What is Western Saddle Pad and Why is it Used?

May 19, 2025

Introduction

A saddle pad, also called a numnah or saddle blanket, is a piece of horse tack used as a cushioning layer between the horse's back and the saddle. Its main purpose is to protect the horse’s back, absorb shock and sweat during riding, keep the saddle clean, and assist in proper saddle fit. It also helps to evenly distribute pressure, enhancing comfort for both the horse and rider during the ride.

Saddle pads come in a variety of materials, such as wool, cotton, fleece, and felt, each offering different levels of comfort, breathability, and durability. They are also available in various shapes and sizes to suit different riding styles, such as English, Western, dressage, or jumping, and are often tailored to fit both the horse's conformation and the type of saddle used.

A well-chosen saddle pad not only enhances the horse's comfort and performance but also contributes to the rider’s stability and balance, making it an important consideration in any riding discipline.

Benefits of a Saddle Pad

The popularity of using saddle pads makes sense when you consider the wide range of benefits for the horse and rider, such as:

Provides cushioning for horse and rider comfort
Minimizes friction and prevents sores or pressure points
Absorbs sweat and moisture, keeping the horse’s back dry
Helps achieve better saddle fit when a custom saddle isn’t available
Enhances saddle stability and rider balance
Protects the saddle from dirt and sweat damage
Distributes pressure evenly to avoid discomfort

Material and Design:

Western saddle pads are typically made from materials that provide durability, cushioning, and shock absorption, suited for the heavy and larger Western saddles. Here are the most common materials used in Western saddle pads:

Common Materials for Western Saddle Pads

Wool or Felt
- Traditional and very popular.
- Wool is naturally breathable, moisture-wicking, and shock-absorbing.
- Felt pads (often made from compressed wool fibers) are dense, durable, and provide excellent cushioning.
- Felt pads are often heavier and thicker, providing good protection for the horse’s back.
Cotton
- Often used as a top layer or in combination with other materials.
- Lightweight, breathable, and easy to clean.
- Usually quilted or woven, it provides moderate cushioning but less shock absorption than wool or felt.
Synthetic Fibers
- Include polyester or other man-made fabrics.
- Lightweight, durable, and easy to wash.
- Some modern pads use synthetic materials designed to mimic wool’s properties but are easier to maintain.
Leather or Suede
- Often used on the edges or under the saddle’s contact points to increase durability and prevent slipping.

Comparing Saddle Pad Materials
	Wool Felt	Fleece	Synthetics
Strengths	Breathable, moisture-wicking	Soft feel, comfortable, shock-absorbing	Shock-absorbing, easy to clean, anti-bacterial, non-slip
Weaknesse	Typically heavier in weight	Not as durable, may be too thick	Not as breathable, may cause heat buildup
Use	All performance disciplines	Roping, trail, horses with narrow back and high withers	Trail riding, training, prevents saddle rolling & can help slippage
Care	Wash with hose, air dry	Wash with a hose, use specialty fleece wash, let air dry, brush fleece to fluff	Hand wash with hose, leave to air dry

Shape and Size:

When it comes to Western saddle pads, shape and size are key to ensuring comfort for the horse and a proper fit for the saddle. Western pads are generally larger to accommodate the size and design of Western saddles. To determine the correct pad size, measure your saddle skirt from front to back (typically 26–28 inches), and add 2–4 inches to that length for an ideal fit. Make sure the pad also provides enough drop (vertical coverage) to protect the horse’s back and sides from girth and saddle pressure. Below is a detailed guide to the size and shape of Western saddle pads, including common dimensions:

1. Rectangular Shape: The most common shape among riders, it fits well with most Western saddles, especially for general riding, trail riding, and roping. It offers full coverage, allows for decorative top layers, and provides additional shock absorption and weight distribution for high-impact activities. Size: 32" x 32" to 34" x 36" inches

2. Contoured Shape: A shape designed to follow the natural curve of the horse’s back and withers, providing a better anatomical fit. It helps reduce pressure points, improves saddle fit, and enhances overall comfort for the horse, especially during longer rides or intense activities. Size: 30" x 30" to 34" x 36" Inches
(Size depends on saddle length and horse’s back conformation)

3. Round and Barrel Shape: It's a perfect fit for horses who have a shorter back, and it pairs well with round-skirt Western saddles. It's shorter in length and rounded at the corners, and specifically designed for barrel racing or smaller-framed horses (such as Arabians or short-backed Quarter Horses). A round western saddle for a horse provides less bulk and allows greater freedom of movement. Size: 28" x 28" to 30" x 30" inches

Wither Shape of Western Saddle Pad

The wither shape of a saddle pad concerns that how the pad is cut around the horse's back. This shape is really important because it affects how the saddle sits and how pressure is distributed, impacting the horse’s comfort and performance.

Why Wither Shape Matters

Proper wither shape in a saddle pad prevents pressure points and discomfort.
It helps maintain correct saddle positioning.
Reduces the risk of soreness or injury on the horse’s withers.
Enhances horse performance by allowing freer movement and better comfort.

Common Saddle Pad Wither Shapes:

Straight Cut Wither: The pad has a straight or slightly rounded front edge. It works well for horses with low or average withers and gives full coverage. But it might cause pressure if the withers are high.
Contoured Wither: The pad is cut higher or scooped out around the withers to reduce pressure. It’s good for horses with high or prominent withers and helps prevent soreness and improve saddle fit.
Raised Wither: The pad has extra padding around the withers for more cushioning and support. It is used to fix saddle fit problems or for therapy.
Extended Wither: The pad extends forward past the front of the saddle. This protects horses with very high or big withers and helps stop rubbing and chafing.