Horse Pad

This is a pad which is put under the saddle to provide some soft cushioning for the horse and to some extent to keep the leather lining of the saddle from coming into direct contact with the horse's hack. The numnah must never be used in an attempt to make an ill-fitting saddle fit a horse.

Numnah's are made from various materials, the best being real sheepskin. These, when fitted with the woolen side towards the horse, provide good cushioning and allow a certain amount fair-flow between the saddle and the horse. Artificial sheepskins are available which have the added advantage of being easily washable. Perhaps the most popular numnah is made from nylon padded with foam rubber. Unless this is quite thick the amount of cushioning is minimal, but thick sponge rubber can upset the stability of the saddle. The nylon numnah is however inexpensive and easy to wash.

Whichever type is used it should be fastened securely to the saddle so that there is no possibility of its slipping out whilst the horse is being ridden.