numnah

A saddle blanket is a blanket which is inserted under a saddle in order to absorb sweat, cushion the saddle, and protect the horse's back. A saddle pad or numnah is thicker, usually with layers of felt, foam or other modern material sandwiched between a tough outer cover on top and a soft cover on the side in contact with the horse. The best designs absorb shock and minimize fatigue for the horse's back muscles. Saddle pads of various styles or shapes are used with any type of saddle. Sheepskin numnahs that are shaped to fit around a show or dressage saddle are popular in Australian show rings.