Equine Saddle Cloths, Numnahs and Horse Rugs
Saddle cloths and numnahs - or saddle pads - are used to keep the underside of the saddle clean and also to minimise the saddle slipping when on your horse. You have to use the cloths and pads correctly or you can cause discomfort or injury to your horse. If they are not placed properly they can make a saddle not fit your horse correctly. You have to make sure that they are not allowed to crease up under the saddle or that they are too thick. It can cause unnecessary pressure on the horse's wither and spine if the saddle cloth or numnah is not pulled up fully. You shouldn't have to worry about making a claim on your equine insurance for something so easily preventable.
A horse's rug also has to be of the right type and fit correctly. A rug that slips and isn't reset or doesn't fit properly to begin with can rub against your horse and cause them discomfort. To figure out the right size of rug to use you should measure along the side of the horse from the middle of the chest to the start of the buttock. Rugs are sized in increments of three inches or about 7.5cm and range from 122cm to 229cm.
Deciding which rug is right for your horse is determined by both the size and shape of the horse and also the cut of the rug. A rug should fit good around a horse's shoulders and around the base of their neck. The rug is fastened in the front and should not be able to slip back and down below the shoulder. Your horse has to be able to move freely and to be able to lie down and roll without the rug slipping or causing restriction to your horse's movements.
You want to make sure all fasteners are secure so they will not come undone. Rugs are fastened with chest straps, hind leg straps and with cross surcingles - which are straps which cross from one side to the other underneath the horse's belly - or a combination of both. You want to make sure the rugs are cleaned and dried regularly. It is important that a rug fits your horse properly so they will be comfortable and be able to move freely.
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Do you have any advice for our readers on fitting a saddle cloth of horse rug? AFI would love to hear what you have to say. Please post your comments below if you would like to share your opinions with other members of AFI's Horse Community. Thank you and enjoy the blogs!
