15/10/2021
Interesting reading. What do you use?? Will this article change your mind?? 🤔🐴💕
**CENTAUR BIOMECHANICS BLOG SERIES**
DO YOU NEED TO USE A HALF PAD IF YOUR SADDLE IS CORRECTLY FITTED…??
A half pad is a layer of material which is positioned usually, although not exclusively, between the saddle and numnah. It is often thought that; 1) if the saddle is correctly fitted, then riders should not need to use a half pad and 2) using a half pad beneath a “correctly fitted” saddle will alter the saddle fit and cause it to become narrow (similar to wearing a thick pair of socks then making your shoes tight). However, with the advent of new materials it is possible that a thin layer between the saddle and numnah may be of benefit to the horse. Previously, we have demonstrated in advanced dressage horses, that when trotting and cantering in a straight-line, over-ground, and when using a wool or closed cell foam half pad beneath the saddle; 1) did not increase saddle pressures or cause the saddle to become narrow and 2) in the caudal regions (T13-T18) there was a reduction in saddle pressures, both of which are maybe advantageous when considering back health and comfort (1).
It is important to note that not all half pads perform the same. Half pads come in different shapes, designs and materials. In the aforementioned study, the reduction in pressures were only found when using a wool or closed cell foam half pad. In contrast, when using a gel half pad, both peak and mean (kPa) pressures in the cranial region of the saddle were increased (1), similar findings were reported in horses trotting on a treadmill, in that study only reindeer fur reduced saddle pressures (2). There are various reasons why this might be, the design of the half pad is a contributing factor, both the wool and closed cell foam pads had a central spine, which meant that during locomotion the half pads remained in place whereas the gel half pad was just one unit which meant that during locomotion, the half pad displaced down which may have increased the pressures in that region. A second factor is the materials response to load, when the closed cell foam is loaded it deforms and reforms rapidly whereas when the gel half pad is loaded, it deforms and reforms at a much slower rate and can “bottom out”. Therefore, the half pad’s ability and rate of deformation and reformation are essential considerations especially if using a half pad to reduce/dampen forces.
Interestingly, the wool half pad performed well across all gaits however, it should be noted that a new wool half pad was used in the study. It is speculated that if we had used an aged wool half pad >6 months, where the fibres had lost their crimp (shock absorbing capabilities), then the wool half pads performance may have been compromised. If you are using a wool half pad, it is essential that it is maintained and regularly cleaned and replaced to ensure that it performs optimally when in use. In contrast, the closed cell foam half pads remain in form throughout, and does not deteriorate over time which may make them a more viable option.
From our study (1), it is interesting to note that the decrease in saddle pressures occurred in the caudal region of the saddle (T13-T18). Saddle pressures in this region are largely influenced by the propulsive forces generated by the hindlimbs, but also the rider. It seems that the dynamic forces created by the rider maybe dampened in some way when using a wool or closed cell foam half pad.
Although we present data here that using a wool or closed cell foam half pad beneath a correctly fitted saddle does not alter saddle fit or cause an increase in saddle pressures, and its use can help reduce pressures especially in the caudal region, it is ESSENTIAL that the use of a half pad is discussed with a qualified saddle fitter. In the current study, the saddles were not fitted to accommodate the increased thickness of the half pad, however due to saddle type, there was sufficient room in the gullet to accommodate the half pad. It is ESSENTIAL that the saddle design is to considered as this (narrow gullet / channel between the saddle panels) will of course have an effect as well as 1/2 pad design, otherwise despite the benefits being reported here, there could be a risk of increased pressures in the cranial region which from previous studies will have a significant effect on the locomotor apparatus of the horse.
In summary, using a thin layer beneath a correctly fitted saddle maybe advantageous in respect of back health and comfort. It is essential that riders consider the materials, design and shape of the half pad. It is also essential, that riders discuss any half pad options with a qualified saddle fitter.
Please like / follow our page for more blogs and please share to raise awareness 😃 http://www.centaurbiomechanics.co.uk/blog/
Dr. Russell MacKechnie-Guire
Centaur Biomechanics
www.centaurbiomechanics.co.uk
1. MacKechnie-Guire R, Fisher M, Pfau T. Effect of a Half Pad on Pressure Distribution in Sitting Trot and Canter Beneath a Saddle Fitted to Industry Guidelines. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science. 2020.
2. Kotschwar AB, Baltacis A, Peham C. The effects of different saddle pads on forces and pressure distribution beneath a fitting saddle. Equine Vet J. 2010;42(2):114-8.
