Saddle Pads
The fundamental purpose of horse saddle pads is to provide a thin layer of cushioning between the horse’s back and its saddle. A saddle pad protects against friction caused by the saddle rubbing against the horse, and it helps protect the saddle by absorbing some of the horse’s perspiration. The exterior of many saddle pads is typically made of a durable, washable fabric blend, such as cotton with polyester fibers, quilted over a thin layer of poly fill. Depending on the materials used to construct the saddle pad and its specific design features, it can offer much more functionality as well. A saddle pad made from moisture-wicking materials, such as natural sheepskin, bamboo blends or high-tech fabrics, can draw perspiration away from the horse to help prevent back muscles from overheating.
Shop our extensive line of saddle pads at Dover Saddlery and find a rainbow of colors, prints, and patterns with a wide array of bindings and trims to suit every need and design preference.
Our saddle pads feature shock absorbing saddle pad materials, such as gel or foam, to help protect the horse’s back from a rider’s impact or the inevitable slight movement of a saddle. Find anti-slip technologies as well, to keep a slipping saddle stable, and wither relief or other therapeutic pads to accommodate horses with conformational challenges. Horse saddle pads that come with shims can help compensate temporarily for an ill-fitting saddle while a professional fitting solution is awaited. Shop our line of half pads — half pads, shaped to fit only under the panels of the saddle but not under the rider’s legs, can provide impact protection, moisture wicking or improve saddle fit. Combine a half pad with a regular saddle pad or with a super-thin baby pad that doesn’t offer cushioning but keeps the half pad clean. Choose from our selection of dressage pads that accommodate the long, straight flaps of a dressage saddle, or browse classic white saddle pads — often tastefully trimmed with colored binding, piping, or a monogram — the traditional choice for competition. These color combinations lend extra personality and style to schooling sessions, trail rides, or festive mounted events.
You’ll also find our offering of custom saddle pads for any discipline — there are nearly endless color combinations for a completely personalized look. All our pony and horse saddle pads come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors to suit both the type of saddle being ridden in and the horse’s riding discipline.