How to Choose the Right Saddle Pad for Your Horse
Saddle pads are one of those things that seem simple until you're stood in the tack shop staring at a wall of dressage cuts, jump cuts, ponies, cobs and fulls wondering where on earth to start. Don't worry, we've got you. A saddle pad does far more than just look good (although ours certainly do that too), it protects your horse's back, helps your saddle sit properly, and can be the difference between a comfortable ride and a sore one for your horse. Let's break it down properly so choosing yours feels easy.
Start With Your Discipline
The biggest factor in choosing a saddle pad is the cut, and that comes down to what saddle you're using it with.
Dressage pads are long and straight, designed to sit neatly under the long, straight flap of a dressage saddle.
Jump pads are shorter with a curved front corner, cut to follow the forward angle of a jump saddle's flap.
Not sure which to go for, or you're a bit of a mixed-discipline rider like most of us? Jump is generally your safest all-rounder. That curved cut means it sits nicely under most saddle types, whereas a dressage pad's straight edge can look a little out of place (and sit a little oddly) under anything that isn't a dressage saddle.
Check the Fit: The Three Finger Rule
Before the pad even comes into it, it's worth knowing the three finger rule for your saddle. With the saddle on (no pad yet), you should be able to comfortably fit three fingers between the top of the withers and the underside of the saddle's gullet. That tells you there's enough clearance for your horse to move freely without anything pinching.
Once your saddle's fit is sorted, your pad's job is simply to add cushioning and protect against friction, not to fix a fit issue. No pad, however good, can compensate for a saddle gullet that's too narrow or sitting too low. Get the saddle right first, then let the pad do what it does best.
What Thickness Do You Need?
This one really comes down to your horse. If your saddle already fits well and just needs a touch of extra cushioning, a standard pad is all you need. Got a broader build or a slightly more sensitive-backed horse? A thicker pad can help with shock absorption and spreading the pressure more evenly. Just remember, a pad fine-tunes comfort, it doesn't correct a saddle that's the wrong size or shape to begin with.
Saddle Pad Sizing Made Simple
Your saddle pad should sit roughly 2.5 to 5cm larger than your saddle all the way round, enough overhang to do its job properly without looking bulky and overdone. We've kept our sizing nice and simple with three options:
| Our Sizes | Saddle Pad Size |
|---|---|
| Pony | 54cm x 50/51cm |
| Cob | 55cm x 50/51cm |
| Full | 60cm x 50/51cm |
Each size increases in length to suit your horse's back while keeping a consistent depth, so finding the right fit is straightforward whatever you ride.
Our Saddle Pads
Here's where the fun bit comes in. Every Team Bloomfields saddle pad is available in Pony, Cob and Full, in both Dressage and Jump cuts, so however you ride, there's one designed to fit beautifully.
And of course, there's sparkle. From Navy & Navy Sparkle to Black & Sparkle Rose Gold, Pink & Silver Sparkle to our ever-popular Leopard Print, our saddle pad collection is designed to be part of your look, not just sit underneath it. Pair yours with matching ear bonnets, browbands or a headcollar from the same colourway, then bring the sparkle all the way up to your leggings and base layers because why should your horse get all the glamour?
Saddle Pad Care
A few simple habits will keep your saddle pad looking as good as the day it arrived:
- Brush or vacuum off hair and dirt regularly, especially underneath
- Machine wash on a cool, gentle cycle with a non-abrasive detergent (harsh detergents can fade colour and damage fabric over time)
- For tougher marks, hand washing with a gentle shampoo works a treat without risking the colour
- Air dry without pegs to avoid creases setting into the fabric
FAQs
What is a saddle pad?
A saddle pad (also called a saddle cloth, blanket or numnah) sits between your horse's back and the saddle. It cushions, absorbs sweat, helps distribute the rider's weight and supports a better saddle fit.
Can I use a dressage pad for jumping?
Technically yes, but the straight cut won't sit as neatly under a jump saddle's curved flap, which can affect both comfort and appearance. We'd recommend a jump pad for jumping.
How much should a saddle pad cost?
Saddle pads typically range from around £20 to £80. Cheaper pads tend to offer less in terms of cushioning, sweat absorption and durability, so it's worth investing in quality where you can. Team Bloomfields Saddle pads start from £49.99
How many saddle pads do I need?
If you ride daily, 2–6 is a good amount to allow for washing and rotating. Add a couple more if your horse has sensitive skin, and an extra 2–4 if you're showing regularly.
Can I put my saddle pad in the washing machine?
Most of ours are machine washable, just use a gentle, non-abrasive detergent to protect the colour and fabric.
Shop the Range
Whatever you ride, we've got a pad to match, literally. Browse the full saddle pad collection and find your perfect fit, in Pony, Cob or Full, Dressage or Jump.