Horse Saddle Blankets
Image via Wikipedia
Horse saddle blankets, alternatively known as saddle pads, saddle clothes and numnahs, all refer to the same thing, a pad of fabric which is inserted between the horse saddle and the horse. Horse saddle blankets do have several different uses, in fact, many of them manage to fulfil all uses in one go -
- cushion the riding saddle
- protect the horses back from the riding saddle
- absorb sweat as the horse works
- help to keep the riding saddle clean – a horse saddle blanket is much easier to clean than the underneath side of a sweaty leather saddle
Horse saddle blankets should not be used to compensate for an ill fitting riding saddle, they can, however, help to partially compensate for very minor problems.
Horse saddle blankets are most commonly associated with Western saddles, often made from cotton, wool or synethic fabrics. They are usually square so as to fit just about any horse with many bright and colorful native style designs. A nice colorful horse saddle blanket can really add a little something to the overall appearance of your horse.
Lots of western saddles, horses and riders, with lots of bright and colorful western horse saddle blankets.
Saddle pads and numnahs are most commonly associated with English saddles, and are often layers of foam, felt or other materials which are sandwiched together between a tougher layer of on the topside and underside of the saddle pad. Well designed horse saddle pads and numnahs will absorb shock and help to protect the horses’ back muscles.
