The saddle pad is extra padding put underneath the saddle. A saddle pad helps protect both the horse and the saddle. Riding with a saddle pad offers many benefits.
So, can you ride a horse without a saddle pad?
Riding without a saddle pad can also sometimes be an option though it is best avoided because there is no downside to using a saddle pad. We’ll cover all these topics in this article.
Note this article is not about riding without a saddle (ie bareback riding) but about riding without a saddle pad (so, you still keep the saddle on). If you’re looking for an article on bareback riding, I’ll leave some excellent resources in the Further Reading section at end of this article.
So, let’s dive into the topic of saddle pads – when to use them and when you could avoid them.
What Are Saddle Pads?
A Saddle Pad is an extra layer of padding that goes under the saddle. It is typically used when the saddle doesn’t provide enough padding on its own, or when you want to add extra protection for your horse.
A saddle pad is also useful when the saddle or the rider isn’t a perfect fit for the horse. So if you’re using a new saddle and/or you are riding a horse with whom you are not yet a fit (you have a new horse or you’re riding in a club), using a saddle pad is highly advisable.
Saddle Pads are made to protect the horse (from the rider’s weight) and the saddle from the horse’s sweat and body oils. Saddle pads can be made of a variety of materials such as cloth, felt, gel, foam, wool, or a combination of materials. The thickness of the saddle pad can also vary. Some are just an inch thick while others can be several inches thick.
Can You Ride a Horse Without a Saddle Pad?
Yes, you can ride a horse without a saddle pad but as we’ve seen above it isn’t recommended.
Here are a few situations when you can avoid using a saddle pad:
- If the saddle provides enough padding on its own
- If you and the horse are already a perfect fit (you’ve been riding him for a while and/or he’s your horse)
- If you’re only going on a short ride
- In an emergency, where you don’t have a saddle pad and you need to ride
In short, while you can technically ride a horse without a saddle pad, it’s not advisable because there is no real downside to using a saddle pad.
Benefits of Using a Saddle Pad
Here are some of the main reasons for using a saddle pad:
- Protect the horse’s back
- Protect the saddle
- Absorb sweat & moisture
- Provide extra cushioning
- Improve the fit of the saddle
- Reduce rider slip
- Act as a barrier against dirt, hair, and debris
Let’s look closely at each of these.
#1. Protect the horse’s back
The primary benefit of using a saddle pad is to protect the horse’s back. The saddle can rub against the horse’s skin and cause sores. A saddle pad helps to prevent this by acting as a barrier between the saddle and the horse’s skin.
The saddle pad is also a cushion that acts as a shock absorber. This is especially important if you’re riding over rough terrain. The saddle pad can help protect the horse’s back from the bumps and jolts of riding.
Saddle Pads are also used when a horse has a sore back. In this case, the saddle pad can help protect the sore area and can also help distribute the rider’s weight more.
#2. Protect the saddle
The saddle is also an important (and expensive) piece of equipment and it’s important to maintain it in good condition.
The cloth saddle pads can absorb sweat and dirt, which can help keep the saddle clean. It can also protect the saddle by absorbing some of the shocks from riding.
#3. Absorb sweat & moisture
Absorption of sweat is especially important because the horse’s sweaty back could make the saddle slip or move, rubbing the horse and creating friction.
Felt saddle pads can also help protect the saddle by wicking away moisture and absorbing shocks.
#4. Provide extra cushioning
Riding can be hard on the rider’s body, especially the back and buttocks. A thick, cushioned saddle pad can help make the ride more comfortable by providing extra padding.
Some saddle pads also have special features such as a raised back or rolled edges that can help provide even more cushioning and support.
As we’ve seen in a previous section, saddle pads made from gel can provide extra cushioning and can help distribute the rider’s weight more evenly by making a tighter fit between the saddle and the horse’s back.
Also, a saddle can rub and chafe against the rider’s skin, which can be quite painful. The saddle pad can help protect the rider’s skin from this type of friction.
#5. Improve the fit of the saddle
If a saddle is new for a horse, it can take time for the horse to get used to it and for the saddle to break in and form a good fit.
A saddle pad can help the saddle to fit better by filling in any gaps between the saddle and the horse’s back. This can help to prevent the saddle from slipping or rubbing.
Gel saddle pads are especially good at this because they can help to make a tight fit between the saddle and the horse’s back.
#6. Reduce rider slip
Rider slip refers to the situation where the rider slides around in the saddle. This can be dangerous because it can cause the rider to lose balance and fall off the horse.
Several reasons can result in rider slip, but one of the main causes is a slippery saddle. A saddle pad can help to reduce rider slip by providing a more grippy surface for the rider to grip with their thighs.
Saddle pads made from materials such as felt or sheepskin can help to provide more grip and can also help to keep away moisture.
#7. Act as a barrier against dirt, hair, and debris
Dirt, hair, and debris can build up under the saddle and irritate the horse’s skin. A saddle pad can help to prevent this by acting as a protective barrier.
And as we saw earlier, this is also bad for the saddle and over time makes it more difficult to clean.
Saddle pads can also help to keep the rider’s legs clean by acting as a barrier against dirt and debris.
Final Thoughts
So, can you ride a horse without a saddle pad? Technically, yes. But as we’ve seen, there are many good reasons why you should use a saddle pad when riding your horse.
Saddle pads can help to protect the horse’s back, the saddle, and the rider. They can also provide extra cushioning and improve the fit of the saddle.
So, if you’re looking for a way to make your ride more comfortable and safe, be sure to use a saddle pad.