Choosing the Right English Saddle Pad: Top Brands, Reviews, and Colour Tips

A Guide for Riders to Match Style and Comfort for Every Horse in Australia

When it comes to riding, your horse’s comfort and style are paramount. (It's good to look schmick!) The English saddle pad might seem like a simple accessory, but it plays a crucial role in protecting your horse’s back and completing your look, whether you’re in the show ring, clinics, lessons or out on the trails. In this post, we’ll explore some of the most popular English saddle pad brands readily available for ordering in Australia, review what makes them stand out, and offer tips on selecting the perfect pad—including advice on complementary colours for every horse.

Top English Saddle Pad Brands Available in Australia

• Le Mieux – Highly regarded for quality and comfort, LeMieux pads can be easily ordered from leading Australian retailers such as Horseland, Saddleworld, and Just Horse Riders. Their pads are known for superior breathability, anatomic designs, and a vast range of colours and styles. Many riders appreciate the secure fit and pressure-reducing memory foam under the girth strap.

• WeatherBeeta – An iconic Australian equestrian brand, WeatherBeeta offers excellent value and durability. Their saddle pads feature quality cotton, soft linings, reinforced girth protection, and are widely available across local tack shops and online stores like Horseland and My Horse Supplies.

• Roma – Roma provides budget-friendly yet reliable options, ideal for those seeking quality on a tighter budget. Their saddle pads, available in various colours and designs, are stocked by most major Australian equestrian retailers including Horseland and Equestrian Hub.

• Horze – Known for contemporary looks and technical features like mesh linings and moisture-wicking materials, Horze saddle pads are available through Australian outlets such as Horze Australia, Equestrian Hub, and Pet House.

• Dover Saddlery – While Dover is a US brand, many of their classic saddle pads can be shipped to Australia through specialty importers or larger online retailers like Amazon Australia or eBay, making them accessible for those who love traditional designs.

• Kentaur Australia – Specialising in high-performance equipment, Kentaur’s saddle pads are developed for both comfort and style, and are easily ordered directly from their Australian website or select tack stores.

• PS of Sweden – For riders seeking luxury and innovation, PS of Sweden’s pads are available through local importers and select online equestrian boutiques in Australia, offering anatomical cut and bold designs.

• Equestrian Stockholm – Equestrian Stockholm is known for its elegant, fashion-forward saddle pads crafted with eco-friendly fabrics. These pads are celebrated for their luxurious appearance, vibrant colours, and excellent sweat-wicking properties, making them a favourite for both dressage and show jumping. Available via Equestrian Stockholm Australia and select online retailers.

• Lara Tweedie – An Australian designer label, Lara Tweedie offers a range of sophisticated and minimalist saddle pads. Each pad is designed with both performance and aesthetics in mind, featuring clean lines, premium materials, and subtle branding. These pads are ideal for riders who want to combine a modern look with outstanding comfort and durability.

• Kentucky – Kentucky Horsewear delivers cutting-edge technology and luxury with their saddle pads. Renowned for their soft, skin-friendly lining and innovative shock-absorbing materials, Kentucky pads provide a close fit and excellent ventilation. They’re available from Australian retailers such as Kentaur Australia and Saddleworld.

• Mattes – Mattes is famous for their top-quality sheepskin and customisable designs. Their pads offer unrivalled comfort and breathability, making them a top choice for horses with sensitive backs. Mattes pads can be tailored to fit any saddle and are stocked by specialist Australian tack shops and online stores.

• Anky – The Anky brand stands out for its sporty style, technical fabrics, and bold colour palettes. Anky’s saddle pads feature moisture-management technology and ergonomic shaping, making them popular among dressage and jumping enthusiasts. You can find Anky products in Australia at major equestrian retailers like Equestrian Hub and Horseland.

If you are in the Canberra region, check out our local stockists here.

What to Look for When Selecting an English Saddle Pad

1. Fit and Shape: Make sure the pad suits your saddle type—dressage, jumping, or all-purpose. It should lie smoothly beneath the saddle, without slipping or bunching.

2. Material: Choose breathable, sweat-wicking fabrics like cotton or technical blends. Many Australian brands offer pads with antimicrobial or quick-drying properties for our climate.

3. Thickness and Padding: Select pads with enough cushioning to protect your horse’s back, but not so thick they affect saddle fit. Memory foam or gel inserts are great for sensitive horses.

4. Durability: Look for reinforced girth straps and strong stitching, especially if you ride regularly or compete.

5. Style and Colour: Pick a pad that flatters your horse’s colouring and matches your sense of style. A well-chosen pad brings polish to any turnout.

Complementary Colours for Different Horse Coats

Colour isn’t just about style—it’s a way to showcase your horse’s natural beauty! Here’s how to choose the perfect hue for every coat (you can open and download the below colour guide):

Use this colour guide to help select complementary saddles pads for your horse

• Bays (brown body, black points): Deep blue, hunter green, burgundy, and cream look fantastic against bay coats, highlighting their rich tones and dark points.

• Chestnuts (reddish brown): Earthy hues such as olive, teal, navy, and dark chocolate bring out the warmth in chestnut horses. Reds and oranges tend to blend in and are less striking.

• Greys: Bright or jewel tones like purple, turquoise, or cherry red stand out beautifully on greys. For a classic show-ring style, black or white is always elegant.

• Palominos (golden with light mane and tail): Soft pastels—baby blue, mint, or peach—accentuate their gold, while navy and forest green offer a refined contrast.

• Black horses: Almost any shade works, but vivid colours like fuchsia, lime green, or crisp white are especially eye-catching. For timeless sophistication, try silver or rich jewel tones.

Want to be 100% on Colour Choice for your Horse?

This is a game changer! I have purchased a colour wheel that I can put against my horse's coat to find amazing colour matches. The cool thing is you can also take this in store with you to match saddle pads to tops or other riding clothing.

You can purchase them from here. Or if you need a pocket-sized one, these are excellent. To really isolate the colour against your horse use a view catcher.

Conclusion

Finding the ideal English saddle pad is about balancing comfort, durability, and style. With so many fantastic brands available for ordering right here in Australia—from LeMieux and WeatherBeeta to PS of Sweden and Kentaur—you’re sure to find a pad that suits both your horse’s needs and your own flair. And with the right colour, your horse will shine, whether you’re in the show ring or enjoying the bush trails. Happy riding!