What kind of saddle pads are available?

A wide variety of different products can be found under the umbrella term saddle pad: from numnahs and saddle cloths, to gel, wool and foam pads, to western pads and western blankets. They have a lot in common, but they now differ in their materials, their shape and sometimes even in their function. These differences ultimately also determine the type of care. But why do we need a saddle pad at all and what makes a good saddle pad?

Why do I need a saddle pad?

Despite today’s variety, saddle cloths originally had only one function: to protect the saddle from sweat and dirt. In the past, simple felt blankets were used for this purpose, which absorbed the sweat and transported it away from the horse’s body. In the meantime, a lot has happened in the development of saddle pads and their functionality has been improved considerably. Special quilting, cut shapes, absorbent and breathable materials make it easy to wick away the sweat so that no heat builds up under the saddle.

Some saddle pads even have shock-absorbing properties, although this is not their main function. It is the job of the saddle panels to distribute and absorb pressure. Saddle panels can sometimes be very hard or make the saddle look unsuitable. Consequently, correction pads or half pads have been developed which (temporarily) correct an unsuitable saddle.

Depending on the material, they are not only shock-absorbing but also relieve the horse’s back. By inserting pockets in the saddle area, foam or felt inserts can correct imbalances of the saddle.

Furthermore, some saddle cloths have foam rubber either on the bottom or the top. They hold the saddle in place. Saddle cloths with foam rubber are especially suitable for horses with low withers.

What is the difference between a numnah, a saddle pad and a half pad?

Numnahs and saddle pads differ only in their cut. While numnahs are cut in the shape of the saddle, saddle pads are angular in shape and thus show more fabric. Depending on the saddle, a distinction is also made between saddle pads or numnahs for dressage, jumping or eventing. Numnahs and saddle pads are mainly made of polyester or a combination of polyester and cotton.

Some are padded with teddy fleece or sheepskin in the area of the withers, the rear edge or on the underside. Nowadays, the functionality of saddle pads and numnahs has become rather secondary. Different colours, shapes and details, such as decorative cords, logo plates and glittering stones, have turned both varieties into fashionable accessories.

With half pads, the focus is increasingly on functionality. They are placed between the saddle pad and the saddle and provide a change in pressure distribution. Half pads should only serve as a temporary correction of pressure distribution. It is much more important to fit the saddle instead of trying to improve an incorrectly fitting saddle with a sheepskin, gel, foam or cotton pad. This is because there is a danger that the pad will cause the saddle to slip or give the rider an unsteady seat, and thus end up causing more damage than correcting it.

Western pads are thicker, with a thickness of approx. 5 cm that protect the horse’s back from pressure points. Western saddles have little or no padding. Western pads therefore take on the task of absorbing the pressure on the horse’s back. In contrast to the majority of English saddles, Western saddles can only be fitted to a certain extent if the horse changes shape. Fine adjustment is therefore often only possible via the thicker pad. For this purpose, there are pads with pockets that can be filled with felt inserts to correct imbalances.

Western pads are usually made of natural felt or wool. Due to their high absorption capacity, they regulate the temperature between pad and back particularly well. Some western pads have sheepskin or teddy fleece on the underside. Western pads made of neoprene have the advantage over felt and wool pads that they are very easy to clean. However, the material is highly water-repellent, which is why the horse’s sweat cannot be absorbed. This makes the moist skin of the horse’s back more susceptible to pressure points, friction and irritation.

In western riding, a lot of importance is attached to appearance, especially at competitions and shows. Western blankets are suitable for the visual enhancement of the competition outfit. These are thin, patterned blankets that are placed between the western pad and the saddle for visual reasons alone. The blanket does not take over the padding function of a western pad, which is why they may only be used in combination with a pad. To prevent the layers of the saddle pad from becoming too thick, thinner western pads or so-called pad liners are suitable. Pad liners are placed under the blankets or pads to protect them from wear or dirt and thus protect the show outfit.

What makes a good saddle pad?

The main task of a saddle pad, numnah or western pad is to protect the saddle from dust, dirt and sweat. For this reason, the material should be very absorbent and breathable and thus create a pleasant climate in the saddle area. To ensure that both heat and moisture are wicked away from the saddle area, the shape, material and make play an important role. Sheepskin has proven to be particularly effective in this regard, as it absorbs perspiration best and wicks it to the outside. It also has an antibacterial effect and can therefore prevent irritation and rashes in the area of the saddle.

To avoid pressure points on the horse’s back, the material of the saddle pad should be strong enough to keep its shape and not form any annoying folds. Especially after tightening the girth, it can happen that the saddle pad or numnah becomes misshapen and presses uncomfortably against the horse’s back. A good saddle pad not only fits perfectly under the saddle, but also stays in place without wrinkles while riding. The dimensional stability also affects the firmness of the rider’s seat. For example, saddle pads with foam underlays or inserts distribute the pressure, but can sometimes be so soft that the rider’s seat becomes unstable. Caution is advised with foams anyway: they insulate, thereby do not wick away moisture and thus form an optimal breeding ground for bacteria and mould.

If the saddle pad does not have the function of compensating for any irregularities of the saddle, its ideal thickness is between 0.5 and 1.5 centimetres.

At the same time, a good saddle pad is malleable enough to adapt to the horse’s body and saddle without any problems. Nevertheless, it should always spring back to its original shape. Saddle pads and numnahs that are used a lot must be washed and cleaned frequently. A good saddle pad must not wear out and lose its shape due to regular care.

With regard to the cut, an anatomical fit is important for a good saddle pad:

Saddle pads, numnahs and western pads must not rest on the withers or the lumbar spine and exert pressure on the spinous processes.

The anatomical swing of the pad should be about 2 centimetres.