Another saddle pad question

[ThreeFigs]

I’d like to find a shaped dressage saddle pad for the summer. IMO, the square pads are just ‘too much’ for a horse in the summer. Heck, WE wear tank tops and short sleeves in summer, wouldn’t the horses appreciate the horsey version of a tank top?

Not talking about the “European” cut saddle pads, but ones that actually are designed to fit the shape of a saddle. Back in the Dark Ages, when I first started riding, square pads were never seen – everything was shaped.

Am I seeking a “unicorn” saddle pad?

[Displaced_Yankee]

Oh oh I have a few ideas on this one too!

PRI has some really nice saddle pads and offers a shaped dressage cut. Click “Saddle Pads” and scroll down to “Shaped Saddle Pads”. I see 2-4 dressage cut options. The website leaves a lot to be desired but I can attest to these pads holding up well with wash and wear.
http://priequine.com/

Le Mieux has one:
https://www.lemieuxproducts.com/us/horse-saddle-pads/dressage-pads/cotton-dressage-numnah-black-large?gclid=Cj0KCQjw6cKiBhD5ARIsAKXUdyZ5Aiorf7KN_-FecisS-ODO1ZwImr3MKK8oIa0XrAJ5C_5IfN6zr1AaAh3TEALw_wcB#selection.size=6707

[Silverbridge]

I would love to see the LeMieux one on a horse. I’ve only been showing dressage since 2013, and casually in lessons on and off since about 1995. So I’ve never seen anyone using anything like that. Or if they did I didn’t notice it. I like it.

[Displaced_Yankee]

Search this pad on Dover’s website, someone posted pictures in the review section!

[equinelibrium]

Shaped pads are called numnahs in the UK I believe. You might be able to find some more options using that term! I have a couple square Nuumed pads, and they’re extremely lightweight. But they also make shaped pads.

https://nuumed.com/77-hiwither-everyday-numnah-nm11-dr#/4-size-extra_large/483-binding_colour-white/6-colour-white

[2tempe]

Another option, also UK. https://www.theequinewarehouse.com/horse#brand[]=Performance&page=1&filters={}

I shopped for one of these some years ago, specifically looking for wool back, and they are definitely hard to find.

[exvet]

I have a couple of the PRI shaped pads. They’ve held up very well considering how often I use them and wash them.

[sheltona01]

I love the PRI pads, however they can be thicker than a lot of pads. Not sure if that is something you want.

[Nous]

Yes they are called numnahs, I’ve have both nuumed numnahs and pads and they are good.

[Nous]

@2tempe

I shopped for one of these some years ago, specifically looking for wool back, and they are definitely hard to find.

I sort of scoffed at this and then did some googling and you are correct, they are a lot harder to find even in the UK!
There also seems to be a problem distinguishing between GP & Dressage cuts as some of the websites don’t actually specify this.

There are Shires Arma numnahs which look as though they’ll fit a dressage saddle:

Shires ARMA Numnah

and a “lite” Numnah which looks slight more GP.

Shires ARMA Lite Numnah

You may need to talk to Shires or the retailers to get accurate sizing details.

[ThreeFigs]

Hey, thanks for all the super leads on numnahs you guys!

“Numnah” is a word I haven’t heard used since my British riding instructor went back home. I forgot all about it!

[2tempe]

someone posted this on my other Saddle pad thread.

EquiRoyal Quilted English Saddle Pad