How to Choose the Right Half Pad for Your Horse

"Which half pad should I get?" It's one of the questions we hear most often — and it's trickier than it looks. With gel, sheepskin, memory foam, ecowool, and shimmable options all on the market, choosing the right one depends entirely on what problem you're trying to solve for your horse.

A half pad sits between your saddle and your saddle pad. Its job is to improve saddle fit, absorb shock, redistribute pressure, or fill small gaps — depending on the type you choose. The key word there is small gaps. A half pad fine-tunes a saddle that already fits reasonably well. It is not a substitute for a saddle that doesn't fit at all. If your saddle rocks, bridges badly, or sits too far forward, see your saddler first.

That said, most working riders will benefit from a half pad at some point. Young horses change shape as they build topline. Older horses lose muscle and need extra support. Saddles that fit perfectly in January can feel different by June. A good half pad bridges those changes between fitter visits.

Here's how to work out which type is right for you.

What are the different types of half pad?

Half pads fall into five main categories, each designed around a different material and a different purpose. Understanding the differences saves you from buying the wrong one.

Gel half pads use a flexible gel layer — typically 2–3mm thick — that moulds to your horse's back and grips the saddle pad underneath. Acavallo pioneered this technology in Italy, and their hexagonal gel pattern is designed to distribute pressure evenly across the contact area. Gel pads are thin, non-slip, and add minimal bulk under the saddle. They're the go-to choice when saddle slip is the main issue.

Memory foam half pads respond to body heat, softening and contouring to your horse's individual back shape over time. This makes them particularly good for horses with asymmetric muscle development or areas of localised sensitivity. The foam gives more where there's more pressure and supports where there's less. Equestro's memory foam range combines this with a silicone grip layer for added stability.

Sheepskin half pads (natural or synthetic) offer excellent breathability and moisture-wicking. Real sheepskin draws sweat away from the horse's back while maintaining airflow — a real advantage in warmer weather or for horses that sweat heavily. They tend to be thicker than gel or foam pads, which makes them useful for filling out a slightly wide saddle, but that extra thickness needs watching if your saddle is already a snug fit.

Ecowool half pads are a newer alternative that combines wool-like cushioning with easier maintenance. Equestro's ecowool pads use a breathable construction with an anti-slip grip base — you get the softness and airflow of wool without the specialist washing that real sheepskin demands.

Shimmable half pads have built-in pockets (usually four to six) for removable inserts. You can add or remove shims to adjust the saddle's balance — extra padding at the front if the saddle tips back, or at the rear if it dips forward. Equestro's cotton pad with pockets and sheepskin combines shimmability with sheepskin comfort, making it a versatile option for horses whose shape is still changing.

Gel half pads vs sheepskin half pads — which is better?

Neither is universally "better." They solve different problems, and many riders end up owning one of each for different situations.

Choose gel if: your saddle slips sideways during lateral work or on a round-barrelled horse, you want minimal added bulk under the saddle, or shock absorption is your main priority. Acavallo's gel pads grip the saddle pad surface and stop lateral movement — something sheepskin simply can't match. They're also the thinnest option, so they won't change your saddle's fit significantly.

Choose sheepskin if: your horse sweats heavily, you need to fill out a slightly wide saddle, or breathability matters most. Sheepskin's natural moisture-wicking properties keep the horse's back drier and cooler than any synthetic alternative. The extra thickness is an advantage when a saddle needs a bit more padding — but check with your saddler if clearance is tight.

Choose memory foam if: your horse has an uneven back, asymmetric muscle development, or localised sensitivity. Memory foam conforms to the exact shape of the horse's back, distributing pressure more precisely than gel or sheepskin. It's the most "custom" option without going to a bespoke pad.

Feature	Gel	Memory Foam	Sheepskin	Ecowool
Best for	Saddle slip, shock absorption	Uneven backs, pressure relief	Breathability, gap-filling	Easy-care breathability
Anti-slip	Excellent	Moderate	Low	Moderate (with grip)
Pressure distribution	Very good	Excellent	Good	Good
Bulk under saddle	Low	Medium	Medium–high	Medium
Warm weather	Gel can warm slightly	Foam retains some heat	Excellent cooling	Good airflow
Maintenance	Wipe clean	Wipe clean	Specialist sheepskin wash	Easy care (check label)

What are shimmable half pads and when should you use one?

Shimmable half pads let you adjust saddle balance by adding or removing foam inserts from built-in pockets. Most have four to six pockets positioned at the front, middle, and rear of the pad.

They're particularly useful in three situations. First, young horses whose body shape is changing rapidly as they develop muscle and topline — shims let you adjust the fit between saddle-fitter appointments. Second, horses in rehabilitation or coming back into work, where muscle mass fluctuates week to week. Third, riders who use one saddle across multiple horses with slightly different backs.

A word of caution: shimmable pads are a fine-tuning tool, not a permanent fix. If you find yourself using all the shims at maximum thickness, that's your saddle telling you it needs professional attention. Used properly, though, shims buy you valuable flexibility between fitter visits.

What half pads does Kingdom Equestrian stock?

We stock over 100 half pads across two specialist brands — Acavallo and Equestro — which gives you access to every technology type in one place.

Acavallo is the brand that invented the gel half pad. Based in Italy, they hold the patent on their three-dimensional gel technology. Their range covers everything from entry-level gel pads like the Lightweight Classic through to specialist options like the SP Withers Free Hexagonal Gel Half Pad — designed specifically for horses with prominent withers. The Gel Non-Slip Classic is their best-known model and a good starting point if you're new to gel pads.

Equestro covers the natural and foam end of the market. Their Memory Foam Pad with Silicone Grip is a solid choice for pressure-sensitive horses, while the Cotton and Sheepskin Pad offers that classic sheepskin breathability. For riders who want shimmability, the Cotton Pad with Pockets and Sheepskin combines adjustable inserts with natural cushioning.

How do you choose the right half pad for your horse?

Start with the problem you're trying to solve. Everything else follows from that.

Is your saddle slipping sideways? Go straight to a gel half pad. Acavallo's non-slip gel grips the saddle pad and stops lateral movement. No other material does this as well.

Does your horse have a sensitive or uneven back? A memory foam half pad contours to the horse's shape and distributes pressure away from sensitive areas. Memory foam responds to body heat, so it moulds more precisely over the first few minutes of each ride.

Does your horse have prominent withers? Look at the Acavallo Withers Free range. These have a raised, contoured wither area that eliminates downward pressure while providing full cushioning across the rest of the back. Wither relief matters more than your choice of gel vs foam — pick Withers Free first, then choose your preferred material.

Does your horse sweat heavily or do you ride in warm weather? Sheepskin is your friend. The Equestro Cotton and Sheepskin Pad wicks moisture away from the horse's back and maintains airflow better than any synthetic option.

Is your horse's shape changing? A shimmable pad gives you the flexibility to adjust as your horse builds or loses muscle. The Equestro Cotton Pad with Pockets and Sheepskin lets you add or remove inserts between fitter visits.

Want minimal bulk? The Acavallo Piuma Respira EVA Half Pad is the thinnest option in the range — EVA foam that adds cushioning without significantly changing your saddle's fit.

Can a half pad fix saddle fit problems?

Only small ones. A half pad can fine-tune a saddle that's slightly wide, slightly narrow, or needs a touch more shock absorption. It can bridge seasonal changes in your horse's body shape. It can smooth out minor pressure points while you wait for your next fitter appointment.

What it cannot do is fix a saddle that fundamentally doesn't fit. If the tree is the wrong shape, the gullet is way too narrow, or the saddle rocks on the horse's back, no amount of padding will compensate for that. In fact, adding a thick pad to an already tight saddle can make things worse — it increases bulk in the gullet area and reduces wither clearance.

The rule of thumb: if your saddler says your saddle fits well but could benefit from a bit of extra support, a half pad is a good investment. If they say the saddle needs reflocking, re-fitting, or replacing, buy the fitting first and the half pad second.

Shop the Range

Browse our full Half Pad collection to see everything in one place. Or go straight to the brand that suits your needs: Acavallo Half Pads for gel technology, or Equestro for sheepskin, ecowool, and memory foam.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How thick should a half pad be?

It depends on your saddle's clearance. Gel pads are typically 2–3mm thick and add minimal bulk. Sheepskin and memory foam pads are thicker — usually 10–20mm compressed. Always check that your saddle still has adequate wither clearance and doesn't feel tighter on the horse's back after adding the pad. If in doubt, ask your saddler.

Q: Can I use a half pad with any saddle?

Most half pads work with any saddle type, but make sure you match the pad shape to your saddle. Dressage half pads have a straighter cut that fits under dressage saddle panels. Jump half pads have a forward-cut shape that matches jump saddle flaps. Using the wrong shape can cause the pad to bunch or shift.

Q: How often should I clean my half pad?

Wipe gel and memory foam pads with a damp cloth after every ride to remove sweat and dirt. Give them a deeper clean with mild soap every two to four weeks. Sheepskin pads need specialist sheepskin wash — never use standard detergent, as it strips the natural lanolin that keeps the fleece soft. Air dry all pads away from direct heat.

Q: Will adding a half pad change my stirrup length?

A thick half pad raises the saddle slightly on the horse's back, which can make your stirrups feel a hole shorter. This is most noticeable with sheepskin pads. Thinner gel pads rarely cause a noticeable change. If you do feel higher in the saddle, try dropping your stirrups one hole.

Q: What's the difference between a half pad and a numnah?

A numnah (or saddle pad/saddlecloth) sits directly against the horse's back and covers the full saddle area. A half pad sits on top of the numnah, directly under the saddle panels. You use both together — the numnah for general protection and sweat absorption, the half pad for additional cushioning, pressure distribution, or anti-slip properties.

Q: Are half pads suitable for competition use?

Yes. Most half pads, including Acavallo's gel range, are accepted in all disciplines. They sit discreetly under the saddle and don't affect the external appearance of your tack. Check your specific governing body's current rules if you're unsure — regulations vary by federation and can change from season to season.

Q: How long does a quality half pad last?

A well-made gel half pad like Acavallo's range typically lasts three to five years with regular use and proper care. Gel doesn't degrade with use, so the pad retains its shock-absorbing properties throughout its life. Memory foam may gradually lose some responsiveness over several years. Sheepskin fleece will flatten with heavy use but can be restored with proper washing and conditioning.

Q: Do I need a half pad if my saddle fits perfectly?

Not necessarily. If your saddle fits well and your horse shows no signs of back sensitivity, uneven sweat patterns, or pressure marks, a good saddlecloth on its own is fine. Many riders add a half pad for extra shock absorption during intensive schooling or jumping, but it's a comfort choice rather than a necessity in this case.