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How to Make a Dressage Saddle Pad

A saddle pad serves many purposes: It protects your saddle from the dirt and sweat of a horse's back; it can provide a bit of extra cushion for you and the horse; and it also jazzes up your tack and adds a splash of color in the show ring. Dressage pads have a particular look, and it is possible to make your own if you keep the dressage aesthetic in mind. Perhaps more importantly, making your own saddle pad gives you control of the materials that come in contact with your horse and your saddle.

Things You'll Need

Cotton fabric
Felted wool fabric
Measuring tape
Scrap fabric or tissue paper
Sewing machine
Heavy duty needles

Instructions

- 1
  Measure your saddle. Your saddle pad must be larger than the saddle or the edges of the pad will rub your horse's back and cause discomfort. Measure the saddle from the very back to the farthest point in the front, which is usually the front of the flaps. This is the height. Find the width of the pad by measuring from the bottom of one flap, over the seat, and down to the bottom of the other flap. Add two inches to these measurements to make sure the pad is large enough.
- 2
  Use tissue paper or scrap fabric to make a pattern for your saddle pad. Draw a rectangle with the measurements from Step 1. At the center front, cut out a triangle for your horse's withers. Curve the corners to make it more dressage-styled. Once you are happy with the shape, trace it onto your fabric and cut it out. Use fabric scissors rather than paper scissors for a less choppy cut.
- 3
  
  Your quilting will have a pattern similar to this.
  
  Quilt your cotton by using multiple layers of cotton. Cut several copies of your pad out of cotton and pin them together. Set up your sewing machine with a heavy duty needle and thread that matches the color of the fabric. Sew straight lines at equal distances diagonally across the entire pad, then sew lines in the opposite direction to create a diamond grid pattern. Add embellishments like embroidered monograms to the back corners, if you wish.
- 4
  Create the bottom layer by cutting your pad shape from felted wool. Pin the felt to the bottom of the quilted cotton layer. Sew straight down the center, where the horse's spine will be. This keeps the layers from slipping apart. You can sew the edges for additional security, but stray stitches may show around the trim unless you are very careful. Make sure you have spare needles for this part; the thick layers can cause them to break.
- 5
  Add the trim around the edges to close the pad. Pin double-fold bias tape around the edges so the pad is between the folds. Sew it on. This closes the saddle pad and protects the edges from unraveling and other damage. Once the pad is closed, try it on your horse. If you are happy with the results, you're ready to ride.

Sewing