Bareback Pad

A bareback pad (also called a bareback saddle or a bareback saddle pad) is a compromise between riding bareback and riding with a saddle. It provides a surface that gives the rider a bit more grip and weight distribution than riding strictly bareback. A bareback pad, however, provides very little support or stability.

A bareback pad consists of a contoured pad made from fleece, nylon, wool, or rough out leather. The top-side will have a texture from the material itself or from the construction that will help to keep the rider's rump up on the horse. Not all pads are created equal. Some are simply a piece of fleece between you and your horse, while others are made of heavy rough out leather with a medical felt liner.

Rider's Choice

Some bareback pads come with stirrups. While this may seem like a good idea, they are actually quite dangerous and should be removed. With a pad's lack of structure and tendency to slide from side-to-side, having your feet hung up in stirrups is the last thing you want.

Parelli