sheepskin numnahs

[Peanot]

Just curious. I`ve always had my saddles fitted by professional saddle fitters and so the saddles are fitted without a numnah etc.
So if you use a thick saddle cloth, what is the reason? Otherwise do you have to have the saddle fitted a bit wider? or just looser? All the eventers/showjumpers use them, obviously for a good reason. I would love to wear one to help protect the back but I dont want to jepodise the fit of the saddle. What do you think?
Thanks

 

[Ravenwood]

My horse nearly always wears a sheepskin because she has such sensitive skin. She has become sore after a days hunting with just a cotton numnah. The sheepskin wicks away the sweat and therefore no rubbing.

My saddle fits absolutely fine with or without but you do need a longer girth!!!

 

[jesterfaerie]

I use a sheepskin half pad because the saddle fitter recommended it.
His saddle fits him without it but fits him a little better with the pad.
Could you possibly ring the person who fitted the saddle to ask them what they think?

 

[jhoward]

apparently my saddle is designed to be used with a sheepskin... ive got to be honest i have no idea why!

 

[Peanot]

Thanks. I am having another saddle fitted on Sunday and I was wondering whether to ask them to fit it so as I could wear one underneath. I`m not sure if it has to be fitted differently. Hence the question.
I had the present saddle fitted by them 5 months ago when my horse wasnt as fit and as shapely as she is now.

 

[mintaka04]

Interesting comment.
I have a reactor panel saddle, and I always feel that it doesn't fit quite the same with the big sheepskin booties on.
The saddle fitter tells me it shouldn't make a difference, but it certainly feels different to me!
Yes, you need a longer girth, and you might find your leg is not so close to the horse.

That said, you can't beat real sheepskin for wicking qualities and pressure relief.

 

[LCobby]

The thinnest finest sheepskin , more like shearing, will absorb sweat without bulking out the shape of the horse. But are pricey , eg Courtlea, Or the thinnest cotton numnah.

Serge or linen lined saddles don;t seem to be made any more- perhaps too labour intensive to clean, but they absorbed moisture so well.