Which saddle pad should I choose?

Wither cut-out or not?Horse's frontWithersNo cut-outFor high withersWithersWither cut-outFor flat withers

A saddle pad is much more than an accessory: placed between the saddle and the horse's back, it protects, cushions and absorbs sweat. An ill-fitting pad can bother the horse, rub or slip. Here are the criteria to look at before choosing.

1. General purpose or dressage: choose the shape to match your saddle

The shape of the pad should follow the shape of the saddle.

  • The general purpose pad (or jumping pad) has a shorter, more forward cut. It suits general purpose and jumping saddles, for hacking, jumping or all-round work.
  • The dressage pad is longer and straighter, to follow the long, vertical flaps of dressage saddles.

The pad should extend a few centimetres beyond the saddle all the way round, and never be smaller than it.

2. Wither cut-out or not?

A pad without a cut-out rises to a point at the front and covers the withers. It is recommended for horses with high withers. A pad with a wither cut-out has a rounded notch at the front and suits horses with flat withers.

In any case, remember to lift the pad well up into the saddle's gullet before tightening the girth, so that it doesn't pull on the withers.

3. Material: breathability and drying

  • Classic quilted fabric (polyester on top, cotton underneath) is comfortable and absorbs sweat well. It is the choice made for Le Classique.
  • 3D honeycomb polyester lets air circulate constantly and dries very quickly, because it does not absorb water. It is the technology behind our Le Innovation pad, silver medal at the Concours Lépine 2026.

Weigh up breathability against absorbency, putting your horse's comfort first.

4. Thickness and cushioning

A thicker pad cushions more, but it also changes how the saddle fits. If your saddle already fits well, a pad that is too thick can make it too narrow. If in doubt, ask your saddler or saddle fitter for advice.

5. Care: the criterion people forget

A dirty pad, full of hair and dried sweat, can irritate the horse's back. It therefore needs washing often, which wears the pad out and uses a lot of water and energy.

That is why we invented the detachable lining: on our Le Innovation and Le Tradition pads, only the lining in contact with the horse needs regular washing. It comes off in seconds thanks to its stainless steel press studs, and several linings can go in the machine together. With a spare lining, you always have a clean pad, even on laundry days.

6. Build quality

Strong stitching, durable binding, press studs that don't rust: a good pad should last several seasons. All Cadji Équipement pads are designed in Belgium and made in Troyes, France, close to our craftspeople.

In short

  • Choose the shape (general purpose or dressage) to match your saddle.
  • Choose a model without a cut-out if your horse has high withers, and one with a wither cut-out if its withers are flat.
  • Opt for a breathable, quick-drying material.
  • Think about care: a detachable lining makes everything easier.

Have a question about choosing your model? Write to us at contact@cadji-equipement.com and we'll reply within 48 hours.