Horse Half Pads for Cushioning, Fit & Saddle Balance

Horse Half Pads Explained

A half pad is a shaped pad that sits under the saddle and on top of your main saddle pad or numnah. Riders use half pads to add cushioning, improve wither clearance, absorb shock or subtly adjust saddle balance. Choosing the right half pad depends on your saddle fit, your horse's back shape and whether you need a thin profile, thick cushioning or a correction style with shims.

Sheepskin, Wool & Lambskin Half Pads

Sheepskin half pads, wool half pads and lambskin half pads are popular for natural breathability and a soft feel against the horse's back. They suit riders who want extra comfort without a bulky stack and are often chosen for sensitive horses or longer schooling sessions. For more natural-fibre options across the category, browse our sheepskin saddle pads collection as well.

Gel, Memory Foam & Shock Absorbing Half Pads

Gel half pads and memory foam half pads are often chosen when riders want shock absorption, a closer feel or extra stability under the saddle. Thin half pads suit horses that only need a small amount of lift, while thicker or shock absorbing half pads can help horses working on firmer footing or those that benefit from more cushioning. Compare similar cushioning-focused styles in our gel saddle pads range.

Dressage, Jumping & Correction Half Pads

Dressage half pads and jumping half pads are usually matched to saddle shape and rider position, with dressage riders often preferring a straighter front and jump riders choosing a slightly more forward-friendly outline. Correction half pads and half pads with shims let you adjust balance when a saddle sits low in front or behind, which can be paired with ideas from our wither pads collection for wither-specific relief.

Half Pad Fit & Layering

When layering a half pad, check that the saddle still clears the wither and that the girth remains balanced. A half pad should not create pressure points or make the saddle tip. If you are building a full pad wardrobe, our dressage saddle pads hub is a useful complement for colour-matched schooling and competition sets. For broader riding equipment, see horse tack.

At a glance

• Half pads add cushioning, grip or subtle balance adjustment between saddle and main pad.
• Sheepskin and wool options suit riders wanting natural fibre comfort and breathability.
• Gel and memory foam options suit shock absorption and a closer contact feel.
• Correction and shim styles help when the saddle needs front, rear or lateral balance tweaks.