Choose a pad shaped for your saddle, pull it well up into the gullet so it does not press the spine, keep it smooth and wrinkle-free, and make sure it is big enough that the saddle sits fully on it.
Pull it into the gullet
The most important step is to lift the pad up into the gullet of the saddle before girthing up, so it does not press down on the spine. A pad pulled tight across the withers creates pressure exactly where you want none, so always clear the spine.
Keep it smooth
Wrinkles, folds or a rucked-up pad create pressure points that rub and sore the back. Smooth the pad flat under the saddle, check it after mounting, and re-set it if it has slipped. A clean, smooth pad protects the back; a bunched one damages it.
Match shape and size
Use a saddle pad shaped for your discipline and saddle, whether a general-purpose, dressage or jump shape, so it sits correctly. It should be large enough that the whole saddle rests on it, with a little margin, but not so big it flaps.
A pad is not a fix for a bad saddle
A pad adds comfort and cleanliness, but it cannot correct a saddle that does not fit. Thick corrective pads can even change the fit for the worse. If your horse has back soreness, get the saddle checked by a qualified fitter rather than padding around the problem.
Keep it clean
Wash pads regularly to remove sweat, hair and dirt that cause rubs and skin problems. A clean, dry, well-fitted pad under a properly fitting saddle keeps your horse’s back comfortable and healthy.
