized saddle movement Some riders prefer to use fabric covers to prevent the pad from sticking to the saddle Saddle Pad Shapes Built Up Designed for horses with high withers The pad is built up in the center to raise the saddle up off the horse's withers Contour Designed for a horse with high withers or a swayed back Contoured higher in the front of the pad to minimize pressure on the horse's withers Cutout Designed for horses with high withers The top front section of the pad is cut out to prevent pressure on the horse's withers Round Designed for horses with short backs Rounded at the corners Generally used with saddles that have a round skirt Straight Designed for horses with mutton withers or a flat back May also be used for horses with normal withers The top is straight from the front to the back of the pad Sway Back Designed for horses with a swayed back or high withers Gradually increased in thickness towards the center of the pad The type of activity is another important variable when determining the best saddle pad material and shape for your horse.
The longer and more strenuous the ride, the more cushioning your horse will need.
Also, consider the weather when choosing a saddle pad.
If you're going to primarily ride in warm weather, you should consider choosing a cooler pad material for a more enjoyable ride for you and your horse.
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