Saddle pads and numnahs

[chunky monkey]

Ok just wondering whats the difference between the two. Are saddle pads shaped, numnahs more rectangular. Also what do people ride in. My understanding is that you should fit the saddle closely to the horse, a numnah is only supposed to protect the saddle from absorbing body grease. So why do some people use a thick numnah. Ive noticed that top show jumpers seem to have two numnahs under the saddle. Is this to protect the back or some other reason.

 

[joosie]

I am not the best person to answer as I have spent most of my horsey life living abroad and "numnah" doesn't have a direct translation in other languages, so they are all "saddle pads" to me!

 

[chunky monkey]

Yes but some are thick, some thin and some half woolley, just wondering the purpose of each, when a saddle is supposed to fit snug on the body.

 

[Mrs_T]

A numnah is the one shaped like a saddle and a saddle pad or cloth is more rectangular. I've no idea why there are different thicknesses, so will be interested in others' comments!

 

[Jessey]

The sheepskin half pads you see a lot of jumpers using look thicker than they are but the idea is it absorbs shock well and also maintains a constant temp, some synthetic materials heat up the more you work the horse in them or retain more heat. I think its also a bit of a fashion thing.

 

[popularfurball]

It is a fashion thing often, and a "humanising the horse" thing too.

A saddle pad is generally rectangular, a numnah is saddle shaped and a half pad is generally just the shape of the panels.

Fundamentally, it should be thin and use to protect the leather and absorb sweat - if a saddle fits well there is no requirement. However, they now serve a multitude of purposes.

Shock absorption
Temperature regulation
Altering for (eg uneven wastage or allowing for summer/winter weights)
For skin issues

Some horses are better with some types than others... Some owners think their horses like some better than others...

It's the same with anything - trail and error once you know what purpose you are using it for. We use a poly pad which is pretty thick but it's for spinal clearance under her treeless saddle pig only has a thin cotton one.

 

[sjp1]

Agree - pads are squarer, numnahs shaped.

According to research, sheepskin should be the BEST. My TB agreed with this, my appy hates them!

So, can't argue with what the 'osses decide is best!

 

[sbloom]

Some horses do not indeed like sheepskin but they are few and far between. I like natural materials, cottong pads/numnahs are fine for some horses but I prefer sheepskin. It absorbs and wicks sweat whereas cotton gets damp, it provides extra concussion absorption for the horse. Flocking and foam are okay, but sheepskin is even better, and it bounces back after each ride like foam, so brings that benefit to flocked saddles. I recommend them for that reason with very heavy riders, as flocking gets compressed very easily, and also use them for remedial fits where there is muscle damage.

Showjumpers use them in some cases for fashion, but in others not only does it have the above benefits but it also gives more space for a prominent shoulder blade with a forward cut saddle.