Saddle Pads

Saddlecloths from Picadera

Let's be honest - your horse's outfit is only complete with a matching, pretty saddle pad. But of course it doesn't just look good, it also has other important functions.

Function of saddle pads and saddle pads

Saddle pads absorb the horse's sweat, sebum and dirt and at the same time protect the saddle from them. They also act as a breathable intermediate layer between the horse's back and the saddle so that no heat builds up on your horse's back. And last but not least, the saddle pad serves as a light shock absorber between the saddle and the back.

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

A saddle pad differs from a saddle blanket in its basic shape. A saddle pad always follows the shape of the saddle. The outline of the saddle pad therefore corresponds to the shape of a dressage saddle, jumping saddle or eventing saddle.

The saddle pad, on the other hand, always has the shape of a rectangle. The edges of this rectangle can be square or rounded, depending on the model. In addition, there are saddle pads that taper to a point, particularly in baroque riding. This is then referred to as a curved saddle pad.

Ultimately, the rectangular shape of the saddle pad is mainly for aesthetic reasons. It is hardly common to use saddle pads in the shape of a saddle, especially in classical dressage and baroque riding.

Construction of a saddle pad

Picadera saddle pads feature an anatomically shaped back line to ensure the best possible fit and ideal comfort for your horse. They are also equipped with girth and/or saddle loops to prevent slipping under the saddle and to make saddling the horse easier.

Cotton saddlecloths

Cotton is considered the classic material for saddle pads due to its many positive properties. Not only does it withstand sweat, dirt and sebum, but it is also incredibly easy to care for. It can also absorb a lot of moisture, is breathable and particularly skin-friendly for your horse.

Saddle pads made of cotton are made with quilting to give the saddle pad shape stability.

At Picadera you will find a great selection of baroque saddlecloths made of cotton in a curved shape. A gold or silver border makes them a special eye-catcher - perfect for baroque shows, tournaments and events or of course just "for beauty".

Wool felt saddlecloths

Felt saddle pads are rightly experiencing a real renaissance and many riders are discovering this special material for themselves and their horses. Because like cotton, pure wool felt is a sustainable and long-lasting natural material.

Wool felt is considered self-cleaning and water and dirt repellent due to the wool fat it contains, known as lanolin. The lanolin also ensures that water droplets roll off, but water vapor can be carried away. Wool felt can absorb up to a third of its own weight in moisture without feeling wet. Felt saddle pads are therefore breathable and temperature-regulating - for a comfortable climate on the horse's back.

Wool felt is also antistatic, which means that it attracts less dry dirt and dust than other textiles. These properties make the felt saddle pad very easy to care for, so that it does not normally need to be washed, but simply brushed out.

Another important property of wool felt is that it is elastic and shock-absorbing, but at the same time keeps its shape. This elasticity means that the felt saddle pad can hug your horse's back without losing its shape. At the same time, the wool felt makes the felt saddle pad extremely skin-friendly for your horse and can also prevent hair breakage during the coat change, for example.

At Picadera you will find felt saddle pads made of natural wool felt in a classic dressage shape and a curved baroque version with elaborate decorations made of real leather. Our felt saddle pads are handmade for you in Spain.