Numnah Half Pads: Practical Solutions for Saddle Fit Problems
How to Choose the Right Numnah Half Pad for Saddle Fit, Comfort and Performance
Updated September 2025
A practical guide for Australian riders on identifying common saddle fit problems - and how the right half pad design can improve balance, airflow, and comfort without adding bulk.
Even the best-fitted saddle can shift as your horse changes shape with training, age, or condition. That’s where a well-chosen numnah half pad comes in. Far more than a comfort extra, these pads provide targeted lift, relieve pressure points, and improve airflow. A true numnah is shaped to follow the saddle, sitting neatly beneath it without bulk or distraction, built for function, not fashion. The key is matching the right pad to the right problem; otherwise, you risk adding bulk and making the fit worse. This guide breaks down the most common saddle fit challenges Australian riders face, and which Delzani half pad offers the smartest fix.
When your saddle slips forward or back
Slippage can be caused by round barrels, laid-back shoulders, high withers, or even a sweaty back. Beyond being frustrating, a moving saddle causes rubs and destabilises your position. A contoured, spineless sheepskin pad improves stability by wicking sweat and keeping the saddle sitting flat against the back.
Best choice: Air Pro Plus, with triple air vents for airflow and layered sheepskin–memory foam cushioning that grips without bulky lift.
When there’s pressure on the withers or spine
Low front saddles, lost muscle, or old flocking can leave your horse sore at the withers or along the spine. The solution is a spineless design that creates a clear air channel while supporting either side of the wither with foam or shims. Natural sheepskin is a bonus here, soft, cushioning, and breathable enough to wick sweat and reduce heat.
Best choice: The Air Pro Plus relieves pressure with its channel and cooling vents. For adjustable lift, choose the Defender (front/rear pockets) or the Contour Pro (full-length pocket for precise shim placement).
When your horse’s muscle is uneven
Young horses, those returning to work, or naturally asymmetrical backs can leave a saddle tipping forward, back, or side-to-side. Shimmable half pads let you add subtle lift only where it’s needed, keeping the saddle balanced while the horse develops or until flocking is adjusted.
Best choice: The Defender for simple front–rear balance, or the Contour Pro for high withers and trickier asymmetries.
When one saddle is used on multiple horses
One saddle rarely fits different toplines perfectly. Shimmable half pads let you keep a recordable set-up for each horse, maintaining clearance and balance without constant reflocking. This is particularly useful for riders who share a saddle across multiple horses or who are fitting a saddle to a developing youngster.
Best choice: The Defender for straightforward adjustments, or the Contour Pro if you need more precision.
When heat and sweat are the enemy
Australian summers test even the toughest coats. Salt and dust combine with heat to create friction, often leaving sensitive backs raw. Sheepskin is a natural solution breathable, absorbent, and cushioning, while spineless pads and air vents keep sweat channels clear. Unlike synthetic foams that trap heat, wool fibres wick moisture and help your horse stay cooler.
Best choice: Air Pro Plus for airflow and cushioning, or step up to a shimmable design if balance adjustments are also needed.
Fitting and care tips
Adding any pad is like wearing thicker socks in snug boots. Recheck clearance with the rider up. Shim with intent: add lift only where needed. Always pull the pad into the gullet to free the spine, and reassess fit monthly during heavy training. Between rides, brush and air-dry sheepskin in shade, and wash only with specialist wool detergent to preserve fibres. A clean, breathable pad isn’t just healthier for your horse; it lasts longer too.
Choosing your Delzani half pad
Match the pad to your challenge:
- For slipping saddles and summer sweat: Air Pro Plus
- For simple front/rear lift: Defender
- For high withers and tricky asymmetry: Contour Pro
Explore our full range of Delzani numnahs and saddle pads. Remember: half pads are fine-tuning tools, not replacements for professional saddle fitting. If you notice soreness, white hairs, or reluctance under saddle, book your saddler and vet. Used correctly, a half pad can give your horse more freedom, comfort, and confidence in every stride.
Written by Jane Griffiths - An experienced Australian horse owner and product developer with over three decades immersed in equestrian life. Jane has spent years refining horse rugs, tack, and riding apparel to better suit Australian climates. She has enjoyed countless weekends at gymkhanas, show jumping events, and pony club competitions with her daughter, and still loves hitting the trails with friends whenever she can. Her lifelong passion for horses and hands-on understanding of equine comfort continue to shape her practical, rider-first approach to horse care and product design.
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