HOW TO PROPERLY FIT A SADDLE PAD
Horse wearing a quilted saddle pad, drawn in a pencil style to highlight ideal pad placement.
The saddle pad plays a key role in the horse’s comfort and in the stability of the tack. If it is poorly positioned or unsuitable, it can cause rubbing, pressure points, heat buildup and even restrict the horse’s freedom of movement. A good fit depends as much on choosing the right model as on how it is placed and checked under the saddle.
1. Choosing a saddle pad adapted to the horse and the saddle
1.1 The shape of the pad
A pad must match the type of saddle being used:
- all-purpose pad: rounded shape, suitable for most general-purpose saddles;
- dressage pad: longer and more rectangular, suited to straight-cut flaps;
- jumping pad: shorter, rising more at the withers;
- specialized pads: for treeless saddles, western saddles or endurance.
An unsuitable pad may extend beyond the saddle or become trapped under the cantle.
1.2 Thickness and materials
A pad must provide:
- light cushioning,
- protection against friction,
- moisture management.
If too thick, it can make the saddle tip forward or backward.
If too thin, it does not provide enough protection.
Common materials: cotton, felt, foam, gel, technical fibers, merino wool.
1.3 Wither clearance
A good pad should:
- lift clearly at the withers,
- never press down on this sensitive area,
- follow the horse’s natural shape.
2. How to correctly position a saddle pad
2.1 Center and place the pad forward
Place the pad slightly ahead of its final position, then slide it backwards in the direction of the coat. This reduces folds and friction.
2.2 Check symmetry
The pad must be:
- perfectly centered,
- the same height on both sides,
- free of folds or distortions.
Asymmetry may indicate poor placement or an issue with saddle fit.
2.3 Lift the pad into the saddle channel
Before tightening the girth:
- slide your hand between the pad and the pommel,
- lift the pad upward into the saddle’s gullet.
This prevents downward tension on the withers.
2.4 Check for tension
The pad must not:
- pull backwards,
- be trapped under the saddle flap,
- crease under the girth.
3. Checks after the saddle is tightened
3.1 Wither clearance (main test)
Slide your hand between the pad and the withers:
You should feel clear space, with no compression.
3.2 Gullet clearance
The pad must stay lifted in the channel:
- no downward pull,
- no direct contact with the spine.
3.3 Stability during movement
Walk, trot and turn the horse:
- the pad should not slip,
- nor slide backwards excessively,
- nor distort on the sides
4. Common mistakes to avoid
- Using an overly thick pad to “compensate” for a poorly fitted saddle.
- Choosing a pad incompatible with the discipline.
- Failing to lift the pad in the saddle gullet.
- Leaving folds or asymmetry.
- Using corrective gel/foam pads without expert guidance (possible pressure points).
5. When to replace or adjust your saddle pad
A pad should be changed or reviewed when it:
- loses its shape,
- compresses in pressure zones,
- retains too much sweat,
- consistently causes rubbing or chafing.
For sensitive horses, technical pads (merino, high-density foam, breathable gel) can greatly improve comfort.
Conclusion
A well-fitted saddle pad is essential for the horse’s comfort and the proper functioning of the saddle. It must protect, support movement and never interfere with the spine or withers. Careful selection and systematic checks before and after riding ensure greater harmony and long-term preservation of the horse’s back.
