A saddle pad is a shaped or quilted layer of cushioning worn between the saddle and the horse’s back. It provides moisture absorption, friction reduction, and modest pressure distribution. The term is most commonly used in North American riding and is broadly equivalent to what British equestrians call a numnah, though saddle pad often implies a slightly more structured, padded product than the traditional shaped numnah.
Saddle Pad vs Numnah vs Saddle Cloth
These three terms describe broadly similar products with slight distinctions. A numnah is saddle-shaped and tends to be thinner. A saddle pad is often more generously padded and may be square or shaped. A saddle cloth is typically a square or rectangular cloth — often used in competition with a number square — that prioritises appearance as much as function. In everyday British yard use, all three terms are used loosely and often interchangeably.
The most important factors are not the name but the fit and material. A correctly sized, clean pad of appropriate thickness will serve the horse well regardless of what it is called.
Types of Saddle Pad
Quilted cotton pads are the most widely used everyday option. They are affordable, machine washable, available in an enormous range of colours, and adequate for most horses in general work. The quilted construction holds its shape reasonably well through regular washing. The main limitation is moisture retention — once saturated, cotton does not dry quickly.
Shaped memory foam pads are used for horses with minor back sensitivity or where additional pressure distribution is required. They conform to the horse’s back shape over time and do not compress as readily as standard foam or cotton. However, they should only be used where specifically indicated — adding a thick memory foam pad to a well-fitting saddle can disrupt the fit by changing the tree’s effective width and angle.
Gel pads are designed to absorb shock and distribute peak pressure. They are common in endurance and long-distance riding, where the cumulative load over many hours is a genuine welfare concern. They add weight and bulk and are overkill for horses doing moderate flatwork or hacking.
Correction pads and shimming pads contain removable inserts (shims) that can be added to specific areas to address minor saddle asymmetry. These should only be used under the guidance of a qualified saddle fitter — they address saddle fit issues, not replace professional fitting.
Fleece-lined pads have a synthetic or natural fleece contact surface against the horse’s skin. Fleece is soft, moisture-wicking, and gentle on the coat, making these popular for horses sensitive to friction or those prone to rug rubs at the shoulder.
Fitting a Saddle Pad Correctly
The pad must be large enough to extend beyond the saddle’s footprint on all sides by at least 2–5 cm. Saddle pads that are too small leave the saddle overhanging the edge of the pad, which can create a pressure ridge on the horse’s back rather than reducing pressure.
After placing the pad on the horse’s back and positioning the saddle, always pull the pad up into the saddle’s gullet channel before fastening the girth. If the pad is pulled flat under the pommel, it creates direct pressure on the withers and the spinous processes of the thoracic vertebrae with every stride the horse takes. This is one of the most common and easily preventable causes of back discomfort from tack.
Check that the pad lies flat and symmetrically on both sides of the horse’s back. An uneven or bunched pad creates asymmetric contact and can be a subtle source of one-sided stiffness or resistance.
Saddle Pad Maintenance
A saddle pad absorbs sweat, skin oils, and hair with every use. Left unwashed, this builds into a layer of dried, abrasive residue that can cause coat damage and skin irritation. Most quilted cotton and synthetic pads should be washed after every two to three rides for a horse in regular work, or whenever visibly dirty or salt-stained.
Check the pad regularly for wear, particularly at the wither area and along the spine channel, where repeated contact can cause the padding to compress or thin unevenly. A pad with worn or thinned areas no longer provides even contact and should be replaced.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a saddle pad improve a poorly fitting saddle?
No. This is a very common misconception. A saddle that bridges, pinches, or sits asymmetrically will continue to cause discomfort regardless of padding. Adding a thick pad to a poorly fitting saddle usually changes the tree’s effective angle and can intensify pressure points rather than reduce them. The correct response to a saddle that does not fit is to have it reflocked, adjusted, or replaced — not to add more layers underneath it.
How thick should a saddle pad be?
For most horses in regular work, a pad between 1–2 cm thick is adequate. Thicker pads are only justified where a saddle fitter or vet has identified a specific reason for additional cushioning or pressure distribution. As a general rule, the thinnest pad that meets the hygiene and friction-reduction requirements is preferable, as it minimises interference with saddle fit.
Do saddle pads come in different sizes for different horse types?
Yes. Saddle pads are typically sized for cobs/full horses, ponies, and sometimes separate ‘large’ or ‘extra large’ options for warmbloods and heavier breeds. Using the correct size matters — a pony-sized pad under a 17hh warmblood will leave large areas of saddle contact without underlying padding. Most manufacturers provide measurement guides, and it is worth measuring the saddle footprint and comparing it to the pad dimensions before purchasing.