11 dressage squares ideal for competition and everyday training

Woman riding dressage test on chestnut horse
A white pad to match the shape of your saddle is perfect for a dressage test.
(Image credit: Andrew Sydenham)

The best dressage pads have evolved beyond protecting your dressage saddle to include performance features, such as breathability and shock absorption. Given the importance of tack fit and comfort, a high-quality saddle pad is essential 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.

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. 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.

Franchesca Slack
H&H Products Editor

Franchesca is Horse & Hound’s Products Editor. She produces all of our buying guides and gift guides, as well as organising product testing and bringing you news about the latest products to hit the market. If there’s a new launch, Franchesca is the first person to hear about it. She brings you the best deals and is passionate about arming Horse & Hound’s readers with honest, unbiased product reviews. Franchesca loves letting riders and horse owners know what products are coming out, how to make their lives easier and how to spend their money wisely.