Saddle pads are a necessity for horseback riding. No matter what discipline you ride, you will need a saddle pad. There are many types of saddle pads, so it may be difficult to find the perfect one for you. That’s why we are here to help you make the decision. We have reviewed the best all-purpose English saddle pads and our top pick is the Saxon Element Quilted AP Saddle
No time to waste? Skip to our review of all 8 English Saddle Pads
| Image | Brand | Title | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top | Saxon | Saxon Element Quilted AP Saddle Pad | Buy On Amazon | |
| TuffRider | TuffRider Basic All Purpose Saddle Pad | Buy On Amazon | ||
| Derby Originals | Derby Originals Extra Comfort All Purpose English Saddle Pad with Removable Memory Foam | Buy On Amazon | ||
| Back on Track | Back on Track All Purpose Saddle Pad | Buy On Amazon | ||
| Roma F.C. | Roma Circle Quilt Pads | Buy On Amazon | ||
| Equine Couture | Equine Couture Ocala All Purpose Saddle Pad | Buy On Amazon | ||
| Weatherbeeta | Weatherbeeta Prime All Purpose Saddle Pad | Buy On Amazon | ||
| Tough 1 | Tough 1 EquiRoyal Square Quilted Cotton Comfort English Saddle Pad | Buy On Amazon |
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What is a Saddle Pad
A saddle pad acts as a protective barrier between your horse and the saddle. Saddle pads are necessary no matter how well your saddle fits. Your saddle pad will offer protection against your horse’s hair and back and will also prevent rubbing and scratches on the bottom of your saddle.
Saddle pads come in many different colors, shapes, and styles. Whether you ride english or western, you will need a saddle pad. Western saddle pads are a lot thicker than English saddle pads. This is because western saddles have no padding underneath the saddle.
English saddles do have some padding built-in, however, you will still need a saddle pad. English and western saddle pads are not interchangeable. You will need to get the correct saddle pad for your discipline.
What Style of English Saddle Pad do I Need?
All-purpose English saddle pads are great because you can use them for nearly every discipline besides dressage. If you are a showjumper, eventer, hunter jumper, or just enjoy doing flatwork, then an all-purpose English saddle pad will probably work for you.
If you ride dressage, then an all-purpose saddle pad might not be the best option. Since dressage saddles have longer flaps than close contact saddles, you will need to find a saddle pad that is specifically built for dressage saddles. Luckily most saddle pads have a dressage option!
How to Use a Saddle Pad
When using a saddle pad, first make sure your horse is completely groomed. You want to place the front of your saddle pad on the horse’s withers with the remaining fabric going towards the horse’s hindquarters.
Make sure your horse’s entire back is protected from the saddle. If you choose to use a half pad, play set directly on top of your saddle pad. Attached the keepers to the Billet straps of your English saddle in order to prevent slipping.
Run the girth through the openings to make sure all your tack stays in place. After you are done using your saddle pad, place it upside down to dry the inside.
How to Wash a Saddle Pad
Since saddle pads are placed on the horses back, they tend to build up dirt and sweat fast. In order to protect your saddle pads fabric, washing them is necessary. Start by taking a brush to the inside of your saddle pad and wipe away all the dirt and hair that is built up on the inside.
You can wash your saddle pad inside your washing machine on the low cycle. make sure you wash your pad on the low cycle to prevent tearing on your saddle pad. Try not to use your saddle pad until it is completely dry.
Does Color/Shape Matter?
If you are using your saddle pad for schooling and Recreational riding the color and shape does not matter whatsoever. You can choose whatever color and shape you would like to ride in.
Lighter colors look better on dark horses and dark colors look better on lighter horses. However, if you would like to show in your saddle pad, make sure your saddle pad is white. This gives a professional look and is desired and most riding disciplines when showing.
Our List of Best All Purpose English Saddle Pads
TuffRider Basic All Purpose Saddle Pad
- Comes with a cotton flannel underside and channel quilting
- Choose from various color options
- Lightweight and easy to use
- All-purpose pad is perfect during training or competition
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
The TuffRider Basic All Purpose Saddle Pad is an inexpensive option for new riders. This saddle pad comes in an arrangement of colors that will look great and flashy on all horses. Though this saddle pad looks great, there are some function issues that go along with the pad.
The saddle pad does not include keeper straps. This may result in the saddle pad slipping back during your ride. This saddle pad also is a bit larger than the average all-purpose saddle pad. I would recommend this saddle pad to someone with a larger horse who had an extremely well-fitted saddle.
Pros:
- Large arrangement of colors
- Conventional look
- Contoured back
Cons:
- No keeper straps
- Abnormally large
Derby Originals Extra Comfort All Purpose English Saddle Pad with Removable Memory Foam
- Features two Velcro close pockets with removable memory foam inserts to ensure comfort for both horse and rider.
- Designed with circle quilted, heavy duty soft cotton twill fabric.
- Velcro billet keepers and girth loops to prevent tack from shifting.
- Breathable spine to ensure air flow.
- Sizing: Spine: 23, Drop: 20, Width at widest point : 26.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
The Derby Originals Extra Comfort All Purpose English Saddle Pad with Removable Memory Foam is a great alternative to using both a saddle pad and a half pad. The saddle pad comes with a built-in half pad. The built-in half pad is removable. This pads uniqueness can either be a great addition or a fault depending on what you are looking for.
Other than this saddle pad’s unique feature, it is quite an average saddle pad. It has a contoured back and comes with both keepers and a girth strap. I would recommend this saddle pad to someone who is looking for extra support in their saddle pad.
Pros:
- Built in half pad
- Color options
- Contoured back
- Somewhat expensive
- Removable half pad openings do not close
Back on Track All Purpose Saddle Pad
- The Back On Track Saddle Pad is helpful for horses with cold or sore backs.
- Reflects the horse’s own warmth and creates soothing infrared thermal warmth which helps loosen, relax and warm up muscles.
- The gentle warmth generated by this saddle pad increases blood flow which helps to relieve muscle tension and pain.
- Dressage saddle pad measures 22 along the spine and has 21 drop. All-purpose pad measures 23 along the spine and has a 19 drop.
- From Dover Saddlery: The leader in equestrian products for over 40 years offering the best quality horse and rider products throughout the US.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
The Back on Track All-purpose Saddle Pad is a great option for people who own or ride a horse that has a cold or sore back. This saddle pad comes with warmth reflectors that will help horses with sore muscles in their backs.
Other than this saddle pads unique feature, this saddle pad is fairly average. This saddle pad would be a great option for someone who has a horse that has muscle soreness.
Pros:
- Conventional look
- Contoured back
- Warmth reflection for sore backs
Cons:
- Expensive
- Limited color options
- Somewhat long
Roma Circle Quilt Pads
- Nylon girth straps
- Touch tape billet straps
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
The Roma Circle Quilt Saddle Pad is an awesome option if you love a little flare in your life. This pad has a twist on a conventional look and offers extra padding for your horse’s comfort. An arrangement of colors is offered, however, plain white is not an option. This saddle pad would be best suited for someone who enjoys a little color in their life and values their horses’ comfort.
Pros:
- Color options
- High comfort for the horse
- Conventional look
Cons:
- White is not an option
- Somewhat expensive
Equine Couture All Purpose Saddle Pad
- Quilted Design
- Girth Loops
- Contrast Trimming
- 100% Polyester
- Choose from: Black, EC Navy, Hunter, White and Wine | Size: Standard
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
The Equine Couture All Purpose Saddle Pad is the ultimate saddle pad! It offers an arrangement of colors and styles within a comfortable and conventional saddle pad. There are countless color options including multiple white pads for showing.
My only complaint with this saddle pad is that it does not have keepers to hold the saddle pad in place. I would recommend this saddle pad for anyone with a great fitted saddle.
Pros:
- Countless color options
- Conventional look
- Inexpensive
- Contoured back
Cons:
- No keepers, might slip
- Color is slightly different in person
Weatherbeeta Prime All Purpose Saddle Pad
- Durable cotton pad with a wick easy lining to help keep your horse cool, dry and comfortable
- Breathable mesh spine for extra airflow
- PVC-covered girth patch for added durability
- High wither design allows for extra space where needed
- Matching bandages and ear bonnet available
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
The Weatherbeeta Prime All Purpose Saddle Pad has a different look! This saddle pad seems to be more breathable than the average saddle pad. This saddle pad is slightly longer than the average, however, it will not accommodate a dressage saddle.
This saddle pad is also unique, as the keepers attach to the D-ring rather than the billets. This may affect the use of a breastplate or draw reins. I would recommend this saddle pad for someone who enjoys light riding and does not use a breastplate or draw reins.
Pros:
- Some color options
- Unique look.
- Breathable
Cons:
- Somewhat Expensive
- Keepers attach to D-ring
Saxon Element Quilted AP Saddle Pad
- Touch tape straps to secure the pad under the saddle
- Girth loops
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
The Saxon Element Quilted AP saddle pad is a great option for someone looking for the average saddle pad. There are limited color options, however, the options that are available will work for everyday use.
A contoured back, keepers, and girth loops are all included in this saddle pad. This pad has a conventional look and average durability. I would recommend this saddle pad for anyone looking to add to their collection.
Pros:
- Conventional look
- Inexpensive
- Durable
- Breathable
Cons:
- Limited color options
Tough 1 EquiRoyal Square Quilted Cotton Comfort English Saddle Pad
- 100% cotton twill pad features a shock absorbing insulation between layers
- Your horse can tell the comfort difference
- Mini quilted diamond pattern with nylon girth/billet straps
- Beautiful pad perfect for training and all other daily English riding activities
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
The Tough 1 EquiRoyal Square Quilted Cotton Comfort English Saddle Pad is somewhat disappointing. This saddle pad is fairly thin and is shaped like a square. This saddle pad does not have a contoured back and the girth loops are in a strange place. This pad is somewhat breathable due to the thin fabric. I would recommend this saddle pad as an extra pad.
Pros:
- Color options
- Inexpensive
- Somewhat breathable
Cons:
- No back contour
- Thin
Our pick for the best all-purpose English saddle pad
It can be difficult to find the perfect saddle pad since they all look very similar. In my experience, I feel the Saxon Element Quilted AP Saddle Pad will be durable, comfortable, and look great on your equine friend.
This saddle pad pretty much has it all at a reasonable price. The keepers and girth loop will keep it in place your entire ride and the contoured back will ensure your horse’s comfort!
