More than Just a Saddle Pad

By Savannah Magoteaux

Walk past the horse trailers after a summer jackpot, ranch rodeo or trail ride, and you’ll probably see the same thing: saddle pads draped over gates, fences and trailer doors, drying in the afternoon sun. Some are soaked through with sweat. Others are already stiff with dried salt, caked hair and arena dust.

It’s easy to think of a saddle pad as one more piece of tack, but it has one of the hardest jobs on your horse. On every ride, it cushions the saddle, helps spread pressure across your horse’s back, absorbs sweat and lets heat escape.

A quality saddle pad can last for years if you take care of it.

Built-up sweat, dirt and hair shorten the life of a pad. Over time, they also compress the fibers, reduce the pad’s ability to wick moisture and create stiff spots that can rub your horse’s back. Even the best-made pad can’t do its job once it’s hard as a board.

One of the simplest habits you can develop is cleaning the pad after every ride. Knock off loose dirt, brush away hair and let the pad dry completely before putting it back in the tack room or trailer. Storing a damp pad invites mildew, odors and bacteria and breaks down many materials over time.

Every saddle pad serves the same basic purpose, but the material determines both how it performs and how you should care for it.

For many western riders, wool felt remains the standard. One of its greatest advantages is that it gradually conforms to the horse’s back without losing its structure. To care for a wool felt pad, remove hair with a curry comb or stiff brush after each ride and let it dry thoroughly. When it needs a deeper cleaning, use cool water and a mild wool-safe detergent if the manufacturer recommends one. High-pressure washers, harsh detergents and excessive heat can damage the wool fibers and reduce the pad’s performance.

Traditional woven wool blankets are still popular, particularly beneath ranch saddles or as a top blanket over a felt pad. Shake them out regularly, brush them clean and wash them gently when necessary. Most should air dry, since a dryer can shrink natural fibers.

Neoprene pads have become common because they’re durable, lightweight and easy to clean. Unlike wool, neoprene doesn’t absorb moisture. Many neoprene pads have textured or waffle-patterned surfaces that help move sweat away from the horse while letting air flow beneath the saddle.

You can rinse most neoprene pads with a hose after riding and wash them with mild soap now and then. Let them dry completely before storage, and keep them out of intense heat and direct sunlight, since neoprene can turn brittle over time.

Foam, gel and memory foam inserts show up in many performance pads designed to add shock absorption or relieve pressure points. These materials can cushion well, but many hold more heat than wool. Care varies considerably from one manufacturer to another, so follow the cleaning instructions that came with the pad instead of assuming all synthetic materials wash the same way.

Synthetic fleece pads are another common option, particularly for everyday riding. They are generally easier to clean than natural wool, and many can go through a washing machine on a gentle cycle before air drying. Regular brushing between washings keeps the fleece from matting and packing with hair.

Whatever type of saddle pad you choose, no pad can make up for a saddle that doesn’t fit. Even the thickest pad cannot eliminate pressure points created by a poorly fitting saddle. Think of the pad as a partner to proper saddle fit, helping protect your horse while the saddle does its job.

Before your next ride, flip your saddle pad over and run your hand across the side that rests against your horse. If it feels rough, stiff or crusted with dried sweat and hair, imagine how it feels after an hour in the saddle.

A few minutes spent cleaning and drying your pad after each ride will help it last longer, protect your investment and keep your horse more comfortable every time you swing a leg over.