Posted: 5th January 2022 | Back to news feed
Society of Master Saddlers’ Master Saddler, Master Bridle Maker, Master Harness Maker, Registered Master Saddle Fitter and Registered Qualified Bridle Fitter, Helen Reader, provides advice on:
Does the thickness of my numnah affect the fit of my saddle?
Yes, the thickness of your numnah does affect the fit of your saddle. If the saddle fits the horse correctly then generally only a thin saddle cloth/numnah will be required. There are occasions when a thicker numnah or pad maybe required, due to the horse being underweight, needing to build up muscle or condition, but these should be discussed by the Society of Master Saddlers Registered Qualified Saddle Fitter (SMS RQSF) and the horse owner. The SMS RQSF will then take this into consideration at the time of fitting the saddle and the use of the thicker numnah or pad may be a short term solution whilst the horse gains weight, muscle and condition. With any thicker numnah or pad used you need to choose one that has a shaped centre seam to follow the contours of the horse’s back and to make sure that it does not fill the gullet (channel) along the saddle as this will put pressure on the horse’s spine.
Often horse owners put a thicker numnah or pad under the saddle in the belief that it will make the saddle more comfortable, improve the fit or simply because they like the look of the numnah or pad, however none of these reasons are advisable without first speaking to your SMS RQSF to understand the effect it may have on the fit of your horse’s saddle and therefore it’s comfort and performance. If you wish to use a thicker numnah or pad then contact your SMS RQSF, so the saddle can be reassessed to see how the thicker numnah or pad effects the fit of the saddle and if it can be adjusted to accommodate the thicker numnah or pad you wish to use. Some horses are very sensitive and certainly do change their way of going for the better when a thicker numnah or pad is used. This type of horse needs to be judged on an individual case bases and is more the exception than the rule.
For more information visit www.mastersaddlers.co.uk or contact The Society of Master Saddlers on 01449 711642.
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