How to choose a suitable saddle pad?

In principle, a perfectly fitting saddle can be used without a saddle pad. The primary function of the saddle pad is to protect the saddle from the horse's sweat and dirt. When using a saddle pad, various aspects must be considered.

The shape

Saddle pads should be cut so that they do not put pressure on the spinous processes of the vertebrae. This is especially important in the withers area. The pad should always be wither-free: the front of the saddle pad should be pulled up into the saddle groove so that it does not rest on the withers.

It is therefore recommended to use a saddle pad cut to match the horse's morphology or that follows the natural shape of the back line. The saddle pad must be large enough to extend a few centimeters beyond the contact surface of the saddle. Under no circumstances should the edges of the pad be under the contact surface of the saddle, as this causes discomfort for the horse. You will find exceptional saddle pads at La Sellerie Française .

The material

To protect the saddle from dirt, a thin saddle pad made of a natural, breathable material such as cotton is suitable. Some thicker pads, for example made of sheepskin, can help to cushion pressure points under the saddle. Thicker pads (or a combination of several pads) do not always offer better protection against pressure points under the saddle. Thicker pads can be used as long as they do not compress the horse's back under the saddle, do not exert direct pressure on the spinous processes of the vertebrae and do not cause instability of the saddle.

A specialist can help assess whether a thicker saddle pad is suitable for the particular horse-saddle combination. There are also saddle pads on the market with pockets into which felt or synthetic foam wedges can be inserted to improve the fit of a saddle. To ensure a positive effect and avoid adverse effects, the choice of wedge thickness and positioning should be made by a competent person.

Inserting wedges into the saddle pad provided for this purpose can be a good solution to temporarily improve the adaptation of the saddle, for example in the case of a horse whose back shape is constantly changing at the beginning of training or when returning to training after a long break. In the long term, wedges and other accessories intended to absorb shocks and distribute pressure are not a satisfactory alternative to the adaptation of the saddle.

Interview

Heavily soiled or damaged saddle pads can cause friction and irritate the skin at the contact surface. The pads should therefore be washed regularly. Sheepskin pads should be washed with a suitable product. When the sheepskin is dry, it can be brushed to maintain its cushioning properties.