Which Saddlepad is Best for my Horse & Their Saddle? | Help & Advice | Houghton Country

Saddle pads, also known as saddlecloths or numnahs, come in various shapes and sizes to suit all horses and their saddles. To the untrained eye, all of these pads may look very similar, but with a variety of shapes, sizes, thicknesses, linings and materials available, knowing which one is the best for your horse and you can be difficult. A saddle pad adds a layer between the horse’s back and the weight of the rider, with some materials wicking away sweat, providing shock absorption, or extra grip to help prevent the saddle from slipping, as well as keeping the underside of your saddle cleaner.

One saddle pad is never enough, and once you have found a pad you like, we’re sure it won’t be long before you start to build a collection! With matching ears, boots and rider apparel available, saddle pads are a great way of customising your equestrian look!

While a saddlecloth or saddlepad is a square, a numnah refers to a saddle-shaped piece of material. A well-fitted numnah fits snugly underneath your saddle and so very little material is shown; a numnah may therefore be a rider’s preference in very warm weather, and is chosen by riders who compete in showing as it is more discreet. Choosing whether you want a saddlecloth or numnah is personal preference, and either will serve its purpose. Both saddlecloths and numnahs come in a variety of shapes to suit different types of saddle. It is important to choose the right type of saddle pad or numnah for the shape of your saddle to avoid any binding rubbing or the pad moving.

General Purpose saddle pads are designed to suit a GP saddle, and have straps to attach to the girth straps that lie under the flap of your saddle. A GP pad is probably the most commonly chosen as most riders ride in a GP saddle. A GP saddlecloth can also suit some jump saddles that are not overly forwards cut, or working hunter/showing saddles.

Dressage saddle pads are very straight in their cut to suit a dressage saddle, and these can come with straps to attach to the girth straps underneath the saddle flap if your saddle is double flap, or shorter straps that sit higher up and attach to the D rings of the saddle if your saddle is a monoflap. 

Close Contact saddle pads are more forwards cut to accommodate the forward cut flap of a jump saddle, and come with straps for D rings, which can be attached to the D rings of both double or monoflap saddles. 

A double or dual flap saddle refers to a saddle with two flaps, where there is a flap between the horse and the girth fastenings, then another flap between rider and the girth fastenings.

A monoflap saddle consists of one flap which lies between the horse and rider, and the girth fastens below the flap of the saddle.

Remember that which shape of saddle pad you choose depends on what type of saddle you have, the positioning of the girth straps and the cut of the flap.

You will see some saddle pads that are thicker than others, such as polypads, and the significance of the thickness of the pad should not be underestimated. How thick a pad you will choose depends on a number of factors, including the fit of your saddle, how strong and well-muscled your horse is across his back, any issues your horse has, or how sensitive he is across his back. A thicker pad provides more padding between the weight of rider and the horse’s back and so is likely to suit horses that lack muscle or are very sensitive across their back. It is crucial, however, that you do not use a pad so thick that it alters the fit of your saddle; a thicker pad will raise the saddle and make it narrower, meaning it may end up being tight on the shoulders. It is a good idea to discuss the thickness of the saddle pad you are planning on using with your saddle fitter as they will be able to adjust the fit of your saddle with this in mind. A thinner pad means the rider is in closer contact with the horse’s back, and so is suitable for a perfectly fitted saddle ridden in by a balanced rider. 

Cotton is a commonly used material in saddlecloths, as it is breathable, soft to touch, and machine washable. Many feature mesh across the spine for spine relief and a cooling effect.

The underneath of the saddle pad is very important, as this is what is in contact with your horse’s back. The ideal lining of a saddle pad should be sweat-wicking and breathable, and soft to touch to prevent rubs occurring. Sheepskin, faux sheepskin and bamboo lined saddle pads are popular choices.

Different brands label different sizes with different terminology, so it can get a little confusing which size may be best. Generally speaking, a large or full size saddle pad is suitable for saddles that are 17” and longer, while a small/medium or cob size saddle pad is suitable for 16-16.5” saddles. Small, extra small or pony size is suitable for smaller saddles, and ponies generally under 13hh.

It is advised to have a spare 2-3 inches of saddlecloth showing behind the saddle, and a spare 1-2 inches at the pommel of the saddle, to avoid the risk of rubs.

Half pads offer an additional layer between the horse’s back and the rider, helping with shock absorption and altering the saddle fit if required. Some riders will choose to have their saddle fitted taking the thickness of the pad they want to use into account, as the horse may benefit from the shock absorption a half pad can offer. It is important if you would like to use a half pad that you discuss this with your saddle fitter, as they will alter the fit of your saddle to accommodate the thickness of the pad. Fully lined sheepskin or faux sheepskin pads are a popular choice for providing a thick layer of padding between the horse and your weight. Gel pads are another option for shock absorption and additionally provide some grip, helping to prevent the saddle moving, and are less bulky. Gel pads can come with sheepskin detail at the wither and at the back, an aesthetic that many riders like, without the bulk of a fully lined half pad.

Half pads with shims can be used to lift the saddle at the front and/or the back in place of the saddle being adjusted with flocking or air.

Half pads are used in conjunction with consultation with your saddle fitter, and it is not advisable to use one without a conversation with them regarding your saddle’s current fit and how the half pad may alter this, as the change they can make to the fit is significant.

Instead of or as well as a half pad, there are also saddle pads available which are lined with sheepskin or faux sheepskin either across their entirety or the upper half. Very sensitive horses may benefit from a lined saddlepad as this lining against their skin helps to prevent rubs.

Undoubtedly one of the most important considerations... the colour of your saddle pad can complement your horse’s coat, your cross country colours, your competition wear, or complete your matchy matchy set. If you compete in dressage, you will be expected wear a white saddlecloth, although other muted colours are permitted in unaffiliated competitions. Showjumping is more relaxed, with any colour permitted. Most eventers during the cross country phase match their saddle pad to their baselayer and hat silk according to their cross country colours. For hunting, a minimalist look is preferred, so choose neutral colours. Likewise, a minimalist look is preferred by show judges, so a numnah that sits subtly underneath the flaps of the saddle in brown is usually chosen.

Design variations of saddle pads have come a long way and there are now lots of factors to consider when buying a new saddle pad. The type you choose depends on the cut of your saddle, the girth straps, the length of the seat of your saddle, the fit of your saddle, your horse’s sensitivity and your preferences as a rider. Saddle fitters can offer helpful advice in selecting the right type of saddle pad for you and your saddle, and it is worth asking their advice next time you have your saddle checked.

You can browse our full range of saddle pads, including saddle pads for dressage or showjumping, half pads and saddle pads with shims here.