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Half Pads: Pressure Relief for the Horse's Back

Relieve your horse's back. Discover shock-absorbing gel pads, temperature-regulating lambskin pads, and anatomical correction pads.

Half Pads: Shock Absorption and Pressure Relief for the Horse's Back

While the saddle pad (numnah or square pad) primarily serves to protect the leather from sweat, the half pad takes on a completely different function: It absorbs shocks, distributes the rider's weight evenly, and can compensate for temporary saddle fit issues. A good half pad is placed directly between the saddle and the saddle pad (or directly on the back in the case of lambskin) and protects the horse's sensitive spine and back muscles.

Lambskin, Gel, and Memory Foam in Comparison

The choice of material depends on the desired effect. Lambskin pads are extremely skin-friendly, breathable, and regulate temperature. They distribute pressure excellently and prevent chafing. Gel pads are significantly flatter, extremely shock-absorbing, and usually have an anti-slip effect that prevents the saddle from slipping. Pads made of memory foam adapt exactly to the anatomy through body heat and softly fill hollow spaces.

Correction Pads to Balance the Fit

Horses change through training, grazing breaks, or age. If the saddle is temporarily not sitting perfectly due to muscle loss, correction pads are used. These models have insert pockets into which thin felt or foam inserts can be placed. This allows the saddle to be lifted specifically (e.g., at the front at the shoulder or at the back) until the muscles have rebuilt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a half pad replace a saddle fitter?
No, absolutely not. A half pad can compensate for small, temporary changes in the muscles or offer more comfort to sensitive horses. However, even the thickest pad cannot make a fundamentally ill-fitting saddle that pinches or squeezes fit properly.

Do you place lambskin pads directly on the horse's back?
Pads that are equipped with medical lambskin on the entire underside unfold their positive, heat-regulating properties best when they lie directly on the horse's back (under the square pad). Pure gel or foam pads always go between the square pad and the saddle.

How do you wash a lambskin pad?
Real lambskin requires special care so that the leather does not become hard. It should be washed on a gentle cycle at a maximum of 30 degrees and strictly with a special lambskin detergent. Afterwards, it must air dry slowly (not in direct sunlight or on the heater).

Functional Padding for Sensitive Horse Backs

A half pad is the ideal addition to the classic saddle pad when it comes to increasing comfort for your horse. Whether for horses building muscle, in intensive show jumping, or animals with a sensitive back: The shock-absorbing properties of gel, lambskin, or memory foam reliably absorb fine shocks and distribute the rider's weight optimally over the entire saddle area.

If your horse's muscles change seasonally, practical correction pads with removable inserts help you to flexibly compensate for minor saddle fit issues. When choosing your pad, make sure that the gullet of the saddle does not become too narrow and that the spine always has enough free space.