Choosing Your Numnah

Here are some top tips from Griffin NuuMed, our favourite British manufacturer of high quality numnahs and saddlepads using sustainable British Wool. 

All NuuMed saddlepads are designed to fit a specific saddle size:

Small fits 15 – 15 ½” saddle

Medium fits 16 – 16 ½” saddle

Large fits 17 – 17 ½” saddle

XL fits 18” + saddle

Here are a few factors to consider when choosing your numnah or saddlepad: 

  1. Get the right saddlepad shape to fit your saddle. Is your saddle a general purpose or all purpose/ Dressage / Forward Cut / Close Contact (very forward cut) / VSD etc. Your saddlepad should fit the saddle design.
  2. How well does your saddle fit your horse? If it fits well, you don’t need a thick pad or more than one pad because it will make the saddle too tight for your horse and very uncomfortable.
  3. Get the details right. Even if you have the right size, make sure: * the saddle flaps are long enough (especially on dressage pads) * the seat is wide enough on shaped saddlepads or numnahs * the straps are in the right place and the right length
  4. Think about the material used. Is it man made or natural? Natural fabrics are best and British Wool is the best of all (see materials page for more details).
  5. How easy is it to look after the saddlepad? You want it to stand up to vigorous use, be machine washable and quick/easy to dry.
  6. Does your saddlepad give you value for your money? Will it last for lots of years, not just one season or one year.
  7. Is the saddlepad the right one for the competitions you want to enter?