We don't normally watch the National Spelling Bee, but we caught a few minutes of it last night and I'm glad to say we caught this very, very funny moment when one boy was asked to spell "numnah," which is a pad used between the saddle and the horse. I have never heard of a numnah, but after watching this, I won't forget it. (We use a variety of pads, but no numnahs.)
Watch this video -- precious!
Watch this video -- precious!
It's a very English word, used over here for thin saddle pads, generally saddle-shaped. I wonder whether, like jodhpur, the word originated in India during the British Empire? That might explain why the word isn't common in the US.
Posted by: White Horse Pilgrim | May 27, 2009 at 04:05 PM
Wow--sounds like it could be the answer to a great 4H Quiz Bowl question! I didn't realize my computer's sound was off before clicking "play," but I got so caught up in his priceless expressions I never turned it on for my first viewing! Thanks for sharing that clip.
Posted by: Horse Mom | May 27, 2009 at 08:57 PM
That is so cute! "Numnut??" I'm glad he got it right. Unusual word!
Posted by: flyinglily | May 28, 2009 at 05:38 AM
Numnah! Its a sheepskin, full or half pad (all the rage here last year). Used for hunter / jumper. Super for wicking sweat, and very soft. Brit or Aussie, just type it into ebay. Now you know where my name comes from :)
Posted by: Mumnah | May 31, 2009 at 07:13 AM
Love it! Anne, why can't I get your web address to go on my new blog roll?? Can you tell me what I need to type..I keep copy and pasting it and it still doesn't work.
Posted by: photogchic | June 02, 2009 at 12:17 AM
If one is older than dirt one learned that in Pony Club!
Posted by: Lucinda Lundell | June 04, 2009 at 07:55 PM