Any saddle that is well-fitted to the horse should be able to be ridden in without a saddle pad and not hurt the horse. It doesn’t matter what kind of saddle, or what kind of flocking it has, or how much money you spend on it. If it fits well, it won’t hurt your horse without a pad.

Drug reactions cause laminitis. Retained placentas in broodmares cause laminitis. Extreme hoof concussion, such as running on pavement, can cause a horrible mechanical form of laminitis called road founder.

A numnah is a type of saddle pad. It sits between the saddle and the horse. Whereas a saddle cloth is usually rectangular, a numnah is more saddle shaped. It will usually be slightly larger than the saddle so that the edges are visible when the saddle is in place.

• PolyPads Premier GP saddle pad.
• Ponyo Horsewear saddle pad.
• Premier Equine close-contact European cotton GP/jump saddle pad.
• Protechmasta Infrared Airmesh GP/jump saddlecloth.
• Rhinegold Luxe faux-fur half-lined GP saddle pad.
• Shires Performance Air Motion Pro saddlecloth.
• Weatherbeeta Reflective Prime All Purpose saddle pad.

Another Name for a Saddle Pad is “Numnah” A numnah is a pad of sheepskin or wool that goes under the saddle to keep the saddle clean and to cushion the horse’s or pony’s back.

If you’re an English rider, you probably use (or have used) a half pad. Available in a variety of materials, half pads are used to add additional cushioning between your saddle and your horse’s back and some can even be adjusted to improve minor saddle fit issues.

You can also use our pad consultation to determine which size pad is best for your horse before you order a saddle pad. To determine the best size, measure the length of your saddle and add 2 to 3 inches to that length.

Plain Close Contact Pads Crafted specifically for close contact saddles these plain cotton saddle pads have been engineered with high quality cotton and a technical wicking fiber fill for moisture management and comfort. Take a look at our range of close contact/ monoflap saddles , bridles and horse boots.

You definitely can use CC with a gp saddle.

CC and AP saddle pads are usually the same cut, more or less. You should be fine with either as long as it’s big enough for the saddle.

The purpose of a saddle pad is to: reduce moisture and cool the horse’s back. reduce pressure on the horse’s back. prevent the saddle from slipping and rocking.

The Total Contact Saddle Concept The Total Contact Saddle was designed to give the closest possible contact with the horse whilst keeping the security of stirrups. The minimalist design strips away unnecessary padding, tree, cantle and pommel to deliver direct communication between horse and rider.

Close Contact Saddles The Close Contact saddle is also called a Hunt Seat or Forward Seat saddle. They are designed for riders that participate in foxhunting, show jumping, hunt seat equitation, stadium, and cross-country events.

A GP saddle refers to a General Purpose saddle (sometimes called All Purpose) and is the most commonly used and popular saddle among horse owners. They are designed for riders who like to do a bit of everything. The flaps are forward cut enough for jumping and also suitable for schooling and hacking.