Abstract: An inflatable saddle support apparatus which is characterized in a first preferred embodiment by an inflatable saddle bladder that fits beneath a saddle and serves to equalize the pressure applied by the saddle and rider to a horse. In a most preferred embodiment of the invention the saddle bladder is shaped to effectively fill the voids between the saddle and the horse and is attached to a felt pad by a seam or by means of loop-pile fasteners. A segment of a conventional saddle blanket is first placed on the horse and receives the saddle bladder, with the felt pad positioned on top of the saddle bladder. The saddle blanket is then folded over the felt pad to receive a saddle. The saddle bladder may be inflated without dismounting by squeezing an inflation bulb which communicates with the inflation chamber of the saddle bladder to provide a selected degree of pressure equalization between the saddle and the horse.