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Discover the 
Winderen Half Pad

Say goodbye to pain, muscle tension, and pressure points
for both horse and rider with this innovative half pad

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Why Choose the Winderen Half Pad?

Pressure Relief

The pressure on your horse’s back in movement is significantly relieved, helping your horse move freely

Back Support

Designed to make you feel supported in the saddle while protecting both your and your horse’s back

Better Saddle Fit

The significant spot pressure reduction and the even load distribution on the horse's back improve your saddle fit

Supportive Design

Ergonomically engineered for optimal spinal alignment

Pressure Relief

Reduces neck and shoulder discomfort

Breathable Materials

Ensures cool, comfortable sleep
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PROVEN BY RESEARCH

LOVED BY TOP RIDERS

What Riders Say

Here's why this pad is rated a perfect 5 stars from amateurs and top professionals alike

JULIA KRAJEWSKI, Double Gold Medallist in Eventing at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics

"I have been using the Winderen Half Pads for a couple of years now and can only recommend them! They come in different thicknesses and shapes and are individually adjustable if needed. Especially with young horses who are changing shape constantly or the older horses varying slightly during the season this can be very helpful. Of course a fitting saddle is a must, but I feel that with the Winderen Half Pads I can give each horse extra comfort and have more flexibility. Apart from that they are stylish, breathable, long lasting and easy to take care of!"

"This is the first half pad that has actually made a difference for my horse! Thanks for the awesome service at Piaffe Dressage Lifestyle :)"

Dana from Canada

"I am obsessed with this pad — I’ve never had such a perfect thickness with such impressive material. With a custom made saddle for my wide shouldered gelding, this pad adds shock absorbency without negatively affecting the integrity of the custom cut by being too thick or bulky in the wrong places. Love it!"

Laura from the USA

"No matter what saddle you have, just toss all those other half pads. this is the only one you need. Worth every penny."

Anne Chauvet, DVM, DACVIM from the USA

Some reviews collected by Piaffe, others from Winderen directly.

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RESEARCH PROVEN

The Winderen half pad has proven in independent, peer-reviewed research as a top performer for reducing pressure underneath the saddle and protecting the horse's back without negatively impacting saddle fit.

The effects of different saddle pads on the pressure exerted on the equine back by correctly fitting dressage saddles

Dittmann et. al.,  2022. Pferdeheilkunde, 38(2):100-108.

Read the Study

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Which Version Should You Choose?

Comfort - Most Versatile

Inserts thickness: 18 mm / 0.7”

Use the Comfort thickness when:

  • I use the same saddle on several different horses.
  • My saddle was custom made for my horse, and the saddle fitter included a half pad
  • I use sheepskin / memory foam / thick gel pads
  • My saddle was made to measure, but my horse is returning to work after an injury and now has less back muscle tone. I would like to help him get back in shape faster
  • My horse is young /at the beginning of training, I know that he is still developing, that's why I decided to buy a wider saddle
  • My horse has weak back muscles, I need to develop and strengthen them as effectively as possible

Slim - For Custom Saddles

Inserts thickness: 10 mm / 0.4”

Use the Slim thickness when:

  • My saddle was recently fitted by a specialist and I do not want to make too many changes
  • My saddle is made-to-measure – it is checked and fitted on a regular basis
  • My saddle fits perfectly
  • I use only a saddle pad or a saddle pad with a thin gel

Super Slim - Ultra Close Contact

Inserts thickness: 6 mm / 0.2”

Use the Super Slim thickness when:

  • Your saddle is regularly checked and adjusted by saddle fitters
  • Your saddle is in perfect balance
  • Your horse has very well-developed back muscles and you want to provide it with additional support during training

Correction - Shimmable Cover

Available in all three thickness options

Includes felt correction inserts (three pockets per side) in three different thicknesses.

 

Choose the Correction pad when:

  • I feel that my saddle "falls” forwards or backwards and needs balance adjustment.
  • I have a horse returning to work after injury and the saddle is now too wide to accommodate his current condition.
  • I have a horse for which I always needed pads with front / back correction.
  • I have a horse that needs more padding at the centre of the saddle panels so that they make contact with the whole surface, and not just with the front and back (characteristic dry spots in the middle of the panels).
  • I have several horses for which I use the same saddle.
  • I have many young horses / horses in training and I need to "quickly" adjust the saddle so that it is in balance and that the horses entrusted to me can work under the saddle without discomfort.

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Standard Half Pads

Choose your Winderen half pad version, then select the cut (jump or dressage), size, and cover colour!

Correction Pad

For when you need flexibility + adjustability! 

Select your cut, then select your colour, thickness, and size.

FAQs

How will this half pad help a rider with back discomfort?

We receive a lot of positive feedback from riders with different back issues and discomfort; the shock absorbing layers of the pad work to not only protect the horse's back, but yours as well! By absorbing excess energy returned from the horse's movement, the pad dampens forces transferred to the rider. We've even had riders comment on how the Winderen half pad has helped them sit a challenging trot!

I have a 17.5" saddle - which half pad size is right for me?

Each saddle manufacturer treats half sizes differently, so they may vary. Usually, for a 17.5 inch saddle, we recommend going with a 17 inch saddle half pad for a closer fit around the saddle. From our experience, this is the size that most of our customers are happy with. However, please remember that the most important factor in the proper function of a Winderen saddle half pad is that the pad accommodates the saddle panels completely. Please measure your saddle panels to determine which size will suit your saddle better to ensure that the pad fits and works correctly. The size chart for our saddle half pads is included above.

Do the Slim versions have less shock absorption capabilities?

In the Slim saddle half pad, the layer responsible for correcting saddle fit imperfections has been minimized. In the remaining two layers, we used high-density foams to ensure full shock absorption and dispersion of pressure points, just like in the Comfort version.

 

All this is packed into just 10 mm of foam, allowing the Slim saddle half pad to function correctly even under tightly fitted saddles. In the Super Slim saddle half pad, which is dedicated to perfectly fitting saddles, the base is the construction of the Slim pad, but we have completely removed the layer responsible for correcting fit imperfections.

Which type should I choose if I have both a dressage and a jumping saddle?

Most riders who use both jumping and dressage saddles with one saddle half pad usually choose the dressage version, as it is more vertical in the front, so it is concealed better under both saddles. Their choices are made based on which saddle they use more often and on aesthetic preferences. When deciding, remember that the most important factor in the proper function of a Winderen saddle half pad is that the pad accommodates the saddle panels completely.

My horse has Kissing Spine - will the Winderen Half Pad help?

This syndrome was one of the factors that inspired Winderen to design this half pad!. The pad works in such a way that, when the horse is ridden correctly, it supports the development of the muscles around the spine whilst protecting the back from impacts.

 

Of course, in addition to the right equipment, we always recommend you work with your veterinarian and equine physio on a treatment and rehab plan that is best suited for your horse.

What is the expected useable lifetime of this half pad?

The saddle half pads have been tested by professional riders who ride up to 8+ horses each day. 6 years on, the saddle half pads have retained their properties. It is a new technology and we estimate that the saddle half pad, used with one horse every day, will retain its properties for about 5-7 years.

How do I clean the half pad?

Clean the saddle half pad cover with a damp sponge when necessary, or wash (after removing the inside layers) at 30 ˚C.

Can I order additional covers, even custom ones?

Yes! You can order additional non-correction covers by clicking here. Customizable covers, including ones for the Correction pad, are available on request. Email us at hello@piaffeshoppe.com to order!