Horseware Saddlery
Saddle Pads
Micklem bridles, reins, headcollars and saddle pads.
Horseware Saddle Pads
Which Horseware saddle pad should you buy?
For everyday schooling and hacking, the Horseware Amigo Close Contact Saddle Pad at £34.95 is the easiest place to start — it is the lowest-priced pad in this range and comes in Black, Navy, Bramble, Mulberry and Winterberry. If you ride a dressage saddle, the dressage-cut Horseware Newmarket Dressage Pad at £47.95 covers the long flap properly. For competition, the Horseware Aa Performance Dressage Pad and Horseware Aa Performance Jump Pad are both £64.95 with a satin finish and D-ring tabs. And if you want extra cushioning under an existing pad, the Horseware Sheepskin Halfpad at £99.95 is the one to add.
In a hurry? Start here
- Cheapest all-rounder: Horseware Amigo Close Contact Saddle Pad — £34.95
- Best for dressage saddles: Horseware Newmarket Dressage Pad — £47.95
- Best for the show ring: Horseware Aa Performance Jump Pad or Aa Performance Dressage Pad — £64.95
- Extra cushioning: Horseware Sheepskin Halfpad — £99.95
- Something different: Horseware Close Contact Saddle Pad in Dynasty Green — £47.95
- Prices here start at £34.95, and there are 7 Horseware pads in stock right now.
How do the Horseware saddle pads compare?
| Pad | Cut | Price | In-stock colours | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Horseware Amigo Close Contact Saddle Pad | Close contact / GP | £34.95 | Black, Navy, Bramble, Mulberry, Winterberry | Everyday schooling and hacking on a budget |
| Horseware Close Contact Saddle Pad | Close contact / GP | £47.95 | Dynasty Green | A single standout colour for the yard |
| Horseware Newmarket Close Contact Saddle Pad | Close contact / GP | £47.95 | Witney Charcoal, Witney Stripes Gold, Witney Stripes Navy | Traditional striped look, jumping and general riding |
| Horseware Newmarket Dressage Pad | Dressage cut | £47.95 | Witney Charcoal, Witney Stripes Gold, Witney Stripes Navy | Flatwork in a long-flap dressage saddle |
| Horseware Aa Performance Jump Pad | Jump cut | £64.95 | Black, White, Hunter Green, Nightshade, Sicilian Blue, Silver Slate | Competition and clinic days |
| Horseware Aa Performance Dressage Pad | Dressage cut | £64.95 | Black, White, Hunter Green, Nightshade, Primatova, Sicilian Blue, Silver Slate | Dressage tests and smart schooling |
| Horseware Sheepskin Halfpad | Half pad (contoured) | £99.95 | Black/Natural (Large) | Adding cushioning under your usual pad |
What is the difference between a close contact pad and a dressage pad?
It comes down to the shape of your saddle flap. A close contact or general-purpose saddle has a shorter, more forward-cut flap, so a close contact pad such as the Horseware Amigo Close Contact Saddle Pad (£34.95) or the Horseware Newmarket Close Contact Saddle Pad (£47.95) is cut to match. A dressage saddle has a long, straight flap, so it needs a dressage-cut pad like the Horseware Newmarket Dressage Pad (£47.95) or the Horseware Aa Performance Dressage Pad (£64.95). Using the wrong cut leaves the flap hanging over the edge of the pad, which rubs and looks untidy in the ring.
Do I need a jump pad as well as a GP pad?
Only if you compete or jump regularly. The Horseware Aa Performance Jump Pad (£64.95) is cut to follow a jumping saddle flap, with a satin finish and D-ring tabs, which suits a jumping saddle and looks smart at a show. If you school and hack in one general-purpose saddle, a close contact pad on its own is plenty.
What does a sheepskin half pad actually do?
The Horseware Sheepskin Halfpad (£99.95) sits between your saddle and your normal saddle pad, and the contoured sheepskin adds a layer of cushioning under the saddle. It can help take the edge off pressure from a saddle that sits slightly close in places, and sheepskin breathes well in warm weather. What it cannot do is fix a saddle that does not fit — padding over a genuine fit problem usually makes it worse. If your horse is sore, reactive to the girth area, or changing shape, book a qualified saddle fitter or your vet before adding anything under the saddle.
How do I get the size right?
Most Horseware pads here are listed in Horse or Cob/Horse sizing, and the Sheepskin Halfpad is a Large. As a rough guide, a Cob/Horse pad suits most 15hh to 16.2hh horses. The pad should clear the back edge of your saddle by roughly 2.5–5cm all round, with the spine seam lifted clear of the withers once girthed. If you are between sizes or unsure, get in touch and our team will help.
How should I wash a Horseware saddle pad?
Brush the dry hair and dust off first — that removes most of the dirt before water is involved. Then a cool machine wash with a non-biological, fragrance-free detergent, no fabric softener (it clogs the fibres that wick sweat away), and air dry away from direct heat. Sheepskin needs more care: use a dedicated sheepskin or wool wash and air dry naturally.
Horseware saddle pads: your questions answered
What is the cheapest Horseware saddle pad you sell?
The Horseware Amigo Close Contact Saddle Pad at £34.95 is the lowest-priced Horseware pad in stock. It is available in Black, Navy, Bramble, Mulberry and Winterberry, and it is a solid everyday choice for schooling and hacking.
Which Horseware pad is best for dressage?
Both dressage pads here are cut to fit a long-flap dressage saddle. The Horseware Newmarket Dressage Pad is £47.95 in Witney Charcoal or Witney Stripes in Gold or Navy. The Horseware Aa Performance Dressage Pad is £64.95 with a satin finish and D-ring tabs, in Black, White, Hunter Green, Nightshade, Primatova, Sicilian Blue or Silver Slate — the smarter choice if you are competing.
Can I use a jump pad for flatwork?
Yes, if you ride in a jumping or general-purpose saddle. The Horseware Aa Performance Jump Pad (£64.95) is cut to follow that flap shape, so it works fine for schooling too. It is only a problem the other way round: a jump-cut pad will not sit correctly under the long straight flap of a dressage saddle.
Will a sheepskin half pad fix a saddle that does not fit?
No. The Horseware Sheepskin Halfpad (£99.95) adds cushioning and helps with comfort under a saddle that already fits reasonably well, but it will not correct a poorly fitting saddle and can make a tight fit tighter. If your horse shows soreness, resistance or a change in behaviour under saddle, speak to a qualified saddle fitter and your vet first.
What size Horseware saddle pad do I need?
The pads here are listed in Horse or Cob/Horse sizing, and the Sheepskin Halfpad comes in Large. As a rough guide, Cob/Horse suits most 15hh to 16.2hh horses. Check that the pad extends roughly 2.5–5cm beyond the edge of your saddle all round and that the spine seam is pulled up clear of the withers before you girth up. If you are unsure, get in touch and our team will help.
How many Horseware pads do you have in stock?
There are 7 Horseware saddle pads in stock in this collection, priced from £34.95 to £99.95, covering close contact, dressage, jump and sheepskin half pad options. Stock and colours change, so check the product page for the sizes and shades available today.
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Last reviewed 2026-07-24 by the Just Horse Riders team.