Saddle Pad

Dressage Saddle Pad

Saddle Pad Types

• All Purpose Saddle Pad
• Black Saddle Pad
• Dressage Saddle Pad
• Endurance Saddle Pad
• English Saddle Pad
• Equestrian Saddle Pad
• Felt Saddle Pad

• Fleece Saddle Pad
• Gel Saddle Pad
• Horse Saddle Pad
• Saddle Pad Carrier
• Saddle Pad Covers
• Saddle Pad Liners
• Saddle Pad Shims

• Saddle Pad Size
• Sheepskin Saddle Pad
• SMx Saddle Pad
• Supracor Saddle Pad
• Toklat Saddle Pad
• Western Saddle Pad
• Wool Saddle Pad

It's important that you get a dressage saddle pad to work well with your training gear, if you're interested in competing in dressage classes or even if you just want to train your horse in this discipline at home. This item will not only help you train better, but will help keep your horse safe from injuries and aches and pains that could keep him from being his best.

Buying a dressage saddle pad can seem a little intimidating at first. Not only do you have to find one that fits your particular saddle, but it also has to offer the horse enough padding and shock absorption that does not get rubbed or otherwise injured. Thus, your pad must fit your tack, your horse's back, and your needs, all at once.

Things to Consider Before You Buy

Note that no dressage saddle pad will solve saddle problems that should otherwise be solved with a new saddle. If your tack is not long enough or wide enough for your horse, you will need to buy new equipment, not just pad it differently and hope that your horse remains safe. This is dangerous and can do lasting damage to your animal's back.

On the other hand, some horses are almost impossible to fit well with a dressage saddle. They may have high withers, an oddly shaped back, or another problem that cannot be compensated for with tack alone. In these cases, a good dressage saddle pad, or maybe a combination of pads, can go far toward making your horse more comfortable and allowing him to keep going and you to keep practicing the discipline you love.

If at any point in your dressage career you are not sure if you need a new saddle or a new pad, be sure to ask a trainer or other equine expert. This person will not only have more knowledge than you do, but will be able to watch you on the horse and see how your tack fits and acts under those circumstances as well as on the ground. Since you can't see this, you cannot always judge what sort of fit you have.

In addition to your equipment, consider how much money you want to spend before you look into a new dressage saddle pad. The dressage pad is available in all sorts of price ranges. However, the more expensive pads tend to have the most perks, and so you may be tempted to spend more than you can truly afford unless you decide beforehand how much money you really have.

Note that any special concerns your dressage horse has might make spending more money on a dressage saddle pad a priority. If your horse cannot safely practice the discipline without a certain type of pad, it is better to make the investment in your dressage career than try to get along without it. Your horse will only end up injured but you will be out of a mount, as well.

Buying Your Equipment

If you're looking for an inexpensive dressage saddle pad, make sure you consider cotton. While some synthetics are cheaper, these can irritate some horses, generally don't last as long and don't have as good of reviews from dressage riders. Cotton can be a good alternative, as it is usually more long-lasting and comfortable for your horse. In addition cotton, as a natural fiber, is easier on your saddle than a synthetic pad might be.

If you can spend a little bit more money, consider a dressage saddle pad with a wool underside but a cotton top. The wool will wick sweat from your horse and help your saddle pad hold its shape longer, but should not irritate your horse through his hair and skin. In addition, wool can act as a mild shock absorber. Though it's not the same as some of the synthetic foam pads available, it is better than straight cotton.

There are other good options for a dressage saddle pad, as well. You may want to consider one made out of sheepskin or fleece, as both of these materials can provide for good, sturdy equipment that washes well but doesn't need a lot of maintenance. In addition, both of these materials hold their shape pretty well. While they are more expensive than cotton, some of these other perks might make them worth the investment. Equipment made from either of these materials will serve you well.

Make sure you try any new dressage saddle pad on your horse with your other equipment. This is the only way to be sure that everything works well together. Make sure you have enough pad on each side of the saddle so that, if it happens to bunch a little, your horse will not get rubbed. In addition, make sure that there aren't any seams under your tack, as these can be uncomfortable for your horse and can even cause injury.

You will also want to decide whether your new dressage saddle pad is mainly for use at home or in shows. Generally, a show pad is only used when showing, so that it stays nice, crisp, and clean for the best presentation possible. A dressage saddle pad used for showing will usually have squared corners, be quilted (at least on top), and will sometimes be monogrammed or have some other identifying mark stitched into the back corner. These pads most often have top layers made of cotton and are made more to look good while in the dressage ring than to function well.

You have more flexibility if you're looking for a dressage saddle pad for use at home. This saddle pad does not have to look as nice and neat as one for showing, so can be cheaper or more utilitarian in nature. If you're using the equipment mainly for training or otherwise at home, you will probably care less about what it is made of and more about how it functions. This is the time to use pads that protect your horse's back, so he does not get injured during your dressage training. Most animals can survive a couple of rounds in a show ring without their usual protection, provided they have it on a daily basis while training.

At this point, you should have all the information you need to purchase a good dressage saddle pad for your needs, desires, and uses. Once you've evaluated several pads, choose the one that you think will help your dressage career the most. While you can never be absolutely sure that you're making the best choice for you and your horse, you can rest in the fact that you evaluated everything and did the best you could.

Maintain Your Equipment

Once you've purchased your dressage saddle pad, make sure you take care of it. Wash it frequently. You probably don't have to wash it every time you ride, but it should be cleaned at least once a week if you're riding two or more times. Make sure you follow the instructions, as many people have accidentally destroyed their expensive dressage saddle pad by not doing so. If you maintain your equipment well, you should be able to use and enjoy it for years.