The purpose of a saddle pad

The goal of a dressage saddle pad is to do the following:

– Minimize moisture on the horse’s back and keep it cool

– Decrease the amount of pressure on the horse’s back

– Avoid slipping and rocking in the saddle

– Protects the saddle from mud, sweat, and horsehair

The differences between saddle pads

When it comes to saddle pads and cloths, a numnah is actually formed around the entire saddle. In comparison, a saddle pad is formed around the saddle’s cut. A saddle work pad is a rectangle shape and is generally the most adaptable because it is suitable for the majority of saddle styles and cuts, making them perfect for all disciplines.

What material are saddle pads made from?

Saddle pads are available in a range of different materials, either natural or synthetic.

When choosing a dressage saddle pad, remember that the most important characteristics of a quality saddle pad are moisture control and breathability. This is also known as wicking. Synthetic materials will not wick away moisture, whereas cotton and wool will absorb moisture pretty well. Heat will be trapped by synthetic materials as well.

The main materials used for a pony saddle pad are merino wool, wool, cotton and cotton mixes, sheepskin, neoprene, and gel. The insides of the pads are often made of gel, foam and polyester to provide extra comfort.

Choosing the right fit and shape of saddle pad

The right fit of saddle pad is governed by the way your saddle is cut, as well as your personal choice on a saddle pad and a numnah, as to the shape of your saddle pad. The size is governed by your horse’s size as well as the size of your saddle. Bear in mind that saddle pads can differ in size by several cm from one style and brand to another. You can buy saddle pads in different shapes, including ones that mimic the shape of the saddle and squared saddle pads. A shaped saddle pad is curved to replicate the shape of the saddle. A square saddle pad is more of a rectangle shape with straight sides to accommodate the longer flaps of dressage saddles. You can also get more specialist saddle pads which can help to remedy other issues such as horse back pain and sores, trauma and problems caused by friction.

Here are some ways to make choosing the right dressage saddle pad for your horse easier:

Choose a saddle pad that fits both the back of the horse and underneath the horse saddle. This will ensure that the pad is not applying too much pressure to the withers or spine of the horse. If your horse is high-withered, there are pads made especially for them.

Make sure that the kind of pad you choose corresponds to the kind of saddle you have. In most cases, saddle pads are designed with a variety of saddle styles in mind. It is important that the pad reaches a little past the edge of the saddle, but not past the horse’s final rib.

You should not use a saddle pad to correct a poorly-fitting saddle. It is important to try to locate a saddle that is as close to a perfect fit as achievable for your horse. There are, however, several instances in which saddle cushions can assist in improving saddle fit.

Choose the appropriate material for moisture absorption or shock reducing capabilities when finding the right saddle pads for sale for you.

Taking care of a saddle pad

Make a point of keeping your saddle pad as clean as possible, in a similar way to a horse rug. A build up of grime, perspiration, and hair could cause the horse to experience discomfort due to friction. Brush the underside of the pad with a stiff brush on a regular basis, and inspect the pad surface for hard patches.

Cotton pads should be washed in the washing machine with regular washing liquid or powder. Pads that are made from sheepskin can also be washed in the machine, but they must be washed with detergents designed especially for use with wool. Using regular detergents on sheepskin could damage the natural compounds in the skin that help it to be excellent at dispersing weight.

Other things that you need to do to take care of your horse saddle pads include:

– Check your horse saddle pads on a regular basis for signs of wear and damage.

– After each ride, put your pad upside down to enable it to dry naturally.

– It is never a good idea to place your pony saddle pad down on a surface that may cause it to pick up dust or particles that could be transmitted to your horse’s back.

– After washing your pads, make sure to leave them hanging to dry to prevent them from altering in size.

– For the best results, make sure that you follow the cleaning recommendations included with your pad.

Signs to look out for on your saddle pad

White spots, hot areas, hair loss, and uneven sweat patterns are things to look out for. After the ride, look for dry spots as well as wet spots on the horse’s coat, and look at the surface of the horse’s coat to see if it is more compressed in some regions than in other areas. These indications may suggest that the pressure is not evenly distributed.

Pressure and heat distribution under saddles are achieved by the use of saddle pads, which can also be used to reduce friction. Keep the withers free of friction, and make sure that no creases or wrinkles occur under the saddle when you are riding. With the proper saddle pad from our selection, you can keep your horse happy and healthy.