Skip to main content Skip to search Skip to main navigation

Saddle Pads & Numnahs: Breathable Protection for Horse and Saddle

Choose the right protection for your saddle leather. Discover shape-retaining saddle pads and anatomical numnahs with breathable properties.

Saddle Pads & Numnahs: Sweat Absorption Under the Saddle

Saddle pads and numnahs form the direct barrier between the horse's back and the saddle. Their pragmatic main task is to effectively absorb horse sweat and keep it away from the expensive saddle leather. Since sweat contains aggressive salts and sebum, the leather would become brittle over time without a pad. At the same time, they protect the horse's coat from direct friction and minor chafing during movement.

The Difference: Rectangular or Saddle-Shaped

The choice between a saddle pad and a numnah is primarily a question of the cut. A numnah exactly follows the curved shape of the saddle and looks very discreet, as hardly any fabric shows under the saddle flap. A saddle pad (or square pad), on the other hand, is cut in a rectangular shape and clearly protrudes behind and under the saddle. To prevent the fabric from wrinkling, both variants are firmly quilted, which gives the shape-giving filling stability.

Breathable Materials for a Good Skin Climate

Since heat quickly builds up under the saddle, the choice of material is crucial. The underside usually consists of absorbent cotton or special blended fabrics that transport sweat away quickly. For horses with sensitive skin or a tendency to hair breakage in the lumbar region, there are models with an underside made of real lambskin, which not only regulates heat but also glides smoothly on the coat without friction.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the pad attached to the saddle?
Most models have two loops on each side. The upper, shorter loop (billet strap) is pulled through the girth straps under the saddle flap. The lower, longer loop (girth strap) is used to guide the saddle girth at the horse's belly.

Does the pad need to be pulled up into the gullet?
Yes, clearing the withers is essential. Before the saddle girth is tightened, the saddle pad or numnah must be pulled up into the gullet of the saddle at the front of the withers and in the spinal canal. Without doing this, the fabric pulls tightly over the withers and causes painful pressure.

How do you wash saddle pads and numnahs properly?
The pads should be washed in the washing machine at a maximum of 30 degrees. Before washing, loose horse hair must be removed with a brush and all Velcro fasteners must be closed. Fabric softener must be avoided, as it impairs the absorbency of the fabrics.

Functional Pads for the Horse's Back

Whether a rectangular saddle pad or a classically curved numnah – both pads serve the same important purpose in equestrian sports: They reliably absorb moisture and prevent aggressive horse sweat from attacking the material of the saddle. Firmly quilted cores also ensure that the fabric stays flat on the back and does not form painful wrinkles.

When choosing, pay attention to the right fit for your saddle type. Dressage variants are longer and straighter, while jumping models are shorter and protrude further forward. With skin-friendly and highly absorbent underside materials, you ensure that heat build-up is avoided and the horse's coat is protected.