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How do I choose the right saddle pad for my horse?

There are two decisions to make: cut and size.

For cut, choose based on your saddle and discipline. Our GP saddle pads are the versatile everyday option — suitable for schooling, hacking, and jumping with a balanced cut that works under most general purpose saddles. Our Dressage pads have a straighter, longer cut designed to sit correctly under dressage saddles with longer flaps. If you ride in both disciplines, most riders find a GP pad works well for everyday schooling and keep a Dressage pad for competition or more formal work.

For size, both styles come in Full and XFull. Full suits most horses and standard saddle sizes. XFull is designed for saddles 18" and above, ensuring the pad provides full coverage without sitting short under a larger saddle. If you're unsure, check your saddle size — if it's 18" or above, go XFull.

Both cuts feature a high-wither design with a shaped spine to relieve pressure at one of the most sensitive points on your horse's back, making them a particularly good choice for horses with prominent withers.

FAQs

What is the difference between a GP and Dressage saddle pad?

The difference is in the cut. Our GP saddle pads have a balanced, versatile shape that works well under general purpose saddles for schooling, hacking, and jumping. Our Dressage pads have a straighter, longer cut designed specifically for dressage saddles with longer flaps — a GP pad would sit too short under a dressage saddle and wouldn't provide the right coverage. If you're not sure which saddle type you have, check the flap length — dressage saddles have a noticeably longer, straighter flap compared to a GP saddle.

What does high-wither mean and why does it matter?

A high-wither saddle pad is cut with extra clearance at the front to relieve pressure on the withers — one of the most sensitive points on your horse's back. Horses with prominent withers are particularly prone to rubbing and pressure from standard pads that sit too flat across the front. Our high-wither cut lifts the pad away from the withers and follows the shaped spine, helping to distribute the weight of the saddle more evenly and keep your horse comfortable throughout work.

What size saddle pad does my horse need?

Our saddle pads come in two sizes — Full and XFull. The right size depends on your saddle rather than your horse's size. Full suits most horses and standard saddle sizes. XFull is designed for saddles 18" and above, ensuring the pad provides full coverage without sitting short under a larger saddle. If your saddle is 18" or above, choose XFull. If you're unsure of your saddle size, check the underside of the saddle — the size is usually stamped on the cantle or the saddle flap.

Are your saddle pads suitable for all horse breeds?

Yes — our saddle pads are suitable for all horse builds, from Thoroughbreds and Warmbloods through to Cobs, Irish Draughts, Shires, Clydesdales, and other heavier draft breeds. The high-wither cut and shaped spine work across a wide range of back shapes, and the XFull size provides the coverage needed for larger saddles typically used on heavier breeds. Both GP and Dressage styles are available in Full and XFull.

What is the Dry-Tech air mesh lining?

The Dry-Tech air mesh lining is an advanced moisture-wicking fabric that actively draws sweat away from your horse's coat during work, helping to keep them cool and dry even during long schooling sessions or warm-weather hacks. Unlike a standard cotton lining that absorbs and holds moisture, the air mesh allows heat and sweat to escape, which helps prevent overheating and reduces the risk of skin irritation from prolonged contact with a damp pad.

How do I care for my saddle pad?

After each ride, brush off any loose hair, dust, and dried sweat to keep the pad fresh and extend its life. When it needs a wash, machine wash on a gentle cycle — avoid fabric softeners as these can clog the Dry-Tech mesh and reduce its moisture-wicking performance. Always air dry naturally away from direct heat and avoid tumble drying, as heat can damage the fabric and affect the shape of the pad. Store flat or hung in a cool, dry place when not in use — every pad comes with a complimentary reusable storage bag to make this easy.

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Saddle Pads

A saddle pad does more than protect your horse's back — it cushions, wicks sweat, and helps distribute the weight of the saddle evenly. Get it wrong and you end up with pressure points, rubbing, and a horse that's uncomfortable before you've even started work. Get it right and it's one of those things you stop thinking about entirely.

Our Epic Equestrian saddle pads are built with a high-wither cut and shaped spine to relieve pressure at one of the most sensitive points on your horse's back — particularly important for horses with prominent withers where a standard pad can cause rubbing or restrict movement. The Dry-Tech air mesh lining actively wicks sweat away from the coat, keeping your horse cool and dry even during long schooling sessions or warm-weather hacks. A 600 denier girth patch provides anti-rub protection, and adjustable velcro billet and girth straps keep the pad securely in place under saddle.

We offer two cuts — GP and Dressage. Our GP saddle pads are the versatile everyday choice, suitable for schooling, hacking, and jumping. Our Dressage pads have a straighter, longer cut to sit correctly under dressage saddles with longer flaps. Both are available in Full and XFull, with XFull designed specifically for saddles 18" and above. Suitable for all horse builds — from Thoroughbreds and Warmbloods through to Cobs, Irish Draughts, Shires and other heavier draft breeds — and every pad comes hand-packed in a complimentary reusable storage bag.