Horse glossary
Saddle Pad
A pad under the saddle for comfort and fit.
In Spanish: Mantilla
What it means
A saddle pad, also called a saddle cloth or numnah, is the padded layer that goes between the saddle and the horse's back. Pads come in many shapes and materials, such as cotton, fleece, felt, and foam, to match different saddles and horses.
Why it matters
The pad soaks up sweat, keeps the saddle clean, and adds a little cushioning. A pad cannot fix a saddle that doesn't fit, but a wrinkled or dirty one can cause rubs and sore spots.
Example
Smooth the saddle pad so it has no wrinkles.
Try this
After placing the saddle, lift the front of the pad up into the saddle's arch so it doesn't press down on the withers. Run your hand underneath to check that it is smooth, and wash pads often.
Common mistake
Stacking several thick pads to make a saddle feel better often makes the fit tighter, not looser. If a saddle seems to bother a horse, ask a saddle fitter or instructor to check it.