The saddle pad or blanket provides a bit of extra cushioning between the saddle and the horse and helps the saddle stay clean . Without a pad or blanket, a saddle will sit directly on the horse, where it will absorb sweat and pick up dirt from the horse’s back. ... No pad is a substitute for a properly fitted saddle.
Can you ride without a saddle pad?
Any saddle that is well-fitted to the horse should be able to be ridden in without a saddle pad and not hurt the horse. It doesn’t matter what kind of saddle, or what kind of flocking it has, or how much money you spend on it. If it fits well, it won’t hurt your horse without a pad.
Do you need a saddle pad?
A saddle pad protects your horse’s back from friction that could be caused by a saddle rubbing directly on your horse’s hair and skin. It also helps to protect the saddle by absorbing some of your horse’s sweat. If your saddle fits well, you’ll require only a simple saddle pad.
What is the purpose of a saddle blanket?
The terms saddle blanket, saddle pad (or numnah), and saddle cloth refer to blankets, pads or fabrics inserted under a saddle. These are usually used to absorb sweat, cushion the saddle, and protect the horse’s back.
How often should you change your saddle pad?
They’ll use and abuse them, and occasionally wash them if they start stinking the tack room, but saddle pads need to be replaced on a regular basis . Hours of hard riding can break down the fibers in a saddle pad, which can reduce the level of protection it provides your horse’s back.
Can a saddle pad be too short?
Be careful of pads that are too short in the back or not long enough to properly protect the saddle flaps. You don’t want the edge of the saddle pad sitting under the pommel, where it could form a pressure point or rub the horse.
What is a good saddle pad?
| Pad Usage Quality | Professional’s Choice SMX Air Ride Anza Wool Pad All horses All trail levels Mid-range | Weaver Leather Contour Pad All horses All trail levels Light trail use Lower-end | SaddleRight Western Square Pad All horses All trail levels High-end plus lifetime guaranty |
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What is the most expensive saddle pad?
The most expensive saddlepad in the range, the Doudou Shock Absorbing Pad , retails at $730.
How do I know what size saddle pad I need?
As a general guideline, it is best to add about 3” to the length of your saddle (front to back) to find the correct size pad. A pad that is too small will provide insufficient coverage, while a pad that is too large may impede motion.
How long do saddle pads last?
A weekend warrior may make a saddle pad last two to three years plus . We’ve had clients with pads that last upwards of 10+ years. As saddle pads get used more and more the wool fibers break down and in the bar areas they can become packed and thin.
Can I put my saddle pad in the dryer?
Most saddle pads cannot be put in a dryer . Especially pads that have cords on the rim can get warped if you put them in the dryer. Instead, hand them to line dry and ensure that the pads dry completely before putting them back in your tack box.
How big should my western saddle pad be?
When selecting a western saddle pad you must also consider the fit. The pad should be at least one inch bigger than the saddle all the way around . However, one that is too big can cause excess heat and bulk. A thicker pad is not always the best either.
How thick should a barrel saddle pad be?
In general, most barrel racers prefer a 28-inch pad , although you may be able to use a 30-inch pad if your horse has a longer back. You just need to make sure that the pad you choose won’t extend over your horse’s hip area and interfere with its stride.
Can saddle pads be too big?
s back and the shape of the saddle to provide the highest levels of comfort for the horse. A pad that is too thick can make a saddle sit too tightly over the trapezius muscle behind the shoulder blade, making it sore.
What size is a full saddle pad?
The average western saddle pad will measures 32 inches by 32 inches or 30′′ x 30, square, when unfolded. That means most western pads have a 15-16 inch drop (distance from the center fold to the bottom edge) and a 30-32 inch spine.
What size is a dressage saddle pad?
Dressage pads are available in various widths and lengths, with average sizes ranging from 22 inches wide to 46 inches long . Some styles of dressage pad offer swallowtail detailing or contrasting piping.
