Indispensable in equestrian sport
Saddle pads
A saddle pad is more than just a stylish accessory - it provides protection for the horse's back and protects the saddle. Whether for dressage or eventing, the right saddle pad ensures comfort and functionality. In our online shop you will find a large selection of saddle pads online in different shapes, colours and designs, so that there is a suitable model for every riding style and taste.
OUR STEFFI SAYS: "LESS IS MORE, DOESN'T COUNT WITH SADDLE PADS!"
Kentucky Velvet Pearls Look
Kentucky Glitter Stone Outfit
For every taste
Saddle pad types
- Dressage saddle pads: rectangular and straight cut at the front, often with glitter or coloured edging
- Jumping saddle pads: cut round at the front and follow the contour of the saddle flap
- Show saddle pads: white saddle pads mostly for dressage, also coloured for show jumping
- Pony saddle pads: adapted in size for the smaller saddle
- Saddle pads: are modelled on the shape of the saddle and are barely visible under the saddle.
Eskadron saddle pads
- largest selection
- many basic variants
- always new collection colours
Kentucky saddle pads
- unique stitching
- no loops for fastening to the front of the saddle
- high-quality and breathable material
LeMieux saddle pads
- different cuts
- classic design
- with moisture-absorbing bamboo filling
Saddle pads are available in various sizes. The most common are Full (for large horses) and Pony (for smaller horses and ponies). What matters is that the saddle pad fits well under the saddle and does not slip.
A saddle pad is rectangular and covers the whole saddle area. A numnah, on the other hand, follows the shape of the saddle and is smaller. Both protect the horse's back and the saddle.
Sheepskin saddle pads are especially suitable for horses with sensitive skin or back problems. They offer extra cushioning and protect the horse's back through better pressure distribution.
For dressage riders a longer dressage saddle pad in a shape and size that match the dressage saddle is recommended. Depending on preference it can be plain or finished with fashionable details such as embroidery or cords.
Yes, saddle pads can be used on their own, as they protect the saddle and the horse's back sufficiently. However, some riders give their horse extra comfort by combining them with a half pad.
Saddle pads are often made of cotton, microfibre or technical materials that absorb and wick away the horse's sweat. For extra cushioning and comfort, saddle pads with sheepskin are popular.
Alongside classic colours such as black, white and blue, bold colours such as Bordeaux, dark green or violet are very popular this season. Saddle pads with special details such as glitter, cords or logos also set fashionable accents.
For event riders an eventing saddle pad is suitable; it is shorter than a dressage saddle pad and fits an eventing saddle optimally.
What function does a saddle pad have for the horse?
Saddle pads are used to keep the horse's sweat away from the saddle and to distribute the pressure evenly on the back. They prevent chafing and support pressure distribution when riding. Depending on the discipline, such as dressage or eventing, there are different shapes and materials. Breathable models are particularly popular, as they absorb and wick away sweat well to ensure a comfortable fit for your horse.
What do you need to consider when buying a saddle pad?
The saddle pad protects the horse's back and especially the saddle from dirt and sweat. The materials used must wick away moisture well and also dry well again after training. In addition, the saddle pad must not slip. You should therefore pay close attention to the fit.
There are saddle pads with extra raised, ergonomically shaped withers to minimise friction and increase comfort.
Nowadays, the underside is usually made of a mesh fabric, which has particularly good breathable properties.
If you have a horse that is prone to chafing, use lambskin saddle pads or lambskin underlays. This can be particularly necessary when changing coat. As a rule, however, all horses get on well with saddle pads made from a cotton mix.
Choose the right shape of saddle pad
The shape of the saddle pad plays an important role in ensuring both comfort and freedom of movement for your horse. Depending on the type of saddle and discipline, there are dressage saddle pads, which have an elongated and rectangular shape, or eventing saddle pads, which are shorter and versatile. A good fit and accuracy of fit are crucial to avoid pressure points.
Lambskin saddle pads - for sensitive horses
Lambskin saddle pads are particularly recommended for sensitive horses or horses with back problems. They offer additional padding, are particularly skin-friendly and have a shock-absorbing effect. The natural properties of lambskin help to absorb the horse's sweat and at the same time reduce pressure and friction. This keeps the horse's back dry and well protected.
Washing saddle pads correctly
First of all, wash as often as necessary, but as little as possible, because of course every saddle pad loses some colour with every wash. Sometimes it can help if you simply brush the saddle pad after riding. You can actually machine wash any saddle pad at 30 degrees, do not spin it vigorously (low rotation) and do not put it in the tumble dryer. If saddle pads are tumble dried, they shrink quickly and beautiful decorations fray.
We often hear that customers struggle with black edges on saddle pads, especially on light-coloured ones. This is due to the colouring of the saddles and boots, which comes off when the horse's sweat comes into contact with them. So always make sure the leather is of high quality.