Half Pads

More than a dozen half pads for US delivery, led by Acavallo, including the Therapeutic Gel Pad with sheepskin and gel pads with front or back risers. Kentucky's Sheepskin Anatomic Half Pad Absorb leads the Kentucky entries, with Winderen, CWD and Butet saddle pads completing the page. A half pad is the adjustment layer between saddle and back, and the right one depends on what your saddle fitter found. Duty is prepaid at checkout.
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Sheepskin, gel or memory foam

Sheepskin breathes and distributes pressure, which is why the Kentucky Absorb and Acavallo's sheepskin-and-gel hybrid suit horses in steady work. Straight gel pads, like Acavallo's, add shock absorption in a thinner package. Winderen's half pads take the technical route.

Risers fix a specific problem

Acavallo's gel pads with front or back risers exist for a saddle that sits low at one end, a common finding after a horse changes shape over a season. A front riser lifts the pommel; a back riser levels a saddle that tips behind. Risers are a bridge until your fitter can adjust the flocking or the tree, not a permanent fix, and a good US saddle fitter will tell you the same.

Shipping, duties and returns for US orders

Orders ship from Ireland by DHL Express, typically landing in 3 to 5 business days; the shipping page shows what each weight band costs. US import duty and state sales tax where applicable are taken at checkout; DHL collects nothing at the door. Returns run 30 days from delivery in original condition. On a change of mind you pay the return shipping, and duty already paid to US Customs is not refunded.

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.