Can you Use an English Saddle Pad with a Western Saddle?

Yes, you can use a western saddle with an English saddle pad.

You’d think it would be obvious. But it turns out, lots of riders are using English saddles on their horses. The problem? Those saddles are designed for English-style horses.

That means, when the rider sits on the saddle, the back of the saddle points toward the horse’s hindquarters. The horse naturally bends to the side to get leverage, which causes the horse’s hind legs to come out in front of the horse’s shoulders.

This causes all kinds of problems for the horse—including the rider—and creates an uncomfortable position for both.

An English saddle pad is a piece of leather used to cover the horse's pastern. It keeps the saddle from rubbing against the horse's leg and provides a certain amount of cushioning. Saddle pads come in several different shapes and sizes.

Some are designed specifically to cover the horse's fetlock. Others are designed to cover the whole horse's front leg, while still others are designed to cover only the horse's back leg 

1 Why Is A Western Saddle Pad Important?

A Western saddle pad is a very important part of any horse’s saddle. It is a thin, flexible piece of foam that covers the base of a horse’s back. The saddle pad is placed over the horse’s back just behind the girth, and it is secured in place with a girth strap.

 In an interview with the American Horse Publications’ website, Mike Stelzer, founder of the company, said, “One of the biggest mistakes that horsemen make is riding with a saddle pad.”

Most of us know that if we’re going to ride any distance or perform any strenuous activity in the saddle, we need to wear riding breeches and a riding jacket, but a lot of people skip the saddle pad and go straight for the breeches.

Stelzer states that there are several reasons why a rider should never ride without a saddle pad: It’s one of the best ways to keep your pants clean; it’s also one of the best ways to protect your breeches from moisture

 2. Should You Buy a Western Saddle Pad?

To start, let’s talk about why saddle pads matter. The average American spends anywhere between 20 minutes and a few hours everyday riding. With that in mind, the American Horse Council recommends that you change your saddle pad every three months.

So why are saddle pads so important? First of all, saddle pads help to keep you comfortable when riding and help to prevent chafing. They also prevent saddle sores, protect your horse from slipping and slipping in the mud, and protect against tree roots damaging your saddle’s rails.

But saddle pads are only one part of a complete riding wardrobe. Other than the saddle pad itself, you should invest in a good pair of boots.

3. What Is the Difference Between a Cowboy Sling and a Western Saddle Pad?

Both a cowboy sling and a western saddle pad are products made specifically for a horse rider, and they both protect a rider’s back. But there are differences.

A western saddle pad is thicker and designed to provide the same protection as a cowboy sling but it’s more durable, so it doesn’t wear out so quickly.

The two slings are similar, but a cowboy sling isn’t meant to provide the same level of protection for the same price. A cowboy sling is lighter than a western saddle pad and costs less.

4. What Is the Purpose of a Western Saddle Pad?

If you're looking for a western saddle pad to keep your horse comfortable while riding in the summer, this pad may be exactly what you need. The pads are designed to provide protection for the horse's back while allowing them to breathe freely. While they are designed to protect the horse from sunburn, there are other purposes, including keeping the horse cooler while riding and providing protection against wind and rain.

 A western saddle pad is a tool that’s worn on top of a western saddle. It provides a soft layer of protection between the horse’s legs and the leather. Western saddle pads are designed to keep the rider’s hands and legs clean of dust, mud, and sand.

 Final Words

Suppose you are looking for a high-quality and affordable Western saddle pad, try one of our top picks. We offer a huge variety of saddle pads from brands like Smith Brothers, Roper, Western Wear, and more.

 Each of our saddle pads has been designed to protect, cushion, and comfort your horse’s sensitive backside. In addition to being comfortable for your horse, our pads are made of premium materials, which means that they are easy to clean and dry out quickly.

 This gives your horse the freedom to move and work without being limited by wetness, dirt, and mud. If you’re interested in getting your horse fitted for a new saddle pad, contact us today!

It is often not necessary to buy special saddles and other equipment for riding English horses. In many cases, you can buy a saddle, bridle, and a pair of English saddle pads from the same place. And if you want, you can use the English pads you have on your English saddle with an English Western saddle instead.

 But, do not use an English saddle pad on a western saddle. An English saddle pad is designed for use on an English saddle and a Western saddle pad is designed for use on a western saddle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you ride English with a Western saddle?

And yes, you can post in a Western saddle.

I hear frequently hear people say that you can't, and it drives me a little bit bananas (mmmm, bananas!) because good Western riders post all the time!

How can I make my Western saddle seat more comfortable?

The best strategy for this is a seat saver with shims. Add a saddle seat saver and a set of saddle-fitting shims made of shock-absorbing material.

Is a Western or an English saddle more comfortable?

Differences in Tack

An English saddle is much smaller in size and lighter in weight, which allows the rider to get close to their horse and feel its every movement. 

 

A Western saddle is larger and heavier, which provides more comfort and stability for long hours over rough terrain.

Which is more difficult Western or English riding?

Which is easier? To be blunt (and in my opinion) Western is easier because the saddle offers more stability through a larger seat and the use of the horn.

 

 Many novice riders who find themselves seated precariously on a horse in an English saddle are very confident in Western saddles.

Can you use a half pad with a Western saddle?

The WESTERN SMARTPAD® HALFPAD works great under any WESTERN saddle. Easy-access pockets to hold your SHIMS for successful MANAGEMENT OF THE INTERFACE.

Can a horse ride both Western and English?

Suppose you need added agility and speed for barrel racing, consider a Clydesdale/Paint or Quarter Horse cross: they can all be ridden in both the English and Western styles.

What does the 17.5-inch saddle mean?

A leg/seat measurement of 21.5-23 inches equals a 17.5-inch saddle.

How thick should a Western pad be?

How long will you be riding? If you ride more than four hours at one time regularly, you need a pad that is at least 7/8" thick.

 

 How much do you weigh? If you and your gear together weigh more than 200 lbs., you should get at least a 7/8" pad, but a 1" would be better.