Saddle blanket

There are lighter types of saddle cloth, such as the shabrack, used primarily for decorative purposes, often placed over the top of a more utilitarian pad.

In the United States, the term refers to a very thin, lightweight blanket placed over a pad or heavier blanket for purely decorative or identification purposes, such as the square cloths used under the saddles of race horses.

The standard stock pad is square or slightly rectangular, and is designed to show under the saddle, providing both protection and style.

Today, English style pads are also used to alter the balance of a saddle and to compensate for fit problems.

In addition, square pads, called saddlecloths in the UK and Australia, have become a popular style for eventing, show jumping and dressage, in part because of the ability to add insignia to the corners.

Other pads are made with an opening to allow extra room for the withers of the horse, some are shaped to compensate for lordosis or swayback, and many modern "space age" materials are used, such as gel or memory foam to absorb shock, and modern synthetic materials with wicking properties to absorb moisture.

A traditionally styled western saddle blanket
A modern saddle pad of a shabrack-type design
A western saddle placed over a saddle blanket.
A modern western saddle pad, with blanket design on top, fleece underneath, and felt or foam padding on the inside
A modern style English square pad.
A traditional English saddle pad is cut to conform to the shape of the saddle.
Navajo single saddle blanket, circa 1870