Why do you use a saddle blanket underneath the saddle?

The saddle pad or blanket provides a bit of extra cushioning between the saddle and the horse and helps the saddle stay clean. Without a pad or blanket, a saddle will sit directly on the horse, where it will absorb sweat and pick up dirt from the horse's back.

1. What is the blanket under a saddle?
2. What goes under a saddle to protect a horse?
3. Why do you use a half pad under saddle?
4. What is the purpose of a saddle blanket?
5. Do you put a blanket under a saddle pad?
6. How thick should your saddle pad be?
7. Can you wash a saddle blanket?
8. How long should my saddle pad be?
9. Do horses need saddle pads?
10. What does a wither pad do?
11. How do you know if you need a half pad?
12. Is a half pad necessary?
13. What is a Shimmable half pad?

What is the blanket under a saddle?

The terms saddle blanket, saddle pad (or numnah), and saddle cloth refer to blankets, pads or fabrics inserted under a saddle. These are usually used to absorb sweat, cushion the saddle, and protect the horse's back.

What goes under a saddle to protect a horse?

Saddle cloths and numnahs are two pieces of equipment that serve a similar purpose. They are inserted beneath the saddle in order to absorb the horse's sweat, cushion the saddle and protect the animal's back.

Why do you use a half pad under saddle?

Adding a half pad underneath the saddle with some extra cushion will fill up the space between your horse's back and the saddle, and lead to a more snug (and much more comfortable!) ... Similarly, because all horses have different backs with different conformations, you may find that your saddle doesn't quite fit right.

What is the purpose of a saddle blanket?

The saddle pad or blanket provides a bit of extra cushioning between the saddle and the horse and helps the saddle stay clean. Without a pad or blanket, a saddle will sit directly on the horse, where it will absorb sweat and pick up dirt from the horse's back.

Do you put a blanket under a saddle pad?

Saddle fit is the foundation to a proper setup. Even a well-padded, well-fitted blanket with all the latest features can't do its job if the saddle's tree doesn't fit your horse's back. Barring unusual conformation, a horse's sweat patterns underneath his blanket should be even.

How thick should your saddle pad be?

If you and your gear together weigh more than 200 lbs., you should get at least a 7/8" pad, but a 1" would be better. What kind of terrain will you be riding on? If you regularly ride over mountainous or hilly areas, again, you want at least a 7/8" thick pad, but 1" would be better.

Can you wash a saddle blanket?

A blanket you use regularly can be washed in a tub of cold water every 60 to 90 days. (Do not machine wash.) For thorough cleaning, let it soak in cold water for at least an hour. ... Brush the damp blanket (whether it's hanging or spread out) with a soft to medium horse brush, then turn it over and brush the other side.

How long should my saddle pad be?

As a general guideline, it is best to add about 3” to the length of your saddle (front to back) to find the correct size pad. A pad that is too small will provide insufficient coverage, while a pad that is too large may impede motion.

Do horses need saddle pads?

To protect your horse and saddle, a properly fitted saddle pad is imperative. More than a matter of comfort, a proper saddle pad protects your horse's back and also helps preserve your saddle.

What does a wither pad do?

Designed to fit under your saddle and over your horse's withers to effectively redistribute the rider's weight along your horse's back. Remarkable results can be seen when you move your weight away from directly pushing down on your horse's shoulders.

How do you know if you need a half pad?

Situations where half pads are required include when the horse has changed shape or lost muscle, a common occurrence in competition horses or those recovering from injury.

Is a half pad necessary?

Half Pad Purpose

Horses that need more cushioning or support than a regular pad provides will benefit from a half-pad. It is preferable to adding another full-size pad because it doesn't add additional bulk throughout the saddle; this is particularly important for close-contact disciplines, like jumping.

What is a Shimmable half pad?

Correction or "Shimmable" Half Pads

Shims are additional inserts that make the half pad thicker to fill in gaps between the saddle and the horses back. ... A shimmable half pad can be very helpful when riding multiple horses in the same saddle to make minor adjustments.