The best dressage pads are designed to boost your overall appearance while ensuring your horse is as comfortable as possible to allow him to work correctly and perform at his best.
Most dressage riders prefer to have minimal bulk between their dressage saddle and their horse’s back so that the seat and leg aids can be clearly felt. Dressage pads are traditionally square in shape – some are part-lined with sheepskin, lambswool or technical materials to help distribute pressure or hold the saddle in place, while most also have technical wicking properties to help keep your horse cool and dry.
White is correct for competition, but many brands offer a wide selection of fun and more practical colours for everyday training as well as matching items to create a co-ordinated look.
If you’re looking for a dressage pad with numbers for competition, we’ve grouped these together at the end – jump down to dressage pads with numbers.
Best saddle pads for dressage
WeatherBeeta Prime Dressage Saddle Pad
Colours: 18 options | Sizes: Pony or full | RRP: £39.50 |
This durable cotton pad from Weatherbeeta has a wicking lining to help keep your horse cool, dry and comfortable. The breathable mesh spine allows extra airflow to the back, while the longer shape is designed to sit with a dressage saddle and the high wither design offers extra space where needed. The covered girth patch provides durability and the touch-tape girth loops allow for a versatile fit. Machine washable. Matching items available. Also available in ombre, marble, bling or leopard print styles.
The GP version of this saddle pad was reviewed at past of our testing scheme – read H&H’s independent WeatherBeeta Prime Saddle Pad review.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk, equus.co.uk or naylors.com
In the US? View now at amazon.com
LeMieux Loire Classic Dressage Square
Colours: 22 options | Sizes: S/M or L | RRP: £59.95 |
This classy dressage pad from LeMieux is made of a woven satin fabric with a breathable bamboo lining that helps to regulate temperature and wick away sweat. It has a high-wither design and locking girth loops to aid stability and comfort.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, equus.co.uk, naylors.com or ebay.co.uk
In the US? View now at amazon.com
PS of Sweden Signature Dressage Saddle Pad
Colours: Wide variety | Sizes: Full | RRP: £86 |
This anatomically shaped saddle pad has PS signature quilting and the iconic quote along the spine. It is designed to have extra space at the withers and with “stop-cushions” that keep the pad in place under the saddle. The underside is made of a quick-dry material that transports moisture, and the topside is dirt-repellent.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk or psofsweden.com
In the US? View now at amazon.com
Protechmasta Lux Dressage Saddlecloth
Colours: Blue, purple or stone | Sizes: Pony or full | RRP: £84.95 |
The sleek and shiny outer material used in this Protechmasta saddle pad is dirt repellent and finished with gold piping. It has a 3D spacer mesh along the spine to maximise airflow and breathability as well as a ceramic-infused lining that emits a safe and natural form of far infrared radiation, which can aid circulation and blood flow. Matching items available.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk
Shires Arma Dressage Saddlecloth
Colours: 12 options | Sizes: Full (to fit 17–18in) | RRP: £34.99 |
This saddle pad is smart enough for competing yet hard-wearing and easy to look after for everyday use. It’s made with a ‘stay-smart’ anti-pill cotton outer and has a wicking lining that helps to reduce the risk of rubbing. It has a contoured shape to offer good clearance and features elasticated D-ring straps and a hard-wearing girth guard. Machine washable.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
In the US? View now at amazon.com
WeatherBeeta Elite Dressage Pad
Colours: White, black, grey, navy, lake or purple penant | Sizes: Full | RRP: £51.50 |
Made with a soft and durable polyester suede outer with a wick-away lining to help keep your horse cool, dry and comfortable. It has a breathable mesh spine for extra airflow, grippy silicone logo to reduce saddle slipping and a PVC-covered girth patch for added durability.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk or ebay.co.uk
Woof Wear Pro Dressage Saddle Pad
Colours: White | Sizes: Full | RRP: £34.99 |
This pad has easy-close D-ring straps, girth strap separation loops and a white binding that helps to combine a secure fit with a smart, professional look.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk or ebay.co.uk
In the US? View now at amazon.com
Coldstream Marygold Dressage Saddle Pad
Colours: White, black, slate blue, mulberry purple, blush pink or fern green | Sizes: Pony/cob or full | RRP: £67.99 |
Made from a deluxe silk material with hexagonal quilting, this saddle pad has a classy and sophisticated style. It is anatomically designed with a high wither that is supported by memory foam stop cushions to provide clearance and comfort. The wicking lining ensures breathability and airflow, while the quilted design helps to relieve pressure and evenly distribute weight.
In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk or ebay.co.uk
Hy Sport Active Dressage Saddle Pad
Colours: 15 options | Sizes: Pony/cob or full | RRP: £34.99 |
This traditional and classic-shaped dressage pad from Hy is designed to fit a wide range of saddles. It has a high-with cut to provide clearance and prevent rubbing. Made from high-quality cotton with a moisture-wicking lining, this pad features a durable anti-rub girth protection area and touch-tape girth loops. Machine washable and designed to match the Hy Sport Active collection featured in our guide to matchy-matchy sets.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, equus.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk or ebay.co.uk
Rhinegold Luxe Fur Dressage Saddle Pad
Colours: Black/black, black/natural, brown/brown, brown/natural or white/natural | Sizes: Pony, cob or full | RRP: £37.50 |
With a half faux-fur lining for added comfort and support, this cotton saddle pad from Rhinegold is anatomically designed. It features rolled edges and soft bindings, an anti-rub panel, a padded wither and touch-tape attachment straps.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk
In the US? View now at amazon.com
Dressage pads with numbers
Mark Todd Competition Dressage Pad
Colours: White | Sizes: Full | RRP: £29.98 |
This pad has a brushed cotton underside for comfort, and a touch-tape girth strap and restraining girth loop to prevent the saddle from slipping. It includes useful slots for competition numbers on both sides and numbers are supplied. Machine washable.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or ebay.co.uk
LeMieux Cotton Dressage Competition Square
Colours: White | Sizes: S/M, L or XL | RRP: £48.50 |
This saddle pad has pockets on each side for numbers, which are included. The pad has a soft bamboo lining that wicks away sweat, as well as girth straps with optional locking loops to prevent slipping and a protected girth area. The D-ring straps are contoured for a good fit and to allow for breastplate attachments, while the high wither design offers good freedom of movement.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or equus.co.uk
In the US? View now at amazon.com
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