Shires Saddlecloths & Numnahs
Shires saddlecloths and numnahs sit between your saddle and your horse's back to cushion pressure, soak up sweat and keep the saddle clean. This collection brings together 32 Shires pads – shaped numnahs, square saddlecloths, half pads and anti-slip pads – with in-stock prices from £11.70, so there's an option for everyday hacking right up to smart competition turnout.
In a hurry? Quick picks:
- Best everyday value: Shires Wessex Numnah – £15.30, quilted and easy-wash, four classic colours
- Saddle keeps slipping: Shires Ultra No Slip Pad – £11.70, discreet oblong grip pad
- Sensitive-skinned horses: Shires Performance Supafleece Numnah – £44.10, a fleece feel that machine washes easily
Which Shires saddlecloth or numnah should I choose?
Start with the job you need the pad to do, then match the size to your saddle. Here are the in-stock picks we point riders to most often:
| Pick | Best for | Sizes in stock | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shires Wessex Numnah | Everyday hacking and schooling on a budget | Small Pony to Cob/Full | £15.30 |
| Shires Ultra No Slip Pad | Stopping a saddle that creeps or slips | Oblong | £11.70 |
| Shires Performance Suede Numnah | Smart schooling in a choice of colours | 15-16.5" or 17-18" | £17.81 |
| Shires Performance Fully Lined Half Pad | Extra cushioning layered under your usual cloth | 15-18" in black | £20.70 |
| Shires Performance Supafleece Numnah | Sensitive skin – fleece comfort, easy washing | 14" to Full | £44.10 |
| Shires Airflow Anti Slip Numnah | Horses that work hard and sweat up | Cob and Full | £50.40 |
What's the difference between a saddlecloth and a numnah?
A numnah is shaped to follow the outline of your saddle, so only a neat rim shows around the edge – the traditional choice for showing and hunting, where the ARMA Working Hunter Supafleece Numnah (£43.20) is a classic look. A saddlecloth (or saddle pad) is squarer, shows more fabric and is where you'll find brighter colours for schooling and jumping. Both do the same core job: protecting your horse's back and your saddle.
Do I need a half pad as well as a numnah?
Many riders layer a half pad over a thin numnah or saddlecloth for extra shock absorption, or to fine-tune the fit of a saddle between saddler visits. The Performance Fully Lined Half Pad (£20.70) adds soft cushioning across the whole panel area, while the fully quilted Performance Half Lined Numnah (£27.00) builds the lining into the numnah itself. A half pad is a comfort layer, not a fix for a poorly fitting saddle – if your saddle is pinching or bridging, have a saddle fitter check it first.
What size Shires numnah does my horse need?
Match the pad to your saddle, not just your horse. Shires sizes most shaped numnahs as Pony, Cob and Full, while saddlecloths and half pads are usually sized by saddle length – 15-16.5" fits most pony and cob saddles, 17-18" suits full-size saddles. For high-withered horses, the Wessex High Wither Comfort Saddlecloth (£19.79, Pony/Cob) is cut higher at the front so it doesn't press on the wither. Not sure which size to pick? Get in touch and our team will help.
How do I stop my saddle pad slipping?
If your saddlecloth creeps back or your saddle drifts sideways, an anti-slip layer usually solves it. The Ultra No Slip Pad (£11.70) slots discreetly under your existing cloth, while the Airflow Anti Slip Numnah (£50.40) combines grip with a breathable perforated build for horses in harder work. Always pull the pad up into the saddle gullet before girthing so it doesn't pull tight across the spine.
Shires Saddlecloths & Numnahs FAQs
What is a numnah used for?
A numnah cushions the saddle against your horse's back, absorbs sweat and keeps the underside of your saddle clean. It follows the shape of the saddle, so it looks tidy under any discipline's tack. An everyday quilted option like the Shires Wessex Numnah (£15.30) covers most riders' needs.
Should I use a numnah and a saddle pad together?
You can, but you don't have to. One well-fitting pad is enough for most horses. Riders add a second layer – usually a half pad – when they want extra shock absorption or a slightly snugger saddle fit. Avoid stacking thick layers, as too much bulk can make a saddle unstable.
Which Shires numnah is best for a sensitive-skinned horse?
The Shires Performance Supafleece Numnah (£44.10) is our usual recommendation. Its dense fleece pile feels like sheepskin against the skin, helps reduce rubbing, and machine washes and dries far more easily than real wool. If rubs or soreness persist, ask your vet or saddle fitter to check the underlying cause.
What size saddlecloth fits a 17 inch saddle?
Choose the 17-18" size. Shires saddlecloths and half pads are sized by saddle length: 15-16.5" for pony and cob saddles, 17-18" for full-size saddles. Shaped numnahs use Pony, Cob and Full instead – a 17" saddle normally takes a Full.
How do I wash a Shires numnah?
Brush off dried hair and mud first, then machine wash cool on a gentle cycle following the care label, using a non-biological detergent. Air dry away from direct heat. Shires' easycare fabrics, including the Supafleece range, are designed to wash well and dry quickly, so regular cleaning won't wear them out.
Do anti-slip pads really work?
Yes – a grippy layer such as the Shires Ultra No Slip Pad (£11.70) noticeably reduces saddle and pad movement for most horses. Bear in mind that persistent slipping can also point to saddle fit or asymmetry issues, so if the problem continues, a saddle fitter's opinion is worthwhile.
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Last reviewed 2026-07-19 by the Just Horse Riders team.