Half Pads

Horse & Pony Half Pads

The half pad is a revolutionary product in terms of comfort for your horse. Half pads are also known as numnahs or half saddle pads.  Half pads have shock-absorbing properties that minimize concussion on your horse's back, reducing the risk of discomfort, injury, or long-term spinal issues for your horse. 

Many horseback riders may also feel a difference in their body by adding a half saddle pad. The added layer between the saddle and the horse lessens the impact of movement from the horse under the saddle. 

Both horse half pads and pony half pads can assist in saddle fit. Horses change their shape throughout their lifetime as they age and their fitness level fluctuates. A horse's topline will also change seasonally, as extra fat and hair influence saddle fit in the winter. Many professional saddlers recommend using a high-quality half pad to improve your horse's comfort and prevent their saddle from slipping as you await your next appointment with a qualified saddler.

Most half pads work with a standard saddle pad, numnah or close contact saddlepad. Compare that to stacking two large saddle pads. When regular saddle pads are doubled up, the entire area under the saddle increases - from the panels to the bottom of the flaps. Additionally, the area directly under the saddle along the spine has less cushion and shock absorption than adding a half pad. Using two pads also reduces the rider's leg contact with their horse. 

With a single pad and a half pad, the panels receive the support needed, and the rest of the saddle allows for excellent comfort and communication between the rider's legs and the horse's barrel.   

Half Saddle Pads for Horses and Ponies from Top Brands

Half pads for horses come in various sizes, shapes, materials, functionalities, and brands.

The most affordable half pad is the Gel-Eze® Non-Slip Saddle Pad – "This shock-absorbing gel pad is non-slip and boasts superb impact absorption qualities to reduce the risk of back and wither injuries. It is lightweight, discreet, and perforated to allow airflow for improved levels of comfort. This Non-Slip Saddle Pad by Gel-Eze is also non-toxic, washable, reusable, and environmentally friendly!"

The popular LeMieux® brand features different half pads for horses specific to some disciplines. This ensures that jumping saddles and dressage saddles have half pads in matching shapes as the saddle. LeMieux half pads also come in all-purpose shapes for various saddle shapes.  

LeMieux® Pro Lambskin Half Pad – "This luxurious half pad is made with 100% natural Australian Merino lambskin, which is much denser and softer than the older sheep wool traditionally used in numnahs and saddle pads. The clear spine is swept up at the wither, relieving pressure on the spine and allowing airflow for greater comfort and temperature regulation. Pro Lambskin Half Pads can be used with any cut of saddle and are suitable for use with or without a saddle cloth."

Similar top equestrian brands such as Acavallo®, WeatherBeeta®, Kentucky Horsewear and Elico® feature removable padding, fun colours, and vegan materials. You will also find horse half pads with high-tech materials, often making the half pad thin. In other cases, the horse half pad is thick. The assortment of thicknesses allows each horse to have a custom fit. 

Acavallo® Piuma Eco Wool Featherlight Pad – "The very latest innovation from Acavallo, these Piuma Air Release Pads are precision machined from featherlight thermoplastic. They offer an ingenious combination of incredibly low weight and high shock absorption with a sophisticated ventilation and air-supply system. Pressure is dissipated through the pad's interlocking cell structure, creating a cushion effect every time the cells are compressed and released to enhance your horse's comfort and performance."

WeatherBeeta® Memory Foam Comfort Half Pad – "The WeatherBeeta Memory Foam Comfort Half Pad is soft and breathable and features an anti-slip pad providing extra protection for your horse's withers and back. Superior shock absorption properties distribute pressure evenly, whilst helping to improve the fit of your horse's saddle. This memory foam half pad is also anti-microbial, anti-fungal, and quick drying."

Elico® Dorchester Half Pad – "This ergonomically shaped half pad is made from micro leather and sticky gel pads on both the topside and underside, for added security. The low profile and contoured shape equal less interference with the fit of the saddle, therefore helping your horse perform at their best. Sold in a convenient zipper bag with handles, for ease of use."

Sheepskin, Gel, and Memory Foam Half Pads

The materials used for saddle pads range from simple fleece and cotton to gel, memory foam, sheepskin, and lightweight thermoplastics.  

Sheepskin half pads are well known for their breathability and comfort. Sheepskin helps keep the horse's back safe from extreme temperatures during hot and cold weather. This pad style is also available as a fluffy half pad using either fleece or sheepskin along the front and/or rear edges to give that stylish look. 

Gel half pads are non-slip and easy to clean with a simple rinse. These lightweight pads for horses are often perforated to enhance airflow.  

Memory foam half pads work to mould the horse and the saddle panels. This action creates stability of the tack on the horse and provides a custom fit between the horse and saddle.  

Thermoplastic half pads offer high-tech materials, low weight, and high shock absorption. The design includes interlocking cells that create cushion and ventilation. During riding, the cells compress and release to provide comfort for the horse and rider. 

Other features of half saddle pads include strap attachments for D-rings of the saddle and pockets for removable felt shims to enhance the saddle fit. Brands may also use a combination of materials, such as gel and sheepskin, to merge the best qualities of each component. 

Fitting a horse or pony half pad is not tricky. Most manufacturers and brands offer a wide range of sizing. Brands may offer pony, cob, and horse sizing or label sizing as small, medium, or large.  

For saddle pads with a roll of fleece or wool along the back edge, ensure the roll clears the saddle's cantle. Other styles do not have the roll near the cantle and work with saddles of many different lengths.

The best half pads for horses fit the horse and the rider. The friendly team at Discount Equestrian can help you choose the best horse equipment. You may also find wonderful products for your horse in other tack categories, such as Horse Bridles, Saddles, and Training Equipment.

Discount Equestrian is proud to offer a Price Match Promise for all your horse tack and care needs.