Saddle Pads & Numnahs

What types of numnahs are there?

The difference with saddle pads is that numnahs are cut in the shape of the saddle, so there is less fabric peeking out from under the leather. They come in many different colours, quilting patterns and fabrics. You should look for absorbent and breathable materials. Cotton, sheepskin or felt, for example, are suitable for this.
The quilting also has an influence on the wearing comfort for the horse as well as the aids and the seat of the rider. Numnahs with small quilting are recommended, as they make the underlay dimensionally stable. This means that there are few to no creases and the saddle lies more smoothly.
As with saddle pads, there are now also numnahs with foam inserts to correct minor irregularities. Numnahs with foam rubber prevent the saddle from slipping.

What saddle pad sizes are there?

The correct saddle pad size depends not only on the size of the horse, but above all on the size of the saddle. This is because it must not press on the edges and seams of the saddle pad, otherwise this can lead to pressure and chafing. To determine the correct saddle pad length, the length of the contact surface of the saddle is measured. To do this, place the measuring tape from the front edge to the rear edge of the saddle panels. Add 6 cm to the result, which gives the minimum length of the saddle pad. You can use the measurement tables in our online shop to determine the correct saddle pad size.
Depending on the manufacturer, the saddle pad sizes can have different designations. They may be called warmblood, pony or shetland pony, other manufacturers call their saddle pad sizes full, cob and pony.
In addition to the length of the saddle pad, the shape of the saddle pad is also decisive for the correct fit. A dressage saddle pad will not fit under a jumping saddle because of the forward saddle flap, but only an general purpose saddle pad with a focus on jumping. Furthermore, there are dressage saddle pads, general purpose saddle pads with a focus on dressage and pony.
We carry a wide selection of saddle pads and numnahs, which are a colourful mix of colours and designs. Best-selling products are complemented by saddle pads from current collections. Breathable and moisture-absorbing materials make them comfortable for the horse to wear. Different stitchings give the saddle pads sportiness, elegance or playfulness. Our range is rounded off by anatomical saddle pads which can temporarily compensate for saddle imbalances by means of inserts. Saddle pads with sheepskin or teddy fleece provide extra comfort for the horse.

Which saddle pad is suitable for Icelandic horses?

Due to their special build and gaits, Icelandic horses require a gaited horse saddle. This saddle has a very flat seat and is shorter than other types of saddles. The saddle pad must be adapted to these conditions. Icelandic horse riders often use numnahs, which are tailored to the shape of the saddle. As the withers of many Icelandic horses are not very pronounced, many Icelandic horse numnahs use anti-slip materials.
In our Icelandic category you will find Iceland horse numnahs in various colours and materials. Gel pads, anti-slip pads and Icelandic horse girths complete our range for Icelandic horses. If you would like to learn more about the special features of riding equipment for Icelandic horses, then read our guide on the subject.

How should the saddle pad be fitted correctly?

The correct fit of the saddle pad can only be judged in connection with the saddle. The saddle must not extend beyond the edge of the saddle pad so that it presses on the cords and seams. At the same time, the saddle pad must not be too big or too thick, which can distort the fit of the saddle. Other important points for the correct fit of a saddle pad are the following:

• The saddle pad fits the shape of the saddle (back length, length of the saddle flaps).
• The saddle pad is raised into the gullet so that the withers are free and the space for the gullet is not reduced.
• The saddle pad lies centrally under the saddle.
• The saddle pad does not slip backwards during movement.
• The saddle pad does not wrinkle either before or after girthing.

Should the saddle pad be pulled up?

To pull up the saddle pad or numnah means that the edges of the pad are tucked into both the saddle flap and the rear pommel. This prevents the thick seams from pressing on the withers or spine, which can cause chafing. A saddle that is adapted to the horse has a spinal clearance that must not be diminished by the saddle pad. Therefore, the saddle pad should not only fit under the saddle, but should also be pulled up into the gullet.

What saddle pads for horses are there?

The selection of saddle pads is not only very large in terms of colour, but also in terms of shape and size. There are the following types of saddle pads, which fit the respective saddle shape:

• D/DR: Dressage
• S: Showjumping
• VS: General purpos saddle pad
• VSS: General purpose saddle pad with focus on showjumping
• VSD: General purpose saddle pad with focus on dressage
• WB or Full: Warmblood/Full
• P: Pony
• SH: Shetland pony