How do you choose a saddle pad to suit your discipline?
The saddle pad is the key interface between the horse's back and the saddle. Its main role is to absorb sweat, protect the saddle panels from the horse's coat and reduce repeated rubbing during the ride. To do this without restricting the horse's movement, its shape must match the type of saddle exactly.
- General-purpose and jumping cut: shaped with a forward-cut front to follow the flaps of a general-purpose or jumping saddle without restricting the point of the shoulder.
- Dressage cut: longer and straighter at the sides to follow the long, downward line of a dressage saddle's flaps.
- Western and trekking cut: wider and thicker, to sit under the generous tree of a western or outdoor saddle.
Whichever shape you choose, the pad should be pulled well up into the gullet to clear the withers, freeing the spine and avoiding direct pressure on the withers once girthed up.
Which models should you look at from Harcour, Equithème and Lami-Cell?
The major equestrian brands make saddle pads for both intensive training and competition. At Harcour, the Harcour Saphir and Harcour Amba saddle pads are among the most popular for their understated elegance. Riders looking for a Harcour Saphir pad will also find the Harcour Saphir saddle pad in the Pink October collection, as well as the Harcour Amba pad with its neat finish.
For hard-wearing everyday use, every Lami-Cell saddle pad combines technical fabrics with cuts designed for back comfort. Equithème also offers a wide selection, including the Equithème Pro Air saddle pad, designed to encourage airflow under the saddle, as well as the Tweedytan and Glossy models. For specific needs, the range extends to the Norton driving saddle pad and the Riding World Rope saddle pad for regular work.
When should you use a non-slip saddle pad?
Some horses have a particular conformation, such as flat withers, a very rounded back or uneven shoulders. In these cases the saddle can slip forward or back, or twist, during big movements at the canter or over poles. A non-slip saddle pad gives extra grip to steady the saddle without compressing the ribcage.
This technical pad helps limit unwanted movement and spreads the contact points evenly. Check that the non-slip pad is pulled up properly into the gullet when you fit it, so that it does not rub on top of the withers while the horse is working.
How do you care for a saddle pad to make it last?
Careful maintenance keeps your horse's skin clean and preserves the absorbent qualities of the fabric season after season.
- Brush after riding: remove hair and dried dust once the pad is dry, to avoid irritation the next time you use it.
- Wash regularly: machine-wash the pad, following the manufacturer's washing instructions closely.
- Air-dry: dry the pad flat or hung up, out of direct sunlight so the fibres are not damaged.
Storing your pads fully dry in a well-ventilated place prevents damp smells and keeps the padding soft.