What Are the Differences in Saddle Pads?

Saddle pads are the pads that go beneath a saddle, which minimize impact and chafing on the horse during riding. While the purpose of all saddle pads is the same -- to make the horse as comfortable as possible while achieving the best fit -- there are a lot of differences in saddle pads.

  1. Materials

    • Saddle pads are made from many materials. Old-fashioned pads were woven from wool, cotton or even from horsehair blankets. More modern materials include synthetic cloths like polyester and blends, along with rayon and neoprene. Many modern pads also use foam padding, which wasn't used in older types of pads.

    Saddle

    • Saddle pads are meant to keep a cushion between the rider and the horse, but they also to help keep a grip on the saddle so that the saddle doesn't slip. Some saddle pads are meant to work with specific styles of saddle, such as a Western or English saddle, or more specifically for a roping or general-use saddle. The cut and fit of a saddle pad is usually made specifically to go with a certain type of saddle.

    Breathing

    • It's important that a saddle pad breathes, or allows air to pass through to the skin of the horse. Otherwise the buildup of heat and moisture can lead to raw spots and rubbing on the horse and its flanks. This consideration indicates how long a saddle pad should be used. Pads that breathe can be used on long rides, but pads that don't shouldn't be used for long stints due to discomfort.

    Size

    • The size of the saddle pad is extremely important. Some pads are one-size-fits-all, and, if they're too big, they're supposed to just drop down the horse's flanks. However, pads that are specifically made to fit to the saddle need to be appropriately measured and cut. The more specific the saddle the pad is meant for, the less adjustable the size will be.