The Complete Guide to Saddle Pads: How to Choose the Right One for Dressage, Jumping & Everyday Riding

What is the difference between a dressage saddle pad and a jump saddle pad?

The shape of your saddle pad needs to match the shape of your saddle — it's that simple, and getting it wrong is one of the most common mistakes riders make. Dressage saddle pads are cut with a longer, straighter flap profile that follows the extended panel of a dressage saddle. The flap drops lower and sits further back to cover the full saddle area without riding up or bunching. Jump saddle pads (also called close contact pads or GP pads) have a more forward-cut flap that follows the shorter, rounder panel of a jumping or general-purpose saddle.

Using a jump pad on a dressage saddle leaves exposed leather rubbing against your horse's side. Using a dressage pad on a jump saddle creates excess fabric that folds under the flap and can cause pressure points. If you ride in both saddle types, you need both pad shapes — there's no universal cut that works perfectly for both.

Some brands also offer an "all-purpose" or "GP" shape that sits somewhere in between. These work reasonably well for general-purpose saddles but are a compromise — not quite right for a dedicated dressage or jump saddle. Stick with the correct shape for your saddle type if you can.

What materials make the best saddle pad?

Saddle pad materials fall into three broad categories: cotton, technical synthetics, and blended fabrics. Each has trade-offs, and the "best" material depends on how you ride, how often you wash your pads, and what matters most to you.

Cotton is the traditional choice and still the most common filling material. It's breathable, absorbs sweat well, and washes easily in a standard machine cycle. Pure cotton pads tend to be thicker and heavier when wet, and they can take longer to dry between rides. Most mid-range pads use a cotton quilting with a polyester outer or a cotton-poly blend.

Technical synthetics — including moisture-wicking polyester, mesh panels, and quick-dry fabrics — are increasingly common in premium pads. Equestrian Stockholm uses a signature quilted fabric with excellent colour retention and a relatively quick drying time. Equestro combines quilted technical fabrics with Italian leather trim detailing. These pads tend to be lighter, dry faster, and hold their shape better wash after wash, but they can feel less breathable than cotton in extreme heat.

Specialist materials like Acavallo's gel inserts and memory foam layers serve a different purpose entirely. These pads aren't just about sweat absorption — they're about pressure distribution and shock absorption. Acavallo's three-dimensional gel technology sits within the pad and prevents saddle slip while distributing the rider's weight more evenly across the horse's back. If your horse has a sensitive back or you're dealing with minor saddle fit issues, a gel or memory foam pad can make a genuine difference.

How do you choose the right saddle pad size?

Saddle pad sizing isn't standardised across brands, which catches a lot of riders out. A "full" in Equestrian Stockholm is not the same dimensions as a "full" in Schockemöhle or Equestro. The best approach is to measure your current well-fitting pad and compare against the brand's size chart before ordering.

Most brands offer two or three sizes: cob (also sometimes called "small" or "pony/cob"), full (the standard for most horses), and occasionally extra full or oversize for larger breeds. Equestrian Stockholm's sizing tends to be more generous than some other brands — their "full" size fits comfortably on most horses from 16hh upwards.

The key measurements to check are spine length (the distance along the top edge from wither to cantle) and flap drop (how far the pad extends below the saddle panel). A pad that's too short along the spine won't cover the full saddle area. A pad that's too long will bunch behind the cantle or stick out visibly past the saddle's edge. Both look untidy and — more importantly — can cause pressure issues.

We have size charts for every brand we stock: Equestrian Stockholm dressage pad sizes, Equestrian Stockholm jump pad sizes, Schockemöhle saddle pad sizes, and Acavallo saddle pad sizes.

Do you need an anti-slip saddle pad?

If your saddle moves — even slightly — during riding, an anti-slip pad might solve the problem before you start looking at more expensive options like saddle fitting or grip strips. Anti-slip pads have a rubberised, silicone, or gel-based underside (the part that sits on the horse's back) that grips the coat and prevents the saddle from shifting forward, backward, or to the side.

Acavallo pioneered this approach with their non-slip gel technology. Their saddle pads — including the Acavallo Dressage Classic Withers Memory Foam 3D Spacer — use a three-dimensional gel surface that moulds to the horse's back shape and creates a stable, non-slip foundation. It's a particularly good solution for horses with flatter withers, round barrels, or anything that makes saddle stability a challenge.

It's worth noting that an anti-slip pad is not a fix for a genuinely poorly fitting saddle. If your saddle rocks, bridges, or slides significantly despite girthing correctly, that's a saddle fit issue that needs professional assessment. Anti-slip pads work best as a complement to a saddle that fits reasonably well but just needs a little extra security.

How do premium saddle pad brands compare?

Not all premium saddle pads are created equal. Each brand approaches design, materials, and pricing differently. Here's an honest comparison of the four main brands we stock.

Equestrian Stockholm is the biggest name in our saddle pad collection, and it's easy to see why. ES releases new seasonal colourways regularly, each available across saddle pads, ear bonnets, horse boots, bandages, and rider clothing — making it the go-to brand for matchy-matchy sets. The pads themselves are well-made with a distinctive quilting pattern and excellent colour retention. They're a solid everyday pad that looks as good after a dozen washes as it did out of the packet. Browse Equestrian Stockholm saddle pads →

Equestro is the brand to look at if you want premium Italian craftsmanship without a premium price tag. Their saddle pads feature beautiful quilting and genuine leather trim details that give them a high-end look and feel. The colour range is growing, and the quality-to-price ratio is excellent — these are pads that look and feel like they should cost considerably more. Browse Equestro saddle pads →

Schockemöhle approaches saddle pads the same way they approach bridles: clean, understated, quality-focused. If you're already riding in a Schockemöhle bridle, their saddle pads are designed to coordinate beautifully. The colours are classic rather than seasonal — think navy, black, white, grey — and the construction is solid German engineering. Not the most exciting colour range, but dependable quality. Browse Schockemöhle saddle pads →

Acavallo takes a completely different approach. While the other brands focus on aesthetics and fabric quality, Acavallo leads with technology and function. Their saddle pads incorporate gel inserts, memory foam layers, and anti-slip surfaces designed to genuinely improve comfort and saddle stability. If you're choosing a pad for what it does rather than how it looks, Acavallo is where to start. Browse Acavallo saddle pads →

How should you wash and care for your saddle pad?

Proper washing extends your saddle pad's life significantly and keeps it performing as it should. A pad caked in dried sweat and dirt loses its cushioning properties, can harbour bacteria, and may irritate your horse's skin.

Machine washing is fine for most premium saddle pads, but check the care label first. Use a cool wash (30°C), a gentle or horse-specific detergent, and avoid fabric softener — it coats fibres and reduces breathability and moisture wicking. Wash saddle pads separately or with other horse gear, never with your own clothing. The Velcro girth straps should be fastened to themselves before washing to prevent snagging.

Drying is where most riders go wrong. Never tumble dry a saddle pad. Hang it flat or drape it over a fence rail away from direct heat. Direct sunlight is fine for a few hours but prolonged UV exposure can fade colours, especially on darker pads. Equestrian Stockholm pads hold their colour particularly well, but even the best dyes degrade with sustained sun exposure.

Between washes, brush off dried mud and sweat with a stiff brush and hang the pad to air. In summer, you might wash after every ride. In winter, brushing and airing between rides is usually sufficient unless the pad is visibly soiled. Rotating between two or three pads means each one lasts longer and you always have a clean one ready.

What about half pads — do you need one as well?

A half pad sits between your saddle and your saddlecloth and serves a different purpose to a standard saddle pad. Where a saddle pad primarily protects against friction and sweat, a half pad provides additional cushioning, shock absorption, and — in some cases — correction for minor saddle fit issues.

You don't always need a half pad. If your saddle fits well, a good-quality saddlecloth on its own is perfectly fine. But if you're noticing pressure marks on your horse's back, your saddle moves slightly during work, or you want extra shock absorption for intensive schooling or jumping, a half pad can make a meaningful difference. Acavallo's half pad range covers gel, memory foam, and sheepskin options for different needs — read our complete Acavallo half pad guide for the full breakdown, or browse the half pad collection directly.

One thing to be careful of: adding a half pad under a saddle that already fits snugly can make the fit too tight. The extra thickness effectively raises the saddle and changes the contact points. If your saddle is a precise fit, consult your saddle fitter before adding a half pad.

Shop the Range

Browse our full collection of premium European saddle pads, organised by discipline and brand:

• Dressage Saddle Pads →
• Jump Saddle Pads →
• All Saddlecloths & Pads →

Or shop by brand: Equestrian Stockholm | Equestro | Schockemöhle | Acavallo

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I replace my saddle pad?

A well-maintained premium saddle pad should last 2–3 years of regular use. Signs it needs replacing: thinning quilting that no longer provides cushioning, permanent staining or odour that washing can't shift, worn binding on the edges, or loss of shape that causes the pad to bunch under the saddle. Rotating between pads extends their lifespan significantly.

Can I use the same saddle pad for dressage and jumping?

Not ideally. Dressage pads have a longer, straighter cut and jump pads have a forward-cut flap — they're shaped for different saddle profiles. Using the wrong shape leaves exposed saddle leather or creates bunching under the flap. If you ride in a GP saddle, an all-purpose pad works, but for dedicated dressage or jump saddles, use the matching pad shape.

What's the difference between a saddle pad and a numnah?

A numnah is cut to follow the outline of the saddle closely, while a saddle pad (or saddlecloth) is typically square or rectangular with the pad extending visibly beyond the saddle edges. Both serve the same function — the choice is partly practical (numnahs sit flatter, pads are easier to position) and partly aesthetic.

Do I need a different pad for summer and winter?

It depends on how hard your horse sweats. In summer, a thinner, quick-drying pad is ideal — Equestrian Stockholm pads dry quickly and perform well in warm weather. In winter, you might want something slightly thicker for extra cushioning, especially if your horse clips. A technical fabric pad is a good all-rounder for year-round use.

Are expensive saddle pads actually better?

Generally, yes — up to a point. Premium pads from brands like Equestrian Stockholm, Equestro, and Schockemöhle use better fabrics, better quilting, and better construction than budget alternatives. They hold their shape through more washes, retain colour better, and typically provide better cushioning for longer. The sweet spot for most riders is the mid-range price point, which is where our core brands sit.

What colour saddle pad should I choose for competition?

For affiliated dressage competitions, white or a conservative colour (navy, black) is traditional and expected at higher levels. For unaffiliated competitions, showing, and schooling, anything goes — and this is where brands like Equestrian Stockholm really shine with their seasonal colourways. The general rule: match your pad to your horse's colouring and your own clothing for a polished look.

How do I stop my saddle pad slipping?

If your pad slides backward, check that the girth straps are correctly fastened and that the pad is positioned far enough forward. If slipping persists, an anti-slip pad like Acavallo's gel range provides grip between the pad and the horse's back. Persistent saddle slip usually indicates a saddle fit issue rather than a pad problem — get your saddle checked.

Is a thicker saddle pad better for my horse's back?

Not necessarily. A thicker pad provides more cushioning but also changes the saddle's fit by raising it slightly. For a well-fitted saddle, a standard-thickness pad is ideal. If you need significant additional cushioning, a half pad designed for that purpose (like Acavallo's range) is a better solution than stacking thick pads — it adds cushioning without the same fit compromise.