Jazdecké pady

Horse Riding Pads – Comfort and Closer Contact with Your Horse

A horse riding pad, often referred to as a bareback pad, is a soft riding aid designed for riding without a traditional saddle. Compared with a conventional saddle, it has a simpler and more flexible construction, allowing the rider to sit closer to the horse and feel its movement more directly.

Riding pads are popular for leisure riding, relaxed training sessions and hacks. When used appropriately, they can provide an enjoyable alternative for selected types of riding and training.

Benefits of Horse Riding Pads

One of the main characteristics of horse riding pads is their soft and flexible construction. Sitting closer to the horse allows the rider to feel the movement of the horse’s back more directly.

Riding pads are also lightweight and easy to handle. Their compact design makes them convenient to carry and store, whether at your home stable or when travelling with your horse.

Riding Pad vs Traditional Saddle

A riding pad and a traditional horse saddle have different constructions and purposes. A conventional saddle has a structured design intended to provide support and distribute the rider’s weight across the horse’s back.

A riding pad is softer and more flexible and does not provide the same structural support as a correctly fitted saddle. It should therefore not automatically be considered a complete replacement for a traditional saddle for every type of riding.

When using a riding pad, consider the horse’s condition and back musculature, the rider’s weight and balance, the duration of the ride and the type of activity.

Bareback Pads for Training and Leisure Riding

A bareback pad for horses can be a practical option for relaxed leisure riding, working on the rider’s balance or enjoying shorter hacks.

Riding with a pad can help the rider become more aware of the horse’s movement and their own seat. Because there is less structure between the rider and the horse’s back than with a conventional saddle, good rider balance is particularly important.

Horse Comfort When Using a Riding Pad

Your horse’s comfort should always be a priority when choosing and using a riding pad. The pad should sit correctly on the horse’s back, remain stable and avoid creating uncomfortable pressure points.

Soft materials and suitable padding can contribute to comfort, but softness alone does not guarantee correct pressure distribution. The individual shape of the horse’s back and the rider’s balance should also be taken into consideration.

Materials and Padding

Modern riding pads are available in different materials and with various types of padding. When choosing a model, consider the upper material, underside, thickness, padding and fastening system.

A soft underside can contribute to comfort and help reduce friction against the horse’s coat.

The Waldhausen Soft Riding Pad available at Greenfieldshop features a soft design with an artificial fur underside for additional comfort.

How to Choose a Horse Riding Pad

When choosing a riding pad for your horse, consider:

• the horse’s size and build,
• the shape of the horse’s back,
• the rider’s size and weight,
• material and padding,
• fastening system,
• intended type and duration of riding.

The pad should remain stable on the horse’s back while providing a comfortable fit for both horse and rider.

Riding Pads and Girths

Depending on their construction, riding pads can be secured using a suitable girth or an integrated fastening system.

Correct fastening helps keep the pad stable during riding. The girth should not be unnecessarily overtightened and should always be suitable for the specific pad and horse.

When choosing accessories, always follow the recommendations provided by the manufacturer of the riding pad.

Safety When Riding with a Bareback Pad

Riding with a pad can require greater balance and stability from the rider because it does not provide the same support as a conventional saddle.

When using a riding pad for the first time, it is advisable to ride in a controlled environment and adapt the activity to the experience of both horse and rider. Wearing an appropriate riding helmet remains an important part of safe riding.

Horse Riding Pads for Different Riding Needs

Whether you want to use a riding pad for relaxed training, leisure rides or simply to experience a closer connection with your horse’s movement, always choose a model with the comfort of the horse and stability of the rider in mind.

At Greenfieldshop, you can find horse riding and bareback pads designed with comfortable materials, practical functionality and enjoyable riding in mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a horse riding pad?
A riding pad or bareback pad is a soft and flexible riding aid designed for riding without a traditional saddle. It allows the rider to sit closer to the horse and feel its movement more directly.

What is a bareback pad?
A bareback pad provides a padded surface between the rider and the horse when riding without a conventional saddle. Depending on the model, it may also include a fastening system or girth attachment.

Can a riding pad replace a traditional saddle?
Not for every type of riding. A riding pad does not provide the same structural support and weight distribution as a correctly fitted saddle, so the horse, rider and intended use should always be considered.

What are horse riding pads suitable for?
Riding pads can be used for leisure riding, relaxed training sessions, working on the rider’s seat and balance or shorter hacks.

How do I choose the right riding pad size?
Consider the size and build of your horse, the shape of its back and the dimensions of the specific pad. Always check the manufacturer’s measurements and sizing recommendations.

Is a riding pad comfortable for the horse?
This depends on the design and padding of the pad, how well it fits the horse and the rider’s weight and balance. The pad should remain stable and should not create uncomfortable pressure points.

Do I need a girth with a riding pad?
This depends on the construction of the specific model. Many riding pads use a girth or their own fastening system. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Can beginners use a bareback pad?
Riding with a pad can require more balance than riding in a conventional saddle. Less experienced riders should therefore use it in a safe, controlled environment, ideally with appropriate supervision.

Not sure which riding pad is right for you and your horse? We will be happy to help you choose a suitable model according to your needs.