Description
Mattes Core Cotton Half Pad with Shims
Mattes half pads are designed to improve comfort and allow subtle saddle balance adjustments without masking underlying saddle-fit issues. This cotton half pad with shims provides a practical, modular solution for riders who need fine adjustment while maintaining stability and close contact.
Lambskin options and comfort
Depending on configuration, the pad can be supplied without sheepskin, with sheepskin on the underside only, or with additional sheepskin at the front and/or rear. Genuine Merino lambskin is selected for its density, softness, and breathability, helping to regulate heat, reduce friction, and provide natural cushioning where required.
Shim pockets and fit adjustment
The pad features integrated pockets designed to accept removable shims. Shims allow riders or saddle fitters to make small, targeted adjustments to saddle balance, helping to accommodate minor asymmetries, changes in muscle development, or temporary fit issues. The shim system is intended for fine adjustment only and should not be used to compensate for an incorrectly fitting saddle.
Mattes half pads are designed with a SpineFree construction, allowing the pad to sit clear of the horse’s spine and reduce pressure along the back. This helps maintain freedom of movement and supports correct saddle placement during work.
An Extra Wide Wither Area (EWWA) option is also available. This involves shaping the pad and reducing lambskin around the wither area to provide additional clearance for horses with wider or more prominent withers.
Cotton top and construction
This half pad is finished with a durable cotton quilt top, offering a breathable, low-bulk surface under the saddle. While custom Mattes half pads are available in additional fabrics such as cotton sheen or velvet, the in stock range focuses on cotton only to provide a faster-available option without compromising on construction quality.
Availability and configuration options
This half pad is held in stock in Mattes warehouse in selected sizes and configurations for faster delivery. Multiple sheepskin layouts are available, allowing riders to choose the level of cushioning and support that best suits their horse. It is also available in three shapes, designed to sit correctly under different saddle types including all purpose, dressage and jumping saddles. Choosing the correct shape helps ensure the pad follows the contours of your saddle without excess material or movement.
If you require a different fabric, colour, or configuration, the pad can also be ordered as a fully bespoke Mattes half pad with the full range of custom options. For help deciding whether a half pad with shims is appropriate for your horse, or for advice on configuration, please contact us.
Stacie S –
Mattes pads are the best out there, and this one is no exception. Pink Equine was wonderful to work with. My order arrived quickly and with no surprise delivery fees!
Stephanie P –
Great communication, product and service
Young C –
Thanks the half pad is amazing. Fits so well under my saddle.
Middlesex, UK.
Emma G –
Your staff are just lovely and so helpful. Your advice was appreciated and the half pad is absolutely perfect thanks again. Somerset, UK.
Lucy K –
Great Service and lovely half pad. Even ordering from the States was easy and the half pad was received well within the six weeks. Kent, UK.
Carolyn B –
Dear Pink Equine, I love my Mattes Half pad. It is so well made and fits perfectly on my horse. It is so nice to be able to talk to such knowledgeable staff by telephone when so many companies shy away from this now. Florida, USA.
Andrew B –
Denise thanks for your advice the half pad is absolutely perfect! London, UK.
Kanako Y –
Was worried ordering from Japan, but have to say the whole process was easy and delivery was quick thank you so much. Tokyo, Japan.