How to Choose a Dressage Pad
If your saddle fits well and your horse doesn't have any back issues, you need only a simple dressage pad. In fact, if you add too much bulk with extra padding, you can cause a poor saddle fit and create pressure points.

If you have challenges with your horse's back -such as high withers or sore spots- or if the fit of your saddle is not perfect, you may need to add a specialty pad to alleviate or at least lessen the severity of the problem until it can be addressed by a professional saddle fitter and/or veterinarian.

The color of the dressage pad you choose depends on whether you plan to use it for schooling or showing. Refer to USEF rules governing permissible colors of pads used in showing and the size and content of monograms.

Most dressage pads are contoured along the topline to offer comfort over the withers and a secure fit. They're available in various widths and lengths, with average sizes ranging from 22" wide to 46" long.

Dressage Saddle Pad Sizing

• The width of the pad corresponds to the length of the saddle seat, along your horse's topline. The width should suffice to cover your horse's back fully under the saddle with a bit of pad visible in front of the pommel and behind the cantle.
• The length of the dressage pad corresponds to the length of your saddle flap. The pad should be long enough to cover the side of your horse under the saddle flap; you should see a bit of pad below the tip of the saddle flap.
• If you use a short girth with your dressage saddle, be sure that you have at least three to four fingers' width between the top of the girth and the bottom of the saddle pad and saddle flap on both sides. If the girth comes to close to the edge of the saddle pad or flap, your horse's skin can be pinched.

Shaped Saddle Pad Sizing
Curved to mimic the shape of a saddle, shaped fleece pads are available for jumping, all-purpose and dressage saddles. They can be made of genuine sheepskin or synthetic fleece.Size is usually determined by matching the pad to both the type of saddle and the seat size. (To measure the seat size, run a tape measure from one of the screw heads on the side of the pommel to the middle of the cantle.) You can also take the measurement of the saddle pad's spine and drop an apply those to your saddle. You want an even border of about two inches of saddle pad showing around the edge of your saddle. To achieve the perfect look for your particular saddle, you may want to try pads from different manufacturers.

All-Purpose "Square" Saddle Pad Sizing
Offered in sizes for horses and ponies, these all-purpose pads are suited to saddles designed for jumping. Take the spine measurement in consideration of the length of your saddle's panels front to back and the drop measurement in consideration of the length of your saddle's flaps. A pad should cover your horse's back under the saddle with a bit of pad visible in front of the pommel and behind the cantle. The amount of pad you see is up to your personal preference and the needs of your horse.

Note:  Using a Short Girth with a Monoflap Event Saddle
If you use a short girth with a Monoflap Event saddle, be sure you have at least three to four fingers' width between the top of the girth and the bottom of the saddle pad and saddle flap on both sides. If the girth comes to close to the edge of the saddle pad or flap, your horse's skin can be pinched.

Dressage Saddle Pad Sizing
Dressage pads are cut to fit the long, straight flaps of dressage saddles and are often contoured along the withers and topline. Take the spine measurement in consideration of the length of your saddle's panels front to back and the drop measurement in consideration of the length of your saddle's flaps. A pad should cover your horse's back under the saddle with a bit of pad visible in front of the pommel and behind the cantle. The amount of pad you see is up to your personal preference and the needs of your horse.

Note:  Using a Short Girth with a Dressage Saddle
If you use a short girth with your dressage saddle, be sure you have at least three to four fingers' width between the top of the girth and the bottom of the saddle pad and saddle flap on both sides. If the girth comes to close to the edge of the saddle pad or flap, your horse's skin can be pinched.