How to Choose a Half Pad How to Choose a Half PadA half pad is a contoured saddle pad without flaps that sits under the panels of a saddle. Most are used over a regular saddle pad or baby pad, but some can be used directly on a horse's back underneath a regular pad. A half pad is usually used to solve a problem, such as saddle fitting or slipping issues or reducing equine back pain through shock absorption.
They come in a variety of materials and styles:
- Genuine sheepskin: offers a classic look with the option of trim in front/back. Dense sheepskin fibers mold comfortably to a horse's back to distribute pressure and are naturally breathable, shock absorbing and moisture-wicking.
- Synthetic fleece: a less expensive alternative to genuine sheepskin. Synthetic fibers help distribute pressure, allow air circulation and absorb shock.
- Foam or gel: a high-tech option. These pads absorb the impact of rider activity and help to distribute weight evenly along a horse's back to relieve pressure points. Grippy foam or gel materials can help prevent saddle slippage.
- Correction: designed to help with saddle fit. Pockets in front and back hold shims you can use to adjust the way a saddle sits on a horse.
- Specialty half pads include those that have a hole to ensure wither relief or a thicker area to lift the front or back of a saddle.
Some half pads are cut specifically to fit jumping, all-purpose or dressage saddles; be sure to match the type of half pad to your saddle type. Additionally, sizes correspond to saddle seat size.
Note: if your saddle fits well, use caution in adding bulk with a half pad as it may cause the saddle to fit poorly.
Saddle Pad Sizing Shaped Saddle Pad SizingCurved to mimic the shape of a saddle, shaped fleece pads are available for jumping, all-purpose and dressage saddles. They can be made of genuine sheepskin or synthetic fleece.Size is usually determined by matching the pad to both the type of saddle and the seat size. (To measure the seat size, run a tape measure from one of the screw heads on the side of the pommel to the middle of the cantle.) You can also take the measurement of the saddle pad's spine and drop an apply those to your saddle. You want an even border of about two inches of saddle pad showing around the edge of your saddle. To achieve the perfect look for your particular saddle, you may want to try pads from different manufacturers.
All-Purpose "Square" Saddle Pad Sizing Offered in sizes for horses and ponies, these all-purpose pads are suited to saddles designed for jumping. Take the spine measurement in consideration of the length of your saddle's panels front to back and the drop measurement in consideration of the length of your saddle's flaps. A pad should cover your horse's back under the saddle with a bit of pad visible in front of the pommel and behind the cantle. The amount of pad you see is up to your personal preference and the needs of your horse.
Note: Â Using a Short Girth with a Monoflap Event Saddle
If you use a short girth with a Monoflap Event saddle, be sure you have at least three to four fingers' width between the top of the girth and the bottom of the saddle pad and saddle flap on both sides. If the girth comes to close to the edge of the saddle pad or flap, your horse's skin can be pinched.
Dressage Saddle Pad SizingDressage pads are cut to fit the long, straight flaps of dressage saddles and are often contoured along the withers and topline. Take the spine measurement in consideration of the length of your saddle's panels front to back and the drop measurement in consideration of the length of your saddle's flaps. A pad should cover your horse's back under the saddle with a bit of pad visible in front of the pommel and behind the cantle. The amount of pad you see is up to your personal preference and the needs of your horse.
Note: Â Using a Short Girth with a Dressage Saddle
If you use a short girth with your dressage saddle, be sure you have at least three to four fingers' width between the top of the girth and the bottom of the saddle pad and saddle flap on both sides. If the girth comes to close to the edge of the saddle pad or flap, your horse's skin can be pinched.
Our Guarantee 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
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Shop with 100% confidence at Dover Saddlery. If something doesn’t fit you or your horse, return your original purchase within a year, and we’ll make it right with a refund, exchange or replacement.
Our experience as riders and horse owners ourselves is that in most situations a year’s time is fair enough to evaluate proper fit and function. PLUS: For manufacturer’s defects, we’ll extend the manufacturer’s warranty to a maximum of 24 months, regardless of their individual policies. (AND: Manufacturer warranties longer than 24 months will be honored and supported by us as well up to the length of those warranties).
Exceptions: Safety items such as helmets and protective vests may only be returned within 30 days, with their original tags intact. Saddles and riding boots may be returned within the one year period, but are subject to a prorated refund based on usage. Used saddles may be returned for 30 days only. For everyone’s protection, treats and vet meds which have been opened are not returnable, and returned blankets must clean and free of debris. Underwear is not returnable or exchangeable.
Special Conditions
To protect all customers and ensure that every return or exchange is handled fairly, we may require a receipt or decline a return in these situations:
• Item was not purchased directly from Dover Saddlery. (It was purchased at a used tack sale or from a retailer or online seller other than Dover Saddlery.)
• Item is missing a label or has been defaced.
• No receipt and no valid identification in our stores.
• Item is wet, dirty or contaminated, or until it has been cleaned. (For health and safety reasons, we cannot accept returns on used, defective or poorly fitting blankets if they are UNWASHED.)
• Item has been lost, stolen, damaged, or misused.
• On rare occasions, based on the nature of prior transactions.
• Supplements have been opened or used.
• Multiple returns of the same item.
• Personalized items may not be returned unless defective.
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Our Secure Order Guarantee means that you will never have to pay any money related to unauthorized charges to your credit card account, as long as those charges are a direct result from a transaction on Doversaddlery.com.
How it works: If you experience credit card fraud, the Fair Credit Act specifies that your credit card company can hold you liable for no more than $50.00 in fraudulent charges to your account. Our Secure Order Guarantee will reimburse you for any amount up to $50.00 billed to you by your credit card company for unauthorized charges to your account, if those charges result from an order you placed with Doversaddlery.com. For this protection you must promptly notify your credit card company of fraudulent charges and follow their procedures as outlined in your credit card agreement.
