What Do Half Pads Do for Horses?

Half pads provide a layer of cushioning between the saddle and the horse̵7;s back. They can help a horse move more comfortably with less risk of back injury in nearly all types of ridden work, from schooling to show jumping. Half pads fit under the seat area only, without leg flaps, and are made of sheepskin or pliable synthetic material such as memory foam or gel. They come in English or Western styles, and can supplement or replace a full-sized saddle pad or blanket.

  1. Therapeutic Uses

    • A half pad can help distribute weight evenly across a horse̵7;s back, avoiding the discomfort of localized pressure points and absorbing shock, for example, in trotting or jumping. It helps stop the saddle from slipping, which can cause chafing or bruising. By easing discomfort, it helps avoid muscle strain and enables the horse to use its back more naturally and powerfully. Both sheepskin and foam half pads also help to distribute heat and moisture, wicking away sweat and allowing evaporation.

    Saddle Fitting

    • Ideally, a saddle should fit perfectly. However, a half pad may compensate for slight imperfections by filling in hollows where the saddle doesn̵7;t touch, easing pressure where it does, or enabling you to use the same saddle for different horses. Adapt pads to particular needs, for example, adding extra panels to compensate for lack of flesh in underweight horses, or cutting out a section at the front to allow for high narrow withers. Specially shaped riser pads lift the front or back of the saddle as needed, for example, to stop the saddle sloping backwards on a high-shouldered horse.

    Better Riding

    • By keeping the saddle from slipping, a half pad may help prevent your weight from shifting and unbalancing you and your mount. Keeping the horse comfortable encourages a natural gait, which is easier for the rider to adapt to. For a very sensitive horse that reacts to the rider̵7;s slightest movement, the extra cushioning may make small involuntary changes of position less noticeable, therefore less confusing. However, a half pad cannot hamper the way you communicate with the horse through leg pressure on the flanks, as it covers the seat area only.

    Cautions

    • A half pad may not improve the fitting of a saddle in every case ̵1; it can make it too tight in places. Although a pad may help with minor problems, it cannot make up for a seriously ill-fitting saddle, which could impede the horse̵7;s natural movements and cause muscle strain. After washing the half pad, check the filling has not become clumped into hard patches, which could cause chafing or bruising