Gel Pads

Buy Equestrian Gel Pads Online

Here at Discount Equestrian, we are proud to support equestrian communities across the UK and beyond. We hope you’ll find our vast range of sub-category descriptions informative and interesting…

Please note that our team highly recommends having the fit of your horse’s saddle checked regularly by a qualified saddler or saddle fitter!

There are new gel pad designs being developed frequently, so there isn’t the space to disclose every feature of every gel pad here. However, we intend to provide ample information on the general usage, materials, and features of gel pads available in this excellent collection, to empower you to make the best choice for your horse.

What are gel pads used for?

Gel pads tend to be crafted from non-toxic, hypoallergenic materials that offer anti-slip and cushioning properties for use under a saddle. The idea of a gel pad is to prevent the saddle from slipping, and to provide shock-absorption, to protect your horse’s back from developing uncomfortable pressure points that could lead to long-term injury. Although gel pads do so much more than that; the development of advanced technologies utilised in the manufacturing of gel pads has meant that many can enhance your horse’s comfort considerably through improved airflow, by offering a shield to sensitive withers, and as an aid to balance a saddle used for more than one horse.

How are gel pads used?

Thanks to the countless designs available, there’s a gel pad to suit every horse and rider combination. The most common use for a gel pad is to secure a saddle that tends to slip on round horses, especially those whose natural shape can cause even professionally fitted saddles to shift. Some of the most popular gel pads can be cut to the size of your horse’s saddle, which saves the time it could take to find a gel pad of an exact shape/size. Most gel pads are suitable for use directly against your horse’s back under the saddle, though the majority can also be used between a saddlecloth and the saddle – the choice is yours! There are also options to use gel pads with a ‘riser’ function, which works to compensate for the undeveloped frame of young horses or the uneven muscle tone of those returning to work – making them a cost-effective solution to ensure your horse stays comfortable between saddle fitting appointments. Another option is a gel pad that has memory foam inserts designed to mould to the contours of your horse’s back, while simultaneously complementing the fit of the saddle.

As with all equestrian equipment, gel pads ought to be kept clean in order for your horse to benefit from them – thankfully, gel pads are easily hand-washed, and some are even machine washable.

Although they are not a replacement or compensation for a well-fitted saddle, gel pads are effective pieces of equipment designed to enhance your horse’s comfort and therefore improve their performance.

If you require any assistance or advice on how to use a gel pad correctly, we recommend you contact a qualified riding instructor, saddler, equine physiotherapist, or an equine chiropractor. Alternatively, please feel free to contact our friendly Discount Equestrian team – we’re always happy to help!