What is a saddle cushion?

Help soften the ride with a bareback pad. Also called saddle seat cushions, bareback saddles or soft saddles are designed to give casual comfort for the rider. Popular with Western discipline riders due to their design, these lightweight pads often bring the rider closer to his or her horse.

What is the difference between a saddle pad and a saddle blanket?

The saddle pad or blanket provides a bit of extra cushioning between the saddle and the horse and helps the saddle stay clean. Without a pad or blanket, a saddle will sit directly on the horse, where it will absorb sweat and pick up dirt from the horse’s back. No pad is a substitute for a properly fitted saddle.

Are saddle pads necessary?

The pure and simple purpose of a saddle pad is to protect the leather of the saddle from the sweat and hair of the horse. In a saddle that fits well, the saddle pad need only fulfil the above function, and in that case a thin cotton saddle pad shaped to the contours of the horse’s back is perfect. No more is needed.

Do saddle pads help?

Saddle pads help reduce the friction between your horse’s skin and the saddle. This helps protect your horse’s skin and muscles and prevents your horse from having a sore back. A good saddle is also essential to ensuring that your saddle lasts longer.

What is the blanket under a horse’s saddle called?

saddle pad
The terms saddle blanket, saddle pad (or numnah), and saddle cloth refer to blankets, pads or fabrics inserted under a saddle. These are usually used to absorb sweat, cushion the saddle, and protect the horse’s back.

Why do people use two saddle pads?

In order not to dull the horse, trainers are using double pads to “mute” the extra noises of riders seats and upper legs so the horses can stay responsive. Trainers are having students ride with an extra ThinLine basic pad on days they are not under the watchful eye of their instructor.

How thick should a saddle pad be?

For most riders, a 3/4-inch pad offers the perfect amount of protection for their equine’s back. While some riders believe in using a thicker 1-inch pad to prevent their horses from getting sore backs, Campbell disagrees.

What does a half saddle pad do?

Half pads help to distribute your weight across your horse’s back, eliminating sensitive pressure points and making your horse more comfortable.

How thick of a saddle pad do I need?

If you and your gear together weigh more than 200 lbs., you should get at least a 7/8″ pad, but a 1″ would be better. What kind of terrain will you be riding on? If you regularly ride over mountainous or hilly areas, again, you want at least a 7/8″ thick pad, but 1″ would be better.

How thick should your saddle pad be?

Why is my saddle lifting at the back?

Check the Panel Contact A saddle that looses contact in the middle of its panel could be too narrow causing the saddle to bridge and creating 4 point pressure. A saddle lifting off significantly at the back could be too wide and increase tightness around the horse’s shoulder and may lift and catch the rider behind.

What is a western saddle pad?

A modern western saddle pad, with blanket design on top, fleece underneath, and felt or foam padding on the inside. The terms saddle blanket, saddle pad (or numnah), and saddle cloth refer to blankets, pads or fabrics inserted under a saddle. These are usually used to absorb sweat, cushion the saddle, and protect the horse’s back.

Saddle Cushion. A western saddle pad that’s made with your horses’ comfort in mind as well as your own, it’s felt lining acts as the perfect cushion. This is a tough, durable all-around pad that has a closely quilted cotton canvas top over a 1” wool felt pad that cushions the horses back as it wicks moisture to keep them cool.

What is saddleseat riding?

Saddleseat is an English style of riding originating in the United States. Riders post and the gaits are quick and smart. Horses perform “on the flat” meaning there is no jumping involved. The goal of the saddleseat rider is to showcase the athleticism, presence, and high stepping action of their horses while maintaining…

What is a saddle blanket?

The term saddle blanket is also known as saddle cloth or saddle pad. A saddle blanket refers to blankets, pads or fabrics which are worn under a saddle. The purpose of this blanket is to absorb sweat, cushion the saddle and protect the back of the horse.