Gear Guide Tried & Tested

Saddle pads

Tried & Tested
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Find the perfect pad to fit your horse, your saddle and your budget, too

Our testers: These saddle pads were tested on hardworking horses on warm days, across all disciplines and with lots of washing.

The products

Mattes-Eurofit
RRP
£179.98

Mattes Eurofit

With lambskin at the front and rear, this pad is designed to sit comfortably in the saddle gullet.

We say…

Loved the pad. The quality is super and it looked really smart on my horse. It fitted well under my saddles and stayed still on the horse as did the saddle on top of it. I didn’t use the tabs, as they’re long and my saddle needs short ones, so I tucked them under the saddle and they weren’t a problem. The girth tabs were in a good place for my saddle. The pad washed really well and came out of the tumble dryer looking as good as new. I loved this saddlepad and would definitely have more. 

Catago-FIR-tech-tried and tested
RRP
£94.95

Catago FIR-tech

Lightweight fibrefill provides comfort while the lining material contains ceramic particles to keep the horse’s back cool.

We say…

The saddlepad, which came with a plastic carry case, fitted well under a 17-inch dressage saddle, with enough tape to reach the D rings. It stayed in place with no slipping and also looked smart. It has washed well on a cool wash. I feel my horse is more relaxed over his back since using this pad and he and I would both give it a 10 out of 10.

Arma-Fusion tried and tested
RRP
£73.96

Arma Fusion

A sweat-wicking pad made for performance, with a shock absorbing lining and silicone grips for security.

We say…

I loved the style of this pad. The silicone grip on both sides worked well with no need for additional attachment straps. My saddle does slip on my tricky-to-fit horse, but this pad held it in place perfectly. The mesh zones along the spine kept the underside of the saddle cool and sweat free. The saddlepad only has a girth loop, which means it’s easily interchangeable for different saddles. It’s quite pricey but I’ve been impressed by it, so I’d say it’s worth the money, especially as it’s shown no signs of wear.

Premier-Equine saddlepad tried and tested
RRP
£72.00

Premier Equine Close Contact Merino Wool European

Wool fibre keeps the horse cool and dry under saddle and the design reduces pressure on the horse’s back and withers.

We say…

This smart-looking pad gave a close, comfortable fit. It sat in the gullet of the saddle, staying securely in place when in use. The Merino wool made the pad breathable. The shape was good and there were no marks or rubs on my sensitive horse. Hairs brushed off and the pad washed well and dried quickly. Perfect for everyday use but also smart enough for competitions. It’s good value for money for the quality of the product. 

Kentucky-Horsewear-velvet tried and tested
RRP
£69.97

Kentucky Horsewear Velvet

Shaped for dressage, this velvet pad provides cushioning while protecting against friction.

We say…

The saddlepad looked smart and luxurious. It fitted well and was true to size. Stayed still despite not having any front straps and didn’t dig in, slip back or rub my horse. The lining seemed breathable as my horse didn’t get sweaty under the saddle during exercise. It washed well – it still looks good after a lot of use – and hasn’t shown any signs of wear. I’d definitely recommend it to other horse owners as it has lasted well and I think it’s good value for money, too.

Schockemohle-power-pad tried and tested
RRP
£54.96

Schockemöhle Power Pad

A forward-cut saddlepad featuring a quick-dry lining and an anatomically designed back line.

We say…

On first impression, this saddlepad felt good quality, smart and well finished with attractive cord detailing. It has worn well and looks great even after several washes. The Velcro tab still works and the quilting and stitching have remained perfect. The pad was used under various saddles on several horses. It offered good clearance of the wither and spine with no slipping back. The breathable, quick-drying lining worked well – the horses seemed comfortable and not too sweaty after work.  

Aztec-Diamond-AD-tried and tested
RRP
£49.9

Aztec Diamond AD

Forward-cut pad with a popper button design for customisability. With a mesh lining for breathability, sweat wicking and comfort.

We say…

I liked this saddlepad for everyday use. It has a high wither, which is a positive for me. The mesh provided ultimate breathability. It came up fairly true to size and didn’t slip or rub. It has washed well and has only shown minor bobbling where the girth sits. There are no saddle attachment straps at the front which suited me, but may not suit everyone. It seemed pretty comfortable and breathable, and offered good value for an everyday saddlepad.

WoofWear-dressage-tried and tested
RRP
£39.99

WoofWear Dressage

Made from no-rub polycotton, this pad is designed to fit the contours of the horse and the shape of the saddle.

We say…

The look and style of the pad provided quality to the touch and to the eye. It fits well and gives perfect clearance for ease of movement for the horse. True to size, there was no slipping even after long riding sessions. The pad didn’t rub or mark my horse in any area and it wicked sweat away well to ensure maximum comfort. A well-priced pad with plenty of colour choices. It washes well and fits perfectly.

Weatherbeeta-Prime-All-Purpose-tried-and-tested
RRP
£39.50

WeatherBeeta Prime All Purpose

A breathable mesh spine allows for airflow along the horse’s back and the high-cut design gives extra space on the withers.

We say…

The D-ring attachments were quite short, but were secure when fastened. The high-wither design allowed for freedom of movement and the mesh spine made the pad more flexible and breathable. It washed well and showed no signs of wear even after several washes. The covered girth patch gave protection from girth straps and buckles, preventing excess wear in that area. The GP shape fitted my jump saddle well and the pad didn’t slip at all when in use.

Masta-GP-tried-and-tested
RRP
£38.00

Masta GP

Designed for use with GP or jumping saddles, this polycotton pad retains its shape and structure when being used.

We say…

A professional and sleek looking saddlepad that didn’t rub or slip back at all while I was riding. The fastenings were secure and easy to use and I’d say the pad is good value for money. The sizing comes up a bit small – the straps for the girth didn’t quite meet the end of the saddle flaps – and it showed a little wear and tear where the girth does up. Although it quickly got hot and sweaty while I was riding, the sweat patches washed out easily ready for the next use.

Hy-Equestrian-Synergy tried and tested
RRP
£34.99

Hy Equestrian Synergy

A high-wither saddlepad that features a functional pocket. Made from soft cotton, it’s lined with moisture-wicking material.

We say…

My first impression was of a smart and good quality saddlepad. The fit was true to size, and, unlike some pads, it wasn’t too short for my 18-inch saddle. It was easy to put on and it stayed in place when in use, with the horse showing no signs of discomfort. The pad has washed well and, so far, hasn’t shown any signs of wear and tear. It’s good value for money and I would recommend it.

Elico saddlepad tried and tested
RRP
£29.95

Elico Highbury

A quilted saddlepad featuring double piping, a polyester fabric outer and a breathable lining.

We say…

The saddlepad looked very smart. It does have some fill so I’d say it was of medium thickness. I used it on two horses who are completely different shapes and the saddlepad didn’t slip or rub either of them. It fitted well under different saddles, even though it’s not designed for use with a monoflap saddle. What impressed me was how dry both horses stayed under the pad even after cross-country schooling, yet they’d sweated up elsewhere. I thought it was very good value for money and will be buying another!

LeMieux ProSport Suede saddle pad
RRP
£39.95

LeMieux ProSport Suede saddle pad

High wither, elasticated D-ring tabs and girth protection, with bamboo lining.
Benetton blue, teal, navy, beige, burnt orange, green, black, berry red or grey
Small/medium or large

The verdict: “Smart, luxurious pad with a great fit.”

“It was a great fit, sat up in the gullet of the saddle and the D-ring tabs were easy to secure. The lining did a good job of wicking away sweat and I loved the luxurious feel of the tactile suede outer.”

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