Wool Saddle Pad Benefits

There is nothing like a Wool Saddle Pad… But Why?

Surprisingly, modern textile technology is still trying to play catch-up with wool. But this is no surprise to us. Mother Nature has had thousands of years' head start with countless test subjects. What she has come up with is nothing short of a technological marvel.

When a horse exercises, his muscles create heat. A horse will produce sweat, which is the horse's built-in cooling process. Heated blood travels close to the skin surface; as the sweat evaporates, it creates “evaporative cooling” that cools the blood at the skin level before it returns to the heart. This allows the horse to perform better and longer. Research shows that because of wool’s effective cooling management, a horse can maintain a lower and more stable core body temperature when using a wool saddle pad next to the skin instead of synthetics.

Did Mother Nature stop there? No. To aid in the cooling effect, sheep's wool acts as a sophisticated water pump. The wool fiber is, for the most part, a hollow tube with a water-resistant outer coating, much like a straw. The inner layer, its cortex, is hydrophilic (water-loving). The cortex can draw moisture away from the horse’s sweat—up to one-third of its weight—and because it is inside a waterproof tube, the pad itself will not feel damp against the horse. Pretty amazing, right?

With all this moisture retention, a wool saddle pad’s shining advantage is breathability. The corkscrew shape of the wool fiber creates natural air channels that allow air to travel freely within the saddle pad. Simultaneously, moisture is drawn up the waterproof tube away from the horse to the top of the pad, where it is released into the air.

Saddle Pad Resilience & Shock Absorption

Additionally, the unique corkscrew shape of wool fibers gives these saddle pads particularly good resilience. This means that saddle pads made from wool will retain their thickness over time. Even better, the fibers act like tiny springs, allowing you to cinch your saddle tight with less pressure than synthetic pads. This acts as a mini suspension system, making the ride dramatically more comfortable for both horse and rider.

Why Wool Stays in Place

Many riders know that when a horse sweats, synthetic pads (like neoprene, memory foam, or plastic fibers) will start to slip and slide. Wool’s twisted fibers act like a natural Velcro when placed against the hair of a horse. For this reason, wool saddle pads have long been the pad of choice for high-performance Barrel Racers and Ropers who need security.

Wool Felt vs. Fleece: The Difference Matters

Do not confuse a sheep fleece bottom with a compressed wool saddle pad. While they share the original material, fleece on a hide is oriented differently. When using a fleece-bottom pad, the fibers are often pointed down toward the horse, or the structure is not dense enough to wick effectively in one direction. This can sometimes trap sweat or become slippery—similar to how your feet might sweat in fleece slippers compared to the dryness of wool socks.

Our pressed wool saddle pads use cut fibers oriented to pull sweat away from the back actively, ensuring the "wicking" engine works correctly.

Conforming to Your Horse's Back

Another significant benefit is that wool saddle pads will conform to your horse's back. After a few rides, your wool saddle pad will take on the shape of the horse's back, greatly reducing dry spots. While saddle tree fit is the most important factor, a high-quality wool pad is the best support you can give your saddle.

Top Rated Wool Saddle Pads

Ready to upgrade your ride? Browse our full collection or check out our customer favorites below.

➔ Shop The Full Wool Collection

• The Montana: Tan Wool Saddle Pad (Our Best Seller)
• The Silverado: Grey Wool Contoured Pad
• The Texan: Elite Pressed Wool Saddle Pad