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.
Best pads for dressage saddles
WeatherBeeta Satin Luxe Air-Tec Dressage Saddle Pad
Colours: 9 options
Sizes: Small or large
Reasons to buy
- Satin finish offers a high end look
- Mesh spine for added breathability
- Removable saddle attachments
Reasons to avoid
- Only available in two sizes
This dressage pad offers a high-end appearance without the price tag. It features a breathable, antibacterial bamboo blend lining for moisture control, while the high-wither design and Air-Tec mesh spine ensure comfort and airflow. Also available in a jump shaped pad.
Woof Wear Pro Dressage Saddle Pad
Colours: White or navy
Sizes: Cob or full
Reasons to buy
- High-wither cut
- Reinforced girth pad
- Machine washable
Reasons to avoid
- Few colour options
This pad has a high wither profile for a close contact fit, easy-close D-ring straps, girth strap separation loops and a soft breathable polycotton fabric that helps to combine a secure fit with a smart, professional look.
LeMieux Air-Tek Mesh Dressage Square
Colours: Macaron, black or shadow
Sizes: S/M or L
Reasons to buy
- Innovative self-cool lining with perforated open cell foam fill
- Matching fly hood available
- Elasticated silicone D-rings
- Machine washable
Reasons to avoid
- Higher price tag
If you’re looking for a technical pad with cooling properties this is the one for you. Featuring a breathable mesh upper with linear quilting, this pad has an innovative self-cool lining that absorbs heat on contact, which helps keep your horse cool, dry and comfortable.
The technical foam fill provides comfort, shock absorbency and extra breathability. Also available as a close contact square.
PS of Sweden Signature Dressage Saddle Pad
Colours: Wide variety
Sizes: Full
Reasons to buy
- Anatomical design with extra space at the withers
- Stop cushions to prevent the pad from sliding
- PS signature quilt
Reasons to avoid
- Only available in one size
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 wither 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.
Protechmasta Far Infrared Airmesh Dressage Saddle Pad
Colours: Black, navy or white
Sizes: Pony, cob or full
Reasons to buy
- Ceramic-infused lining
- Airmesh promotes airflow and quick drying
- Lightweight but shock-absorbing
- Matching Protechmasta Fly Veil available
- Machine washable
Reasons to avoid
- Small colour choice
This breathable dressage pad has a ceramic-infused lining to aid circulation through natural far infrared radiation. Its air mesh outer and cushioned core provide shock absorption and quick-drying airflow.
It’s designed with hook-and-loop D-ring straps and dual girth loops to fit both standard and mono flap saddles. It is finished with reinforced patches and satin-effect binding.
Shires Arma Eltar Satin Dressage Saddlecloth
Colours: 6 options
Sizes: Full (to fit 17–18in)
Reasons to buy
- Sweat-wicking lining
- Machine washable
Reasons to avoid
- Only available in one size
This saddle pad is smart enough for competing yet hard-wearing and easy to look after for everyday use. It’s made with deep quilting with a satin finish and has a wicking lining that helps to reduce the risk of rubbing.
It features elasticated D-ring straps and a hard-wearing girth guard. Also available in GP and jump saddlecloths.
Schockemohle Ceramica Dressage Saddlecloth
Colours: Stone, white or colonial blue
Sizes: Full
Reasons to buy
- Decorative detailing
- Innovative ceramic lining to help stimulate blood flow
Reasons to avoid
- Higher price tag due to technical material
A premium saddle pad with functional ceramic lining designed to stimulate blood circulation across the horse’s back. The design encourages even pressure distribution under the saddle while maintaining breathability to help regulate temperature during exercise. Finished with decorative rhinestone chain and cord trim for an eye catching finish. Also available as a jumping pad.
Rhinegold Luxe Fur Dressage Saddle Pad
Colours: Black/black, black/natural, brown/brown, brown/natural or white/natural
Sizes: Pony, cob or full
Reasons to buy
- Half faux-fur lining for added comfort
- Good size range
Reasons to avoid
- You don’t want faux-fur lining
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.
Dressage pads with numbers
Horzehoods 2-1 Dressage Pad & Full Kit
Colours: White, navy or black
Sizes: Pony, cob, full or extra full
Reasons to buy
- Technical pad
- FlexiBadge system
Breathable and sweat-wicking, this machine-washable pad features a four-layer membrane and 4D mesh with anti-slip gel for stability. It includes touch-tape girth straps and competition number slots with supplied numbers.
Memory foam inserts provide bulk-free support, while FlexiTabz offer adjustable or strap-free options. The FlexiBadge system lets you alternate between numbers, logos, and flag strips supplied with the pad. Also available as a jump style pad.
Premier Equine Close Contact Cotton Dressage Competition Saddle Pad
Colours: White
Sizes: Full
Reasons to buy
- Anti-static and anti-bacterial lining
- High wither design
This high wither cotton dressage pad features an absorbent air tech mesh lining with wicking fibres to keep your horse dry. It includes two branded patches and two number patches that attach to integrated Velcro on both sides, plus three sets of numbers for the transparent pockets.
LeMieux Cotton Dressage Competition Square
Colours: White
Sizes: S/M, L or XL
Reasons to buy
- Soft bamboo lining
- High wither swan neck design
This saddle pad includes number pockets on both sides and a moisture-wicking bamboo lining. It features a protected girth area and straps with locking loops to prevent slipping. The contoured D-ring straps accommodate breastplates, while the high wither design ensures freedom of movement.
What saddle pad should I wear for a dressage test?
Usually, you’d use a white pad for a dressage test, but the shape will depend on your saddle. If you have a dressage saddle, then one of the dressage squares above would be appropriate, but if you have a GP saddle, then one of the best GP saddle pads in white would be the perfect option.
Whether it’s your first competition or you’re getting back in the saddle, knowing what to wear is essential. Our guide on what to wear for dressage will help ensure you’re dressed for success.
Do I need a white saddle pad for dressage?
It is common practice to wear a white, square dressage saddle pad for dressage competitions. The British Dressage rule book states saddlecloths or numnahs are to be predominantly white/cream or a conservative colour. Check with organisers at unaffiliated levels as they may allow other colours.
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