Saddlecloths & Numnahs
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Saddlecloths, numnahs and saddle pads all sit between your saddle and your horse’s back — the difference is mostly shape and job. A saddlecloth (or square/pad) is the flat, often quilted layer that protects the saddle lining and soaks up sweat. A numnah is cut to the shape of the saddle and hugs its outline. A half pad or riser pad is a shorter cushioning layer used for extra padding or minor balance adjustments. Just Horse Riders stocks over 540 saddlecloths and numnahs from brands including LeMieux, Rhinegold, Shires, Weatherbeeta, Premier Equine, Hy Equestrian and Gallop Equestrian.
In a hurry?
- Everyday schooling square: LeMieux Loire Dressage Square — £59.95
- Budget cotton numnah: Rhinegold Cotton Quilted Numnah — £11.21
- Best-value spare saddlecloth: Shires Performance Lite Saddlecloth — £8.61
- Wither clearance / jumping: LeMieux Wither Relief Jump Pad — £54.95
- Premium wool GP/jump square: Premier Equine Close Contact Merino Wool European Saddle Pad — £90.00
What’s the difference between a saddlecloth, a numnah and a saddle pad?
The words overlap in everyday use, but the shapes give them away. A saddlecloth or square is a rectangular quilted cloth — the classic competition look, and easy to launder. A numnah is cut to follow the outline of the saddle, so less fabric shows. A saddle pad is the catch-all term for any layer under the saddle, while a half pad is a shorter cushioning layer added on top of a cloth for extra comfort. Choose by look, discipline and how much padding you want.
Which shape do I need — GP, dressage or jump?
Shape follows your saddle. A GP (general purpose) cut suits an all-round saddle and hacking. A dressage square is longer and straighter to match the long, straight flap of a dressage saddle — the LeMieux Cotton Dressage Square (£44.95) is a popular example. A jump or close-contact shape is more curved and forward-cut for a jumping saddle, such as the LeMieux Jump Work Pad (£49.95). Matching the shape keeps the edges tidy and stops the cloth bunching under the flap.
How should a saddlecloth or numnah fit?
A well-fitted cloth sits level and symmetrical on both sides, with an even margin showing around the saddle. Before you girth up, pull the front of the cloth up into the saddle’s gullet so it isn’t pulled down tight across the withers — this leaves room for the spine and stops rubbing. The cloth should clear the wither and not press on the spine along its length. If your horse has prominent withers or an unusual back shape, a saddle fitter is the right person to confirm your saddle and padding suit the horse.
Do gel, foam and half pads change the saddle fit?
They can, and that’s the point of using them — but with care. A half pad, riser or gel pad adds cushioning and can help with minor balance, and options range from the Rhinegold Nonslip Gel Half Pad (£26.24) to the LeMieux Wither Relief Memory Foam Half Pad (£79.95). Adding padding effectively tightens the saddle’s fit, so a saddle that already fits snugly may become too tight with a thick pad underneath. If you’re using padding to correct a fit problem, have a qualified saddle fitter check the saddle first rather than masking the issue.
How do I wash and care for a saddlecloth?
Knock off dried mud and hair with a brush first, then machine wash on a cool, gentle cycle — many cotton squares wash well at 30°C. Skip fabric softener, which clogs the fibres and reduces sweat-wicking, and let cloths air dry rather than tumble drying, which can shrink or harden padding. Always follow the care label on your specific pad, as wool, gel and technical fabrics have their own requirements. Keeping a couple of clean spares on rotation, such as the Shires Performance Lite Saddlecloth (£8.61), makes this easy.
When should I replace a numnah?
Retire a cloth when the padding has gone flat and hard, the lining is worn thin or bobbled, seams are failing, or dried sweat and dirt won’t wash out — all of which raise the risk of rubbing and pressure points. A cloth that has moulded a permanent dip or ridge is no longer protecting the back evenly. If your horse develops rubs, white hairs or sore spots despite a clean, sound cloth, stop and ask a saddle fitter or vet to check the saddle and back.
Which brands and ranges do we stock?
You’ll find budget cotton quilts from Rhinegold, Shires, Weatherbeeta and Gallop Equestrian, technical anti-slip and wool pads from Premier Equine, and the full LeMieux line-up. LeMieux sub-ranges in stock include the everyday Cotton and Loire squares (£44.95–£59.95), the sparkly Crystal Suede dressage pad (£69.95), the grippy X-Grip Silicone squares (£79.95) and the Wither Relief half and jump pads. Explore more saddlery & tack, and complete the picture with girths and bridles.
Saddlecloths & numnahs FAQs
Is a numnah the same as a saddlecloth?
Not quite. Both sit under the saddle to protect it and absorb sweat, but a numnah is cut to follow the saddle’s outline, so it hugs the shape, while a saddlecloth (or square) is a rectangular quilted cloth that shows more fabric around the edge. Choose by the look and discipline you prefer — squares are the classic competition style.
How do I know which size to buy?
Most cloths come in pony, cob and full sizes, sometimes with extra-full or XL options. Match the size to your horse and the shape (GP, dressage or jump) to your saddle. When a cloth is fitted it should show an even margin all around the saddle with no bunching under the flap. If you’re between sizes, check the individual product page, as sizing varies a little between brands.
Will a thicker pad fix a saddle that doesn’t fit?
No — padding is not a substitute for a correctly fitted saddle. Adding a thick half or gel pad effectively tightens the fit and can make a snug saddle too tight, causing pressure. Use pads for comfort and minor adjustment only. If your saddle rocks, pinches or slips, have a qualified saddle fitter assess it before relying on extra padding.
How much do saddlecloths and numnahs cost?
Prices at Just Horse Riders start from around £8.61 for a simple spare saddlecloth such as the Shires Performance Lite Saddlecloth, with everyday cotton squares in the £11–£20 range. Premium and technical pads — wool, silicone-grip or memory-foam — run from about £45 up to £90 for the Premier Equine Close Contact Merino Wool European Saddle Pad.
Can I machine wash my saddlecloth?
Most cotton and synthetic cloths are machine washable on a cool, gentle cycle — brush off hair and dried mud first, avoid fabric softener, and air dry rather than tumble dry. Wool, gel and technical pads often have specific requirements, so always follow the care label on your particular pad.
Saddlecloth and numnah advice from the Just Horse Riders team — last reviewed 12 July 2026. Fit, padding and back-health questions should be confirmed with a qualified saddle fitter or vet.