Saddle Pads & Half Pads: Protection and Balance Under the Saddle

Saddle Pads & Half Pads: the layer that makes a difference

Saddle pads & half pads lie directly on your horse's back and absorb sweat, dirt and friction before they reach the saddle. Depending on the model, they also add cushioning or even out small differences in how the saddle sits. Here you will find saddle cloths and numnahs, correction pads and gel or sheepskin half pads, plus replacement covers so you can keep using your pads for a long time.

Saddle cloth, half pad or both

The saddle cloth is the basis. It protects saddle and back, soaks up sweat and is easy to wash. A half pad goes on top of it or replaces it when you want extra shock absorption or to even out the fit. Gel, sheepskin, memory foam and air cushioning all work quite differently. What matters is that the pad lies smoothly, does not wrinkle and is pulled up a little into the gullet over the withers so it does not press there.

What a pad can do

A correction pad can help if the saddle sits a little low after a phase of training or while the back is changing. It does not replace a saddle that fits, though. If you see pressure marks, white hairs or reluctance when tacking up, the saddler should check the fit first. Too many layers on top of each other make the saddle tighter, so the rule is: as much as necessary, as little as possible. Clean pads help prevent rubs.

Frequently asked questions

How often do I need to wash my saddle pad?
That depends on how much your horse sweats. Many riders change it after a few rides and wash it at a low temperature without fabric softener. With two or three pads in rotation, you always have a dry one to hand.

Can a thick pad make up for a saddle that is too wide?
Only to a small extent and usually only temporarily. If the saddle is clearly too wide, it tips forward despite the pad and presses on the shoulder. In that case only an adjustment by a saddler will help.

My saddle pad keeps slipping, what can I do?
Pull the pad up into the gullet when you tack up and fasten it to the loops on the girth straps. A non-slip pad underneath gives extra grip. If the saddle itself slips, have the fit checked.