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Half-pad use may benefit horses under well-fitted saddles *H&H Plus*

Eleanor Jones Eleanor Jones

    • A team of researchers investigated the effect wool, foam and gel half-pads had on horses’ movement, and the pressure created under the saddle, and the results were not entirely as they had expected. H&H speaks to the experts behind the study

    USING some types of half-pad under a correctly fitted saddle may have benefits for the horse, a study has found – but use should be discussed with a qualified fitter.

    Russell MacKechnie-Guire, Mark Fisher and Thilo Pfau looked at pads made of gel, wool and medical-grade, closed-cell foam, under saddles fitted to industry guidelines.

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    Eleanor Jones
    Eleanor Jones

    H&H news editor
    Eleanor is an experienced journalist who spent over eight years working for local and national newspapers before joining H&H as news editor in March 2016. Passionate about equine welfare and exposing the truth, Eleanor has reported on all aspects of the industry, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage rules to mules. Her sport of choice is showjumping, in which she competes her own horses, and she also enjoys reporting at local jumping shows through to international championships.
    Eleanor Jones