Half pads: are you for or against ?

Half pads are a bone of contention among many riders. Should you always use one or only under certain circumstances? Is it a miracle solution or just another comfort-boosting piece of kit? A half pad could be a lifesaver if you have a used saddle. But you need to know how, when and why to use one.
To help you make the right decision for your horse’s wellbeing, we’ve written this blog to explain the role of a half pad, the benefits of using one with a used saddle, the technical features of the Adjust Pad and its functionality in real-world examples.

What is a half pad?

A half pad is a piece of kit that goes between the saddle and saddle pad. It’s a multi-purpose item. It helps absorb shocks during riding, better distribute pressure across the horse’s back, correct the saddle position in the event of irregularities and provide stability to the saddle and rider.

Half pads come in a variety of materials: memory foam, gel, felt, wool and even 3D mesh. No matter the design or technology, they all have the same objective: to protect the physical integrity and comfort of your horse, especially their back.

Half pads: the pros

Any pressure is partly or completely alleviated

The main advantage of half pads for horses is its ability to absorb shock and distribute pressure exerted by the saddle and rider. The rider’s weight and movements create more or less localised pressure points whilst riding which can be uncomfortable or even painful for the horse. The half pad acts like a cushion between the saddle and the horse’s back to significantly reduce pressure.

It’s a major asset for horses that are sensitive, have a weak back or are in recovery. It’s also ideal for long or intensive sessions. A half pad minimises muscle tension, protects the tissue and makes it easier for the horse to move around.

Adjusting a used saddle

A used saddle, even a top quality one, is not designed specifically for your horse’s back. In its previous life, it gradually moulded to fit the shape of another horse’s body shape.
That doesn’t mean it won’t be right for you; it just means it may need a few tweaks.

Example with a pre-loved saddle:
For example, there may be a slight tilt front or back, a lack of support in certain areas of the back or too big a gap around the withers.

This is when it makes sense to use a half pad.
It can fill the breach without you having to modify the saddle itself. You just change the thickness or density of your gear. If you use adjustable shims, you can correct the seat position and improve contact between the horse and rider.

Here at Selles-occasion.com, we can help you find the right used saddle for your horse. Our consultancy service and saddle fitting expertise from our specialist ensure that every riding saddle we sell meets the specific needs of both horse and rider. If you need to make a tweak, a half pad like the Adjust Pad can step into the breach without any misgivings about the standard of your used saddle.

Comfort for your horse

A half pad alleviates pressure points and absorbs vibrations to give you a smoother and steadier ride. You’ll find your horse is more flexible, engages their back correctly and is generally more relaxed. The rider feels the same comfort with better balance, a more stable seat and more precise contact.

A good half pad can play a preventive role too. It provides the ultimate in comfort throughout training by avoiding pain or defensive behaviour from your horse.

The Adjust Pad: a precise, technical and adjustable half pad

The Adjust Pad from Selles-occasion.com has been chosen for its impressive technical features and versatility. The memory foam half pad has a system of removable shims. It’s designed to fit a wide variety of horses and saddles, making it ideal for riders using pre-loved saddles or looking for an adjustable solution to adapt to any changes in their steed’s body shape.

This model has pockets on the front and back to fit high-density foam shims. That way you can accurately adjust the saddle height in the areas affected, correct a tilt or compensate for any temporary muscle loss. The memory foam evenly distributes pressure and perfectly hugs the back without causing any pain.

The Adjust Pad is also designed to keep your horse’s back well-ventilated with its moisture-wicking 3D mesh that keeps your horse cool. The design features an ergonomic calfskin opening on the withers to free up the sensitive area without sacrificing stability in the saddle.

This type of half pad is highly recommended if your…

• used saddle needs correcting
• horse’s body shape is changing quickly (due to growth or getting back into training)
• horse has an asymmetric or sensitive back

You get more use out of your saddle with the Adjust Pad whilst maintaining a high standard of comfort for both horse and rider. Find out more about the model on the Antarès website:

Real-world examples

There are lots of situations where a half pad with shims could come in handy. You may find your saddle doesn’t fit right if your horse has lost muscle mass after a long break, so adding shims to your half pad compensates for any irregularities and provides general stability.

Another common situation: a growing horse whose body shape is changing fast. It becomes hard to stay on top of saddle fitting and it’s expensive changing saddles every three months. The Adjust Pad provides a flexible solution that you can tweak as the months go by.

Last but not least, some riders ride several horses using the same saddle. Again, a half pad with shims is a vital piece of kit for comfortably switching between horses.

The question now is are you for or against half pads?

What’s the verdict when it comes to half pads? At the end of the day, there’s no one answer. A half pad is neither a universal solution nor a pointless accessory: it’s a technical piece of kit that should be used with due consideration based on the horse and rider.

It’s essential for some and can make all the difference, such as when a used saddle has irregularities, a horse has lost or gained muscle or if its body shape is changing fast. It provides instant comfort to horses and gives riders a more stable and balanced position.

On the other hand, a half pad doesn’t necessarily provide any additional benefits in some situations. If the saddle is perfectly fitted, tailor-made or carefully chosen to fit the horse’s body shape, any extra thickness between the horse and saddle can disrupt the balance. That’s why it’s essential to consider it on an individual basis rather than seeing a half pad as a requirement or gadget.

Here at Selles-occasion.com, we see half pads as smart accessories that can provide an occasional or long-lasting technical solution but can never replace the importance of a well-fitting saddle. That’s why we help our clients choose their used saddle and provide additional solutions, such as the Adjust Pad, to strike the right balance between comfort and budget.

At the end of the day, half pads really do come in handy when they’re used properly. It doesn’t really matter if you’re for or against them; what does matter is understanding when and how to use them. If you’re unsure, please ask our specialist for advice: every horse is unique and impartial, professional advice is essential to help you choose the right option for you and your horse.

Read our article: How to assess your saddle fit ?

Photo credits : Christophe Tanière