Choosing Your Saddle Pad: Cut, Shape, and Size
In short: the right saddle pad is chosen according to your discipline (straight and generous cut for dressage, cut-out for mixed and jumping), your horse’s back shape (straight or anatomical, to clear the withers well), the material (cotton, fleece, breathable mesh, sheepskin) and especially the size suited to your saddle. An important point: a saddle pad, even a high-end one, never corrects a poorly fitting saddle — it protects and cushions, nothing more.
At Sellerie Bucéphale, we often get the same question when renewing a saddle pad: “Which one to choose?” Behind a seemingly simple item lie several concrete choices — the cut, the shape, the material, the size. None are purely aesthetic: each affects the horse’s comfort under the saddle and the lifespan of your gear. Here are our guidelines to choose calmly, without overselling and without unnecessary jargon.
Cut: dressage or mixed/jumping?
Two independent criteria that combine. The cut (dressage or mixed/jumping) depends on your discipline and your saddle’s flaps. The shape of the back line (straight or anatomical) depends on your horse’s back. The two combine freely: a chabraque can very well have a dressage cut and an anatomical shape. So you choose the cut on one side, the shape on the other.
The first question is the discipline, as it determines the cut of the pad, meaning its overall shape.
- The dressage pad (chabraque) has a straight and generous cut, with long, vertical flaps. It fits the straight flaps of a dressage saddle and covers well the area under the rider’s leg.
- The mixed or jumping pad has a shorter cut and is cut out at the front: the flaps are angled to fit the forward flaps of a mixed or jumping saddle, where the leg is more forward.
A mixed saddle pad can suit versatile riding (trail riding, flatwork, small jumps). However, riding dressage with a cut-out shape often causes the saddle to stick out: a true dressage pad is better in that case. The simple rule: match the pad’s cut to the shape of your saddle’s flaps.
Shapes & withers: straight or anatomical
Beyond the cut, the back line of the saddle pad matters. Two main types:
- Straight shape (flat back): the top line is straight. Simple and versatile, it suits many horses but can press on the withers if it is too tight.
- Anatomical shape (saddle-shaped, raised back): the back line is curved to clear the withers and follow the spine. This is found on Mattès saddle cloths and “saddle-shaped” pads, designed to reduce pressure on the wither points.
Whatever the model, one tip is worth gold: when saddling, tuck the pad well up into the pommel to create a small air chamber above the withers. The pad should never be tight against the spine.
Materials & fleece
The material determines comfort, breathability, and care.
| Material | Key points | To know |
|---|---|---|
| Cotton / twill | Soft, absorbent, easy to care for | Reliable for everyday use and competition |
| Quilted fleece | Cushions, distributes pressure | A fleece is not a shock absorber: it complements, it does not replace (see our shock absorbers) |
| 3D Mesh / mesh fabric | Very breathable, dissipates heat | Good for horses that sweat a lot |
| Sheepskin (lamb) | Comfort, soft contact, cushioning | Specific care (see below) |
A word of caution: if your horse shows signs of rubbing, discomfort with girthing, or a sensitive back, no pad can replace the advice of a saddle-fitting professional. The pad cushions and protects; it does not compensate for an ill-fitting saddle.
Size: measure carefully before buying
A pad that is too small leaves the saddle exposed and rubs; too large, it creates folds. Size is chosen according to the horse’s build (pony, cob, horse, large horse) and the length of your saddle. Sizes vary by brand: always refer to the manufacturer’s guide.
- LeMieux size guide: view the LeMieux guide
- Eskadron size guide: view the Eskadron guide
If in doubt between two sizes, come to the store with your saddle measurements: we will check together.
Our saddle pads
A selection from our Saddle Pads section, sorted by use. Prices and availability are those of the day.
Dressage cut (saddle cloths)
The Back on Track Night Collection pad incorporates Welltex ceramic technology: the brand claims it activates blood circulation — this is a specific use, to be chosen with full knowledge according to your needs.
Mixed cut / jumping
Anatomical shape / saddle-shaped
Mattès saddlecloths are based on a fabric base; some ranges offer removable sheepskin covers sold separately. Check the product sheet for exact composition.
Care
- Cotton / synthetic: remove hair and dust (velcro brush), wash at low temperature, without fabric softener that clogs fibers. Air dry, never tumble dry on hot.
- Sheepskin: wash cold with a special wool detergent, without grease or conditioner, dry flat in the shade to preserve the fibers.
- Daily: rotate two pads to let them dry between rides. A clean, dry pad means less rubbing and a protected back.
Unsure about the cut or size?
Come see us with your saddle measurements, we’ll choose together.
Make an appointment See all padsFrequently asked questions
Can a pad correct a saddle that doesn’t fit?
No. A pad protects the back and cushions, but it does not compensate for a poorly fitting saddle. If there is discomfort, injury, or a moving saddle, have a professional check the saddle fit.
What is the difference between a dressage pad and an all-purpose pad?
The cut. The dressage pad (saddlecloth) has straight, long flaps; the all-purpose or jumping pad is shorter and scooped at the front to follow the forward flaps of an all-purpose or jumping saddle.
Cut and shape, are they the same thing?
No, these are two independent criteria that add up. The cut (dressage or all-purpose/CSO) follows your discipline and your saddle flaps; the shape (straight or anatomical) follows your horse’s back. The same pad can therefore have a dressage cut and an anatomical shape.
How to position the pad correctly?
Pull it up into the front pommel before girthing to clear the withers and create an air chamber. The pad should never be tight against the spine.
Which size should I choose?
It depends on the horse's build and the length of your saddle. Sizes vary by brand: refer to the LeMieux and Eskadron size guides, or visit the store with your saddle measurements.
Does fleece replace a shock absorber?
No. A quilted saddle pad provides some comfort, but a shock absorber is a dedicated piece placed between the pad and the saddle. Both are complementary. Discover our shock absorbers section.
