Experience superior comfort, protection, and style with Criterion Saddle Pads, designed for horses and riders of all levels. Whether you’re training daily, competing in shows, or enjoying leisurely rides, a well-chosen saddle pad is essential to your horse’s performance and wellbeing. Criterion Saddle Pads combine durable craftsmanship, breathable materials, and innovative cushioning, ensuring a comfortable ride for both horse and rider.
A saddle pad is not just an accessory; it’s a vital piece of tack that protects your horse’s back, supports saddle fit, and enhances overall performance. With Criterion’s carefully crafted range, you can ride with confidence, knowing your horse is comfortable, supported, and stylish.
Why Choose Criterion Saddle Pads?
Every horse deserves a saddle pad that provides optimal comfort, durability, and performance. Criterion Saddle Pads are designed with this in mind. Our collection focuses on key features that matter most to riders:
- Double-Quilted Cushioning: Reduces pressure points and distributes saddle weight evenly, preventing soreness and discomfort.
- Breathable Materials: High-quality fabrics allow air circulation, keeping your horse cooler during rides and minimizing sweat buildup.
- Durability for Everyday Use: Strong stitching and robust construction ensure your saddle pad withstands daily training, trail rides, and competition use.
- Versatility: Designed to fit English, Western, and general-purpose saddles. Available in sizes from Shetland and Pony to Cob and Full, making it suitable for horses of all shapes and sizes.
- Stylish Options: Our range includes plain, designer, dressage, and colored styles, so you can match your tack to your personal taste or your riding team’s colors.
Criterion Saddle Pads are trusted by riders across the UK for their combination of function, comfort, and style.
Our Saddle Pad Range
Criterion offers a variety of saddle pads tailored to different riding needs, from casual daily use to performance-focused disciplines.
1. Dressage Saddle Pads
Designed for precision and elegance, Dressage Saddle Pads are lightweight and shaped for maximum comfort and performance. Ideal for competitions, these pads:
- Provide superior cushioning under the saddle
- Support correct saddle placement and rider balance
- Come in classic white, elegant colors, and subtle patterns for professional presentation
Perfect for training and competitive dressage, these pads are a combination of comfort, style, and functionality.
2. General-Purpose Pads
General-purpose saddle pads are perfect for riders who require a reliable, all-around option. Whether you’re riding on the school grounds, in the fields, or on trails, these pads provide:
- Built-in cushioning for everyday use
- Sweat-wicking materials to keep your horse dry and comfortable
- Flexible designs compatible with a wide range of saddles
These pads are versatile, durable, and ideal for casual riders or those with multiple horses.
3. Numnahs & Saddle Cloths
For a traditional tack experience, Criterion Numnahs and Saddle Cloths combine softness and style. They offer:
- Smooth, breathable surfaces for comfort
- Support for saddle positioning
- Classic designs that suit traditional English riding styles
Numnahs are often used in competitions, casual riding, and schools where horses require an extra layer of padding under leather saddles.
4. Half Pads
For horses that need extra support under the saddle, Half Pads provide enhanced cushioning and pressure relief. Key features include:
- Shock-absorbing layers to protect sensitive backs
- Improved saddle fit and stability
- Suitable for horses with high withers, uneven backs, or minor back discomfort
Half pads are essential for riders who want to prevent injuries, improve performance, and enhance comfort.
Sizes & Fit
Criterion Saddle Pads are designed to fit all types of horses, ensuring your horse moves freely and comfortably. Our size range includes:
- Shetland – perfect for smaller ponies and miniature horses
- Pony – ideal for standard ponies and young horses
- Cob – medium-sized horses requiring slightly larger coverage
- Full – standard adult horse size, compatible with most English and Western saddles
Each pad is designed with anatomical considerations to follow the contours of your horse’s back, ensuring maximum comfort and minimal saddle slipping.
Materials & Construction
We use only high-quality materials to ensure long-lasting performance:
- Outer Fabric: Durable, soft, and resistant to wear and tear
- Inner Padding: High-density foam or cotton fill for excellent shock absorption
- Breathable Layer: Keeps your horse cooler, reduces sweat accumulation, and prevents skin irritation
- Stitching & Finish: Double-stitched for strength and durability, designed to maintain shape over time
These materials make Criterion Saddle Pads suitable for daily schooling, long rides, and show competition.
Benefits of Using Criterion Saddle Pads
- Back Protection: Reduces pressure points, prevents soreness, and helps maintain your horse’s comfort.
- Improved Saddle Fit: Ensures your saddle sits properly and doesn’t shift during riding.
- Enhanced Rider Comfort: A comfortable horse allows for a smoother, more stable ride.
- Durable & Stylish: Blends functionality with aesthetics, so your horse looks as good as it feels.
- Versatility: Suitable for English, Western, dressage, general-purpose, and performance saddles.
- Health & Safety: Helps prevent injuries and skin irritation caused by friction or poorly fitted tack.
How to Choose the Right Saddle Pad
Selecting the perfect saddle pad depends on:
- Riding Discipline: Dressage, general-purpose, jumping, or casual riding
- Horse Size & Shape: Measure your horse’s back to ensure proper coverage
- Saddle Type: Match pad shape to English, Western, or hybrid saddles
- Comfort & Padding Needs: Some horses benefit from extra cushioning or half pads
Criterion Saddle Pads provide guidance and multiple size options to make your choice easy and effective.
