Numnahs
Numnahs and Saddle Pads for Every Saddle Type
A numnah sits between your saddle and your horse's back, and its job is straightforward: absorb sweat, reduce friction, and provide a layer of cushioning that protects both the horse's back and your saddle's lining. Solo Saddlers stocks numnahs and saddle pads in a range of shapes, sizes, and materials to match every saddle type and riding discipline.
Choosing the Right Shape
GP (general purpose) numnahs — The most versatile shape, designed to fit all-purpose and jumping saddles. The forward-cut flap accommodates the shorter, more forward saddle flap without bunching.
Dressage numnahs — Longer and straighter in the flap to match the deeper, straighter cut of a dressage saddle. Using a GP numnah under a dressage saddle looks untidy and often causes the pad to slip.
Endurance and trail pads — Larger, often thicker, and designed for extended rides. These prioritise breathability and moisture-wicking to keep the horse's back cool over long distances. Some feature pockets for shims to fine-tune saddle fit on the trail.
Materials and Padding
Cotton numnahs are breathable, easy to wash, and affordable — a solid choice for everyday riding. Fleece-lined numnahs offer extra cushioning and are gentle on sensitive backs. Memory foam and gel pads provide shock absorption for horses in hard work or with back sensitivity. Mesh and technical fabrics wick sweat away quickly, which matters in South African conditions where horses sweat heavily.
Getting the Fit Right
A numnah should extend about 2-3cm beyond the saddle's edges all round. Too small and it won't protect the horse's back from saddle pressure. Too large and it bunches, creating pressure points. Make sure the numnah is pulled up into the gullet channel of the saddle before you tighten the girth — a flat numnah creates bridge pressure along the spine.
Care and Maintenance
Wash numnahs regularly. Sweat, dirt, and hair build-up turns a soft pad into sandpaper against your horse's back. Most cotton and synthetic numnahs are machine washable. Fleece pads benefit from occasional brushing to keep the fibres soft. Pair your numnah with a well-fitted girth and properly maintained leather tack for the best results.
Why It Matters
Back pain is one of the most common causes of poor performance and behavioural issues in horses. A quality numnah won't fix a badly fitting saddle, but it will enhance the comfort of a well-fitted one. If your horse is showing signs of back soreness — dipping away when you mount, reluctance to go forward, uneven sweat marks — start by checking your saddle fit, then make sure your numnah is doing its job.