English
English saddle pads play an important role in protecting your horse’s back, improving saddle fit, and extending the life of your tack. Designed to cushion, reduce friction, and wick away sweat, saddle pads help keep horses comfortable and performing their best.
Available in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials, English saddle pads are designed to suit different riding styles, from dressage and eventing to hunter/jumper disciplines. Some riders opt for traditional square pads for everyday training, while others prefer shaped or contoured designs for a more streamlined appearance in competition.
A well-chosen saddle pad can help prevent soreness, skin irritation, and uneven pressure distribution under the saddle. Factors such as thickness, breathability, and moisture-wicking ability affect your horse’s comfort and performance, especially during longer rides or in hot weather.
Understanding how different designs, fabrics, and features work allows you to make the best decision for you and your horse. Read on to learn everything you need to know about English saddle pads, including functions, types, and care so you can choose the best option for your horse and riding goals.
English Saddle Pads
Saddle pads are a basic piece of English riding equipment, providing a layer of protection and comfort between the horse and the saddle. They are typically made from cushioned material and cut in a square, rectangular, or contoured shape to fit securely between the horse’s back and the saddle. [1]
Designed to prevent skin rubbing, absorb sweat and protect the saddle from dirt and wear, these pads also help maintain the well-being of your horse during exercise.
While these pads may seem like a simple accessory, proper use and fit of a saddle pad can influence riding performance, saddle longevity, and overall equine comfort. [1]
English saddle pads come in various styles, materials, and thicknesses, each suited to specific riding disciplines and horse conformations. Choosing the right pad and using it correctly helps ensure the saddle fits properly, prevents rubbing or soreness, and promotes a more enjoyable riding experience for horse and rider alike. [1]
What's your top priority with your horse's health?
What's your top priority with your horse's health?
Uses & Benefits
The saddle pad is placed between the saddle and the horse’s body to provide cushioning. Saddle pads have multiple uses in English tack, including: [1][2]
- Protecting the horse’s back from the saddle rubbing on the skin leaving marks, sores, or other issues
- Absorbing sweat so the saddle stays in place without slipping, and the horse is more comfortable
- Protecting the saddle from wear and tear
- Applying magnetic therapy in some cases
Additionally, the saddle pad can also help the saddle fit more snugly. [1] If the pommel/horn area of the saddle is too high, padding can be used under the back of the saddle to even it out. This should be done with caution, ensuring the saddle sits flat so that it does not rub the horse’s withers at the front edge. [1]
If the saddle is rubbing the horse’s withers because it is too low in the front, a wither pad can be added to the saddle’s front. [1]
Although these small corrections can be made using pads, anything more significant should be managed by finding a better fitting saddle. Saddle pads can only help with small adjustments. [1]
A numnah is a specific type of saddle pad that follows the outline of the saddle. To many riders, especially those from the UK, the terms saddle pad and numnah are used interchangeably. [1]
Sizing & Fitting
The width and length of a saddle pad is measured to fit comfortably under the outline of the saddle’s frame without too much extra pad outside of that area. [2]
A pad that is too small can result in rubbing and discomfort. A pad that is too large can get in the way of a proper fitting saddle.
The thickness of the pad is equally important, and should be determined by the width of the saddle’s tree and the shape of the horse’s back. [3]
A pad that is too thick can disrupt the proper fit of the saddle, while one that is too thin can result in discomfort to the horse from the saddle rubbing against its skin. [3]
Materials for an English Saddle Pad
Typically, saddle pads used in English riding are made up of thick, absorbent, and insulating fabrics. These include fleece, felt, wool, and sheepskin. [2][3]
Since English saddles are lighter than Western saddles, pads for English riding can be lighter and thinner than those used in Western riding. [1]
Synthetic pads are also available. These may be easier to clean and maintain but sometimes compromise the pad’s ability to absorb sweat and protect the horse’s back. [1] Pads made of fleece and wool allow for better temperature control and can be used for longer, harder rides. [3]
Guide to Using an English Saddle Pad
Proper placement of an English saddle pad helps keep your horse comfortable, prevents irritation and protects the saddle from wear and tear.
Follow these steps to ensure the pad is positioned correctly: [1][2][3][4]
- Prior to placing the pad, shake it out to ensure that the underside is clean and free from debris that might irritate the horse’s skin.
- Prepare the saddle by ensuring that the stirrup safety bar is down, the stirrups are up, and the girth is set across the seat.
- Place the pad onto the horse’s back. It should be placed high on the withers, then adjusted back along the horse’s body until it is in the proper position. This allows the horse’s hair to lie smoothly under the pad, decreasing the risk of discomfort.
- Ensure that the pad is even on both sides of the horse’s body. Smooth out the pad so there are no wrinkles or folded corners that might cause irritation or improper fit.
- Once the pad is in position, the saddle can be placed on top. Once it is in position, it is a good idea to pull the pad up into the saddle’s gullet. This prevents pressure on the withers and keeps the pad clear of the spine. It also ensures the pad doesn’t bunch up under the saddle and allows for ventilation over the horse’s back.
- Once the pad is properly positioned under the saddle, secure the saddle using the girth.
To remove the pad, push up and secure the stirrup irons, unbuckle the girth on both sides, and lay it across the saddle. Then lift the saddle and pad off the horse’s back together. [1]
Maintenance
When not in use, the saddle pad should be stored on top of the saddle with the dirty side up so it dries before next use. [1]
The pad should be kept clean and well maintained. Brush or vacuum the saddle pad frequently to remove dirt, dried sweat, and other contaminants. [1][2]
If the pad is made from washable materials, it should be washed regularly. After use, it should be checked for wear and tear and repaired or replaced when necessary. [1][2]
Between uses, saddle pads should be stored in a location where air can circulate freely to allow them to dry completely. [2]
Pads may also be made of materials that are attractive to mice and other rodents as nesting materials. Storing pads away from the reach of these animals is recommended. [2]
Drawbacks of Using Saddle Pads
While saddle pads offer cushioning and protection, improper use or maintenance can create problems for both horse and rider.
- Fit issues: Pads cannot correct an ill-fitting saddle and, in some cases, may make the problem worse. If a saddle does not fit properly without a pad, adding one can cause the material to bunch or wrinkle, creating pressure points that lead to discomfort, rubbing, or sores. Saddles should always be fitted directly to the horse’s back before adding a pad. [1]
- Heat buildup and moisture retention: Some pad materials can trap heat and moisture against the horse’s skin, particularly during long rides or in hot weather. This can lead to overheating, skin irritation, or fungal infections. Choosing breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics can help reduce these risks.
- Hygiene concerns: Pads, like other tack, can harbor parasites, bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms. Mites, for example, can be transmitted to healthy horses through shared saddle pads. To reduce the risk of disease or parasite transmission, pads should be cleaned and disinfected before being used on another horse. [2]
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about English saddle pads:
An English saddle pad provides cushioning and protection between the saddle and the horse’s back while helping manage sweat and friction. This layer reduces rubbing, supports comfort during exercise, and helps keep the saddle stable. Absorbing moisture also protects the saddle from wear caused by sweat, dirt, and hair, which can extend the life of your tack over time.
Choosing the right size and thickness of an English saddle pad involves matching the pad to both the saddle shape and your horse’s back. A properly sized pad extends slightly beyond the saddle without excess bulk, while thickness should support comfort without altering saddle fit. Pads that are too thick can interfere with balance, while thin pads may not provide enough cushioning during rides.
A numnah is a type of English saddle pad designed to follow the shape of the saddle more closely than square or rectangular pads. This contoured design reduces extra fabric and creates a cleaner outline under the saddle. Many riders use the terms interchangeably, but a numnah refers specifically to this fitted style often chosen for a streamlined appearance in certain disciplines.
Proper placement of an English saddle pad starts with positioning it slightly forward on the withers before sliding it back into place. This motion smooths the horse’s coat and reduces friction under the saddle. Once the saddle is set, lifting the front of the pad into the gullet helps prevent pressure on the withers and keeps the spine clear, improving airflow and overall comfort.
Materials used in English saddle pads affect comfort, breathability, and durability during riding. Natural fibers such as wool, fleece, and sheepskin tend to offer better temperature control and moisture management, making them suitable for longer rides. Synthetic materials are often easier to clean and maintain, though they may not absorb sweat as effectively depending on the design.
A saddle pad cannot correct major saddle fit problems and should only be used for minor adjustments. Adding extra padding to an ill-fitting saddle can create pressure points or cause shifting, leading to discomfort or soreness. A properly fitted saddle should sit correctly on its own, with the pad serving as a supportive layer rather than a solution to fit issues.
Cleaning an English saddle pad regularly helps maintain hygiene and performance by removing sweat, dirt, and debris. Brushing or vacuuming after each ride keeps buildup under control, while periodic washing prevents odor and contamination. Allowing the pad to dry fully in a well-ventilated space reduces the risk of bacteria, fungi, or parasites developing between uses.
Saddle pads can contribute to heat buildup if the material traps moisture and limits airflow during riding. Thick or poorly ventilated pads may hold heat against the horse’s back, especially in warm weather or during long sessions. Choosing breathable, moisture-wicking materials helps manage temperature and reduces the risk of skin irritation or discomfort.
Proper saddle pad fit is indicated by even coverage under the saddle without bunching, wrinkles, or excess material. A well-fitted pad sits symmetrically on both sides and does not interfere with saddle placement. When positioned correctly, it stays smooth during movement and does not create pressure points that could lead to rubbing or soreness.
Saddle pads can spread bacteria, fungi, or parasites between horses if they are shared without proper cleaning. Contaminants such as mites or microorganisms may remain in the fabric and transfer during use. Regular washing and avoiding shared pads between horses without cleaning reduces the risk of transmission and helps maintain overall equine health.
Summary
An English saddle pad is a cushioned layer placed between the horse and the saddle to enhance comfort, protect the horse's back, and maintain saddle condition. It plays a vital role in everyday equestrian care, offering both functional support and riding safety when used correctly.
- English Saddle Pads are a basic but important piece of tack used to protect the horse's back and absorb sweat during English riding
- They provide comfort, prevent rubbing and saddle damage, and may assist with minor saddle fit adjustments
- They must be properly sized in both length and width as well as thickness to ensure comfort and prevent interference with saddle fit
- Common materials for saddle pads include fleece, felt, wool, sheepskin, and synthetic fabrics—each with different benefits for comfort, sweat control, and durability
- Proper placement and maintenance of the saddle pad ensure effectiveness, comfort, and a secure fit under the saddle
References
- Andrews. T. et al. Horse Reference Manual. 4H Alberta. 2015.
- The 4-H Horse Project. Pacific Northwest Extension. 2018.
- MA1500F Member's Manual. 4-H Horse Project. 2018.
- Moffitt. D. 4AF-05MA: Basic Horse Safety Manual. Cooperative Extension Service University of Kentucky College of Agriculture. 1989.
