The best jump saddle pads sit nicely under your jump saddle, offer some level of protection and wick away moisture to keep your horse’s back sweat-free. Alongside a wide range of technical features, many brands have a great selection of colours and personalisation options, so it’s possible to create the perfect colour combo for competition day or a matchy-matchy Instagram-worthy shot.
Unfortunately you can’t just use your favourite GP saddle pad with a jump saddle, as the shape is very different and it won’t be very comfortable for your horse. When choosing your new jump pad, it’s important to choose a saddle pad with a cut that compliments your saddle. If you have a modern European style jump saddle, look out for saddle pads that say they’re specially designed to fit. The thickness of the pad is also an important consideration because unless your saddle fitter has suggested that you seek out a particularly thick one, it’s best to opt for one that offers shock absorption without altering the fit of your saddle.
Other things to look out for are grippy and wicking material. Anti-slip additions can be on the underside of the saddle pad next to your horse, or on the top side between the pad and your saddle, while wicking materials will help draw away sweat to keep your horse dry and comfortable. The fastenings are easy to overlook, but some saddle pads come with adjustable, elasticated or Velcro fastenings, which can make life much easier and help you make your saddle pad a great fit.
Finally, check out the colour and personalisation options – some brands offer a really wide range as well as an array of piping and binding options, while others introduce new colours each season.
Best jump saddle pads
WeatherBeeta Prime Jump Saddle Pad
Colours: 18 options | Sizes: Pony or full | RRP: £44.50 |
This durable jump cotton pad has a wicking lining to help keep your horse cool, dry and comfortable. It is designed to fit more forward cut jumping saddles, while the breathable mesh spine allows for extra airflow and the high wither design offers extra space. Also available in ombre, bling, marble or leopard print styles.
The GP version of this saddle pad was reviewed at past of our testing scheme – read H&H’s independent WeatherBeeta Prime Saddle Pad review.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk, equus.co.uk or naylors.com
In the US? View now at amazon.com
Hy Sport Active Close Contact Saddle Pad
Colours: 15 options | Sizes: Pony/cob or full | RRP: £34.99 |
This traditional and classic-shaped close-contact saddle pad from Hy is designed to fit a wide range of saddles. It features the HyWither cut that provides clearance at the withers to prevent rubbing, a moisture-wicking lining, durable anti-rub girth cover protection and double touch-tape girth loops. Machine washable.
The GP version of this saddle pad was reviewed at past of our testing scheme – read H&H’s independent Hy Sport Active Saddle Pad review.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk or equus.co.uk
LeMieux Carbon Mesh Close Contact Half Square
Colours: Black, grey, white, navy, wisteria, bluebell, sage or mulberry | Sizes: L | RRP: £54.95 |
Combining the half square style and lightweight technical 3D mesh fabrics, which allows maximum air flow through the perforations and has great sweat wicking abilities to keep your horse cool and comfortable. This pad also has a bamboo lining, which is very soft and performs in all weather conditions.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, equus.co.uk or naylors.com
In the US? View now at amazon.com
Shires Arma Fusion Jump Saddlecloth
Colours: Black, grey, green, red or ocean blue | Sizes: 17–18in | RRP: £73.99 |
Combining silicone grips with a shock absorbing lining, this technical saddlecloth is designed for high performance. It’s made with a breathable anti-pill cotton outer with hard-wearing girth guards, while the grip helps to keep the pad in place and the saddle secure. The 3D mesh zones along the spine provide ventilation and increased airflow, the wicking lining reduces the risk of rubbing and increases comfort, and the fleece wither trim offers a luxurious touch. Machine washable.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk or naylors.com
In the US? View now at amazon.com or statelinetack.com
LeMieux ProSport Suede EuroJump Square
Colours: Black, grey, white, navy or benetton | Sizes: L | RRP: £54.95 |
This LeMieux pad is part of the EuroJump range in collaboration with Scott Brash. Developed to fit the cut of modern jumping saddles, this pad is swept up at the back to avoid catching your leg. The soft Bamboo lining absorbs and controls sweat under the saddle, while the new linear quilting pattern is complemented by the suede outer finish and co-ordinated braid. The wider girth keeper incorporates three inner locking loops to offer more girthing options.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, equus.co.uk or ebay.co.uk
In the US? View now at amazon.com
WeatherBeeta Ultra Grip Jump Saddle Pad
Colours: Navy, burgundy, black, grey or white | Sizes: Full | RRP: £69.99 |
Shaped to fit more forward cut jumping saddles, this sporty saddle pad is designed to keep your horse comfortable and prevent the saddle slipping. It features a silicone grip, has memory foam padding, and a covered girth guard that reduces excessive wear for added durability. The durable suede fabric has a wick easy lining that helps to keep your horse cool, dry and comfortable.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, equus.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk or ebay.co.uk
In the US? View now at amazon.com
Woof Wear Vision Collection Close Contact Saddle Pad
Colours: 11 options | Sizes: Full | RRP: £49.99 |
This close contact pad has a high wither design and has been shaped fit the contours of the both the horse and modern saddles. It benefits from a breathable, wicking inner lining combined with a striking satin outer fabric, which matches other items in the Woof Wear Vision collection.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, equus.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk or ebay.co.uk
In the US? View now at amazon.com
Mark Todd Pro Technik Jump Pad
Colours: Navy or white | Sizes: Full | RRP: £74.98 |
This technical saddle pad offers high breathability thanks to the high wither, 3D mesh on top and grippy mesh in the lining. The topside is made with quality suede and has a silicone print to grip your saddle.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk or ebay.co.uk
You might also like:
8 half pads to consider to help perfect your saddle setup
11 stud girths to protect your horse while jumping
Tack cleaners and conditioners that will bring shine to any tack room
28 jump saddles you’ll want to ride in
If you’re looking for a new jump saddle, check out this selection from a range of manufacturers
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