Jargon Buster: Saddlecloths & Numnahs

Let us help you find the best saddlecloth for your horse

Do you know your half pads from your saddlecloths? Your bamboo from your bindings? In this jargon buster, we’re going to help you navigate the slightly confusing world of anything and everything that goes under the saddle including half pads, saddlecloths and numnahs. Here is a list of terms you might see on our website and beyond, and what they actually mean!

Anatomically shaped– this describes the cut of the pad and is designed to mirror the curve of the horse’s back and withers.

Anti-pill – fabric with properties to prevent bobbling, which can happen due to friction.

Bamboo– a saddle pad that has bamboo material is generally quite absorbent and has other properties that keep the horse comfortable. As you might imagine, the fabric is made from bamboo content, but it’s very soft too!

Binding– the material that goes around the edge of the pad to give a neat, comfortable finish.

Breathable– a fabric property that helps the horse to stay more comfortable as air moves through the pad to help keep him cooler.

Close contact– designed for use with close contact saddles to give correct coverage.

Dressage– for use with a dressage saddle. These are often deeper with straight cut fronts to mirror a dressage saddle’s shape.

Fleece– whether this is synthetic or made from wool, fleece can be used to add padding, enhance comfort, promote saddle positioning or to add an extra touch of luxury.

General purpose– designed for use with a general purpose saddle as the shape mirrors where the saddle sits on the horse’s body.

Girth loops/straps– these are at the bottom of the numnah or saddlecloth and help to prevent it moving during ridden work as the girth is threaded through before fastening.

Girth patch– an extra layer of material that sits between the girth and the softer materials of the saddlecloth or numnah. This can prevent wear in this area.

Grip panels– slip resistant areas that sit underneath the panels of the horse’s saddle to maintain stability.

High wither– this cut gives additional space over the withers so that the spine of the numnah, saddlecloth or saddle pad sits right up into the saddle’s gullet, giving extra wither clearance.

Jumping– for use with a jump saddle with a more forward cut front to mirror a jump saddle.

Numnah– a saddle shaped pad that fits between saddle and horse

Saddle loops/straps– these go from the front of the pad and attach to a girth strap, usually the first, to help keep the saddle pad/numnahs or saddle pad in position. In some cases, particularly with dressage numnahs or saddlecloths, you might find that these loops attached to the d-rings on the front of the saddle. These will be much shorter.

Half pad– a short saddlecloth that sits underneath the saddle’s panels to promote comfort. Generally speak to your saddle fitter as to if your horse needs one of these.

Saddlecloth/pad– a square/rectangular pad that sits between the horse and the saddle.

Shock absorption – material that’s used to disperse any force from the rider and saddle, to help prevent discomfort.

Stitch or quilt pattern- usually aesthetic only and tends to vary between brands, whether these are square, round, diamond, hexagon or something else.

Tapered– shaped saddle pad designed to accommodate for temporary fitting needs. These types of product are often built up at the front or back to support saddle fit based on the horse’s changing shape or conformation issues.

Wicking– wicking material helps to move sweat and moisture away from the horse’s coat, through pad, to the outside where it evaporates away. This can help keep the horse more comfortable.

Piping- a decorative strip of colourful material that sits around the edge of your saddlecloth. Perfect for adding a pop of colour!

Wool/Sheepskin- Wool and sheepskin are generally used to add more comfort to your horse’s saddlepad. By adding this material, it helps with cushioning and protecting against any sores. Wool is made using sheep’s wool and the sheepskin is generally leather backed but is not as popular anymore. The majority of brands are using a faux sheepskin instead.

Words of advice

We would like to add that it is quite important to have the correct saddlecloth or numnah for your horse. By having a saddlecloth that is too thick (or too thin) can alter how your saddle fits and ultimately determines whether your horse is comfortable whilst being ridden. We would recommend speaking with your saddle fitter if you are unsure on what to purchase.