Half Pads

Over a dozen half pads published for the UK, led by Acavallo's gel range: the Therapeutic Gel Pad with sheepskin, and gel pads with front or back risers. Kentucky brings the Sheepskin Anatomic Half Pad Absorb, Winderen its own pads, and Butet and CWD complete the set. A half pad is the small adjustment that keeps a saddle sitting right between fitter visits, and every one of these ships from Ireland duties-paid.

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Which pad does which job?

Sheepskin, like Kentucky's Anatomic Absorb, is the soft, breathable option where you want cushioning without bulk. Acavallo's Therapeutic Gel pads spread pressure across the panel area, with or without a sheepskin face. The Front and Back Riser versions lift one end of the saddle when its balance has drifted. Winderen and Butet round out the choice. If you are unsure which suits the saddle you have, email info@equijumpltd.com with the problem you are trying to solve rather than the pad you think you need.

Between saddler visits

Horses change shape through the season, and a saddle checked in spring can sit differently by autumn. A half pad is the honest interim fix - it is not a substitute for the fitter, and we will never pretend otherwise, but it can keep horse and rider comfortable until the next appointment.

Delivery and the 30-day window

Half pads ship from Ireland by DHL Express, reaching mainland Britain in 1 to 2 working days, with UK VAT and any import duty collected at checkout and nothing to pay on delivery. If the pad is not right, return it within 30 days in original condition; refunds are issued within 5 working days of inspection.

Frequently Asked Questions

What half pad brands do you stock?

Acavallo and Kentucky Horsewear lead the half pad collection. Acavallo covers therapeutic gel pads (in sheepskin and soft gel versions), close-contact memory foam half pads, and gel risers (front, back and adjustment). Kentucky covers anatomic and sheepskin half pads with the Absorb and Impact Equalizer technologies. We also stock Butet half pads and the CWD Sport Color Comfort Pad.

When should I use a half pad?

Use a half pad when you want extra cushioning or pressure relief between saddle and back, or to fine-tune saddle balance. Common reasons: a sensitive-backed horse, long hours in the saddle, mild saddle balance issues (pad with riser corrects forward or back imbalance), or simply added comfort on a fit horse. A half pad is not a substitute for a saddle that doesn't fit properly - if you have a fit problem, get a saddle fitter, not a half pad.

What is the difference between sheepskin, foam and gel half pads?

Sheepskin gives natural cushioning and absorbs sweat well; warmer in summer than synthetic. Memory foam compresses to the horse's shape and rebounds slowly, giving consistent pressure distribution. Gel absorbs impact and disperses pressure but doesn't compress like foam, and is common in higher-impact disciplines. Acavallo and Kentucky each cover the main material types across their ranges.

Will a half pad correct saddle fit issues?

Only mild ones. A front riser pad lifts the front of the saddle slightly to correct a saddle that's tipping forward. A back riser corrects backward tipping. Acavallo's adjustment-shaped riser pads are specifically designed for this kind of fine-tune. For genuine fit problems (the saddle pinches, sits crooked, or doesn't clear the wither), get a saddle fitter - a half pad won't fix it.

How do I clean a sheepskin half pad?

Hand-wash or machine-wash on a wool/delicate cycle with a sheepskin-specific shampoo. Don't use regular detergent - it strips the natural lanolin from the wool. Avoid hot water and tumble drying. Air-dry flat away from direct heat. Brush the wool gently when dry to restore the lift. Clean infrequently - every few months in regular use - and brush daily to remove sweat and bedding.

Which half pad suits a dressage or jumping saddle?

For jumping, Kentucky's sheepskin anatomic pads and Acavallo's therapeutic gel pads are everyday defaults. For dressage, a thinner contact pad or memory-foam close-contact pad is usually preferred. For close-contact jumping, a slim gel pad keeps the profile minimal. Tell us your discipline and we'll shortlist.