What is the difference between a saddle pad and a numnah?
A numnah is similar in function to a saddle cloth, however, it is more like a saddle pad. Essentially the main difference between a numnah and a saddle cloth is the fact that a numnah is shaped around the saddle, and a cloth is usually a square piece of material.
What is a numnah pad?
A numnah is a pad of sheepskin or wool that goes under the saddle to keep the saddle clean and to cushion the horse’s or pony’s back. In North America, we call a numnah a saddle pad or blanket.
Do you use a half pad with a numnah?
Well-Known Member. The proper use for them is pretty much the same as a prolite pad – on top of a numnah to improve the fit of the saddle. It is perfectly acceptable to use them if your horse actually needs to wear one but a lot of people don’t realise the damage they can do by using them just because they look good.
Is a saddle pad necessary?
The saddle pad or blanket provides a bit of extra cushioning between the saddle and the horse and helps the saddle stay clean. Without a pad or blanket, a saddle will sit directly on the horse, where it will absorb sweat and pick up dirt from the horse’s back.
What is the point of a numnah?
The terms saddle blanket, saddle pad (or numnah), and saddle cloth refer to blankets, pads or fabrics inserted under a saddle. These are usually used to absorb sweat, cushion the saddle, and protect the horse’s back.
Can you ride a horse without a numnah?
After you have your saddle reflocked or if you buy a brand new saddle you should not use a numnah so the horsees warmth and sweat will help form the flocking to the horses back.
How should a numnah fit?
Fitting a Numnah or Saddle Pad
- There should be a clear margin between the edge of the saddle and the numnah or saddle pad to prevent pressure points (approx 1 inch/2cm all the way around the saddle).
- The numnah/saddle pad should sit up into the gullet of the saddle to prevent pressure on the spine.
How do you know if your horse needs a half pad?
If you have a saddle that fits extremely poorly (either way too big or way too small), there’s not much a half pad can do; but if a saddle is only slightly too wide for your horse, then a half pad can remedy that.
How should a Numnah fit?
Is it OK to ride a horse without a saddle pad?
Registered. Any saddle that is well-fitted to the horse should be able to be ridden in without a saddle pad and not hurt the horse. It doesn’t matter what kind of saddle, or what kind of flocking it has, or how much money you spend on it. If it fits well, it won’t hurt your horse without a pad.
Do you need a numnah?
It is fine and perfectly correct not to have a numnah underneath. Most people have it for the comfort of the horse sweat wise and not to dirty/damage the saddle. The fluffy ones are a trend and you will find most just have rolled edges.