Half Pads
(203)A half pad for horses is an indispensable item for horses that have anatomical peculiarities or tend to have problems with their backs. Every horse's back... LEARN MORE
Frequently asked questions about Half Pads
The health of horses is a complex issue that involves a large number of factors. If you want to make sure that your horse remains healthy and strong in the long term, you should pay attention to basic details such as good half pads. Statistically, back problems are one of the main causes of health problems among horses. Cramps and tension in the back muscles lead to further health problems. In the long run, this can even cause muscle damage. By using a correction pad, it is often possible to prevent this from happening. A gel pad which is higher at the back, for example, helps to compensate for a saddle that does not fit ideally. As a result, the animal does not have to assume a relieving posture to counteract unpleasant pressure. Even the smallest adjustment errors can be compensated by a suitable horse gel pad.
For the sake of the horse's health, it is generally advisable to take precautions that protect the animal from potential risks such as injuries. In disciplines where the horse is exposed to high loads, its back should be relieved as much as possible. Especially show jumping or long trail rides are good examples of this. Disciplines that can be classified as artistic riding should also be accompanied by a relieving half pad. Frequent mounting and dismounting as well as sudden movements on different parts of the horse's back can literally be a test of endurance. Another factor that should not be underestimated is the strain caused by a rider who has just discovered equestrian sport. A beginning rider first has to get used to the animal and its movements. Experience shows that it takes a certain amount of time until the rider gets a feel for the animal and can move it gently.
Not all half pads are the same. There is a large variety of differently shaped half pads, which are also made of different materials. There is a growing trend towards anatomically shaped half pads for horses, because they are particularly gentle on the horse's back and adapt ideally. Whether a lambskin pad or a gel pad is the right one for your horse depends on the respective purpose. Every equestrian discipline has its own demands on the horse. This also involves specific movement sequences and loads on the back and the entire musculoskeletal system. Therefore, we cover all disciplines and offer the right half pad for every occasion. The horse's health has the highest priority, which is why we only offer products of the highest quality. The aim of every product is to minimise impacts on the horse's sensitive back and to prevent potential pressure points.
There are many different types of half pads. Depending on the model, there is a different focus. A lambskin pad is considered breathable and comfortable. A gel pad for horses, on the other hand, stands out for its anti-slip qualities, as an anti-slip surface on both sides prevents slipping on the back and the saddle. In addition, there are increasingly more models that rely on a so-called memory foam, which is a special foam inlay. The advantage of this is that the half pad moulds to the horse's body and then retains its original shape. Other half pads impress with their special shock-absorbing abilities. Depending on the type, several functions can be combined in one half pad for horses.
To avoid pressure points, the half pad must be placed between the saddle and the saddle pad. This will reduce the pressure on the back muscles due to the even distribution. A half pad for horses is therefore the optimal complement to a saddle pad. The exact positioning of the lambskin pad, correction pad, gel pad or lunging pad depends on the specific purpose.
Half pads: the base for the saddle
Half pads are excellent for horses whose saddles do not currently fit due to physical changes. They are usually not a permanent solution and are only suitable for the transition period. It is absolutely necessary that you ride your horse with a fitting saddle, but the half pad serves as a temporary solution.
There are many different types of half pads, but we advise you to buy one that is exactly tailored to your requirements. Only in this way can the animal benefit from the pad. It is essential that the horse retains maximum freedom of movement. Any restrictions caused by a half pad harm the animal rather than to relieve it.
In our product range we carry the following variants:
- Lambskin half pad: a lambskin half pad is sustainable and durable, heat regulating and breathable at the same time. It is the optimal choice for horses with sensitive backs. The lambskin half pad avoids pressure points, is shock absorbing and promotes blood circulation and relaxation of the horse.
- Faux fur half pad: a lambskin half pad made of fake or faux fur is the more animal-friendly variant, which is also easier to care for. To ensure good air circulation, various models also feature an air-conditioning spacer fabric.
- Half pad for horses made of functional materials: this half pad is designed to absorb shocks and minimise pressure. The materials are breathable and quick drying.
- Correction half pad: the purpose of a correction half pad is to compensate for a saddle that does not fit optimally, and at the same time to relieve highly stressed areas. To make the saddle and rider feel as comfortable as possible for the horse, the evenly shaped gel pad matches the structure of the saddle and adapts to its shape. This way, unevenness is easily compensated for and adjusted by the gel insert.
Half pads – various brands in our range
We carefully select our partners. In our wide range of products, we only include manufacturers of premium equestrian equipment whose products are of convincing quality. As for the product segment of half pads, we currently carry the following brands:
- Animo
- BR
- Christ
- Equiline
- Eskadron
- Invictus
- Kentucky Horsewear
- Passier
- QHP
- Stübbem
- Waldhausen
If you have any questions or concerns about the products, please contact our customer service. We are here to advise and assist you.