Gel Half Pads: When Extra Grip and Shock Absorption Help (and When They Don’t)

Gel Half Pads: When Extra Grip and Shock Absorption Help (and When They Don’t) main image Gel Half Pads: When Extra Grip and Shock Absorption Help (and When They Don’t) image
Wondering if gel half pads are worth it? This guide explains when gel pads add grip, shock absorption, and comfort, and when they can actually cause problems. Learn how to choose the right gel half pad for your horse in Australian riding conditions.

Gel Half Pads: Do They Really Improve Saddle Fit, Grip and Comfort?

Updated September 2025

A practical guide for Australian riders on when gel half pads genuinely improve saddle fit, grip, and shock absorption - and when they can actually cause more harm than good.

Few pieces of tack divide riders like the gel half pad. Some riders won’t school or jump without one, praising the extra cushioning and stability. Others find them unnecessary or even bulky. The truth is somewhere in between. Gel pads are not a cure-all, but when chosen and used correctly, they can make a real difference to horse and rider comfort. This guide explains when gel pads genuinely help and when you’re better off with a simpler option.

Why Gel Works Differently to Other Materials

Unlike wool or memory foam, gel is elastic. It compresses under pressure, spreads weight evenly, and rebounds to shape. This makes it especially effective at:

  • Absorbing impact: ideal for showjumping, fast transitions, and long trail rides on uneven ground.
  • Reducing saddle slip: the tacky texture stabilises saddles that tend to shift on round-backed or big-moving horses.
  • Protecting sensitive backs: horses with thin skin or muscle soreness often soften more quickly with the extra cushioning.

Modern ventilated gel pads are also a leap forward from the older solid versions. Hundreds of perforations allow airflow, making them far more suitable for hot Australian summers.

When a Gel Pad Makes Sense

You’ll likely see the benefits if:

  • Your saddle moves slightly despite being fitted correctly.
  • You ride high-impact disciplines like jumping grids, eventing, or gallops.
  • Your horse has a sensitive back and relaxes faster with extra cushioning.
  • You want shock absorption without the bulk of thick fleece or foam.

In these cases, riders often notice shorter warm-up times, freer movement through the back, and greater comfort for both horse and rider during long or demanding sessions.

When Gel Might Not Help

A gel pad will not fix an ill-fitting saddle. If the saddle is too narrow, too wide, or rocks on the back, gel may even make pressure points worse. Some horses also dislike the feel. Watch for signs like tail swishing, resistance, or stiffness. And while ventilated designs are far cooler than older pads, horses prone to overheating may prefer natural fibres such as sheepskin on very hot days.

Choosing Between Plain Gel and Gel + Wool

Delzani stocks two performance models designed for Australian riders:

Set-Up Tips for Safety and Comfort

Always place the gel pad between the saddle and the numnah, never directly on the horse’s coat, where it can pull hairs. Centre it carefully with full clearance along the spine. After riding, check sweat marks for evenness and ensure no pinching occurs at the withers or loins. Rinse the pad regularly to prevent grit build-up. Gel washes easily with mild soap and dries quickly in the shade.

Bottom Line

Gel half pads aren’t a replacement for saddle fitting, but they are an excellent fine-tuning tool. For jumping, high-impact work, or horses with sensitive backs, they can mean the difference between tension and freedom of movement. Used correctly, they give both horse and rider a smoother, more secure ride.

Explore the full Delzani half pad collection to find the right set-up for your horse. Built for Australian conditions, trusted by riders who want comfort without compromise.

Written by Jane Griffiths - An experienced Australian horse owner and product developer with over three decades immersed in equestrian life. Jane has spent years refining horse rugs, tack, and riding apparel to better suit Australian climates. She has enjoyed countless weekends at gymkhanas, show jumping events, and pony club competitions with her daughter, and still loves hitting the trails with friends whenever she can. Her lifelong passion for horses and hands-on understanding of equine comfort continue to shape her practical, rider-first approach to horse care and product design.

 



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