About Half Pads
Half pads sit between your saddle and your regular saddle pad to provide an extra layer of cushioning, shock absorption and saddle fit refinement. At iRide EQ we stock a curated range of half pads for Australian riders, including natural sheepskin fleece pads, gel half pads and memory foam designs. These pads are invaluable for horses with sensitive backs, changing condition, or when a saddle needs slight adjustment in fit without a full reflock.
Our half pad collection includes options from leading equestrian brands known for quality and performance. Whether you need a sheepskin half pad for traditional cushioning and moisture management, a gel pad for maximum shock absorption without bulk, or a contoured design with wither relief, we have you covered. All half pads ship from our Australian warehouse with fast, tracked delivery so you can protect your horse's back without delay.
Quick Facts
Best ForRiders protecting sensitive backs or fine-tuning saddle fit
DisciplinesAll Disciplines — Dressage, Jumping, Eventing, General Purpose
Top BrandsFleeceworks, Majyk Equipe, For Horses
Ships FromAustralia — fast local delivery
Targeted Shock AbsorptionHalf pads provide concentrated cushioning directly under the saddle where pressure is greatest. Gel and memory foam options absorb concussion, while sheepskin distributes weight evenly — all reducing the risk of back soreness in your horse.
Saddle Fit RefinementA half pad can help fine-tune saddle fit by filling small gaps, adjusting balance or providing extra clearance for high withers. This makes them a practical solution when your horse changes condition or you're between saddle fittings.
Natural Sheepskin BenefitsOur sheepskin half pads offer natural moisture wicking, temperature regulation and friction reduction. Real fleece conforms to your horse's back over time, creating a customised cushion that's hard to beat for comfort and back health.
Fast Australian DeliveryAll half pads are stocked in our Australian warehouse and ship quickly with full tracking. Protect your horse's back sooner rather than waiting weeks for international shipping.
What does a half pad do?
A half pad sits on top of your regular saddle pad (or directly under the saddle) to provide extra cushioning, shock absorption and saddle fit adjustment. It helps distribute pressure more evenly across the horse's back and can fill small gaps between the saddle panels and the horse's body.
Should I use a half pad every day?
Half pads can be used daily, especially for horses with sensitive backs or when a saddle needs slight fit adjustment. However, they should complement a well-fitting saddle, not mask a poor fit. If you're relying on a half pad to make an ill-fitting saddle usable, consider a professional saddle fitting.
What's the difference between sheepskin, gel and memory foam half pads?
Sheepskin provides natural cushioning, moisture wicking and temperature regulation. Gel offers maximum shock absorption in a thin profile. Memory foam moulds to your horse's back shape for a customised fit. Each material suits different needs — our team can help you choose.
Can a half pad fix a badly fitting saddle?
A half pad can help with minor fit issues like small gaps or slight bridging, but it cannot fix a fundamentally poor saddle fit. If your saddle is the wrong tree width or panel shape, a half pad may mask discomfort rather than resolve it. We recommend professional saddle fitting alongside any half pad use.
Do you stock half pads with wither clearance?
Yes, many of our half pads feature a contoured design with a wither cut-out or raised spine channel. This provides clearance for the wither and spine, preventing direct pressure on sensitive areas, which is especially important for high-withered horses.
How fast is half pad delivery in Australia?
In-stock half pads ship within 1–2 business days from our Australian warehouse. Metro delivery typically takes 2–4 days and regional areas 3–7 days, with tracking provided on dispatch.
