Choosing the right saddle pad is about more than appearance. The pad needs to fit the saddle, provide appropriate coverage, and help keep your horse comfortable during the ride. Sheepskin is a popular choice because its natural fibers provide cushioning, moisture management, and a soft layer between the saddle and the horse.

Barn World carries sheepskin saddle pads in several designs, including half pads, contoured pads, full-length pads, and Western saddle blankets.

Why Choose a Sheepskin Saddle Pad?

Sheepskin has properties that make it well suited to saddle pads. The natural fibers create cushioning under the saddle while helping manage moisture and heat. The material also conforms to the horse and saddle, making it useful for riders who want a comfortable pad without relying entirely on synthetic materials.

Barn World's current sheepskin saddle pads use Australian Merino sheepskin. The full-length pad with full lining, for example, uses medical-grade tan Australian Merino sheepskin and is available in white, black, and navy.

Sheepskin Saddle Pad Benefits

A good saddle pad should provide coverage and cushioning without interfering with saddle fit. Sheepskin offers several characteristics that make it useful for different types of riding.

• Cushioning: The dense natural fibers provide a layer of cushioning between the saddle and horse.
• Moisture management: Sheepskin can wick moisture away from the horse's skin and help manage sweat during a ride.
• Breathability: The natural fibers allow air to move through the material.
• Pressure management: The cushioning can help reduce friction and pressure points when the pad and saddle fit properly.
• Comfort: The soft wool fibers provide a comfortable surface against the horse.

Choosing Between Half, Contoured, and Full-Length Saddle Pads

Barn World's sheepskin saddle pads come in different shapes because riders use different saddles and ride in different disciplines. The right design depends largely on the saddle you use and how much coverage you want.

Pad Type	Good Choice For
Half Pad	Riders looking for a low-profile pad with targeted cushioning
Contoured Pad	Riders wanting a shaped pad that follows the horse's back
Full-Length Pad	Dressage and all-purpose riding requiring more coverage
Western Saddle Blanket	Western saddles and riders wanting broad saddle coverage

Sheepskin Half Pads

A half pad is a good option when you want the benefits of sheepskin without using a full-length saddle pad. Barn World's half-pad designs are low-profile and available with a pommel roll or with both pommel and cantle rolls.

The pommel roll can help keep the saddle from moving forward, while a cantle roll can provide additional resistance to rearward movement. Riders can choose the configuration based on how they ride and how much saddle security they want.

The half pads are available in blue, black, and white quilting.

Contoured Sheepskin Saddle Pads

A contoured saddle pad is shaped to follow the horse's back rather than using a simple rectangular design. This can help the pad sit more naturally beneath the saddle and provide coverage around the horse's topline.

Contoured designs are available for riders who want the cushioning and moisture-wicking properties of sheepskin in a pad shaped for the saddle and horse.

 

Full-Length Sheepskin Saddle Pads

Full-length sheepskin saddle pads provide more coverage than a half pad. Barn World's full-length designs are available for Dressage and all-purpose riding, with different lining and roll configurations.

The full-length sheepskin saddle pad with full roll and full lining is available in Dressage and all-purpose styles. The pad measures 26 inches from front to back with a 22-inch leg drop, making it a larger pad for riders who want substantial coverage.

The full-length designs combine quilted saddle-pad construction with Australian Merino sheepskin. Depending on the configuration, riders can choose a full lining, partial lining, pommel roll, or rolled edge.

Western Sheepskin Saddle Blankets

Western riders may prefer a saddle blanket rather than a Dressage or all-purpose pad. Barn World carries a Western sheepskin saddle blanket that combines a traditional quilted blanket appearance with a full Australian Merino sheepskin lining.

The current Western saddle blanket is available in white, black, and navy. It provides broad coverage and is designed to accommodate saddles up to 30.5 inches long. The blanket measures approximately 31 inches from front to back and has an 18-inch leg drop.

Full Lining or Partial Lining?

The amount of sheepskin lining is another consideration when choosing a saddle pad. A full lining places sheepskin throughout the underside of the pad, while a partial lining uses sheepskin in the areas where it is most useful.

A full lining can be a good choice when maximum sheepskin coverage is a priority. A partial lining may appeal to riders who want the benefits of sheepskin while keeping the pad lighter or using a different combination of materials.

Barn World offers both full- and partial-lining configurations among its full-length sheepskin saddle pads.

Pommel and Cantle Rolls

Some sheepskin saddle pads include a pommel roll, cantle roll, or both. These raised sections sit around the front or rear of the saddle and can help limit movement.

A pommel roll is positioned toward the front of the saddle. A cantle roll is positioned toward the rear. Riders who want additional saddle security can choose a design that incorporates both.

These features are particularly worth considering if saddle movement is a concern during faster riding, jumping, competition, or other activities where the saddle experiences more movement.

How to Choose the Right Sheepskin Saddle Pad

Start with the saddle rather than choosing a pad based only on its appearance. The pad needs to fit the saddle correctly and provide enough coverage without creating unnecessary bulk.

• Identify your saddle: Determine whether you ride Western, Dressage, all-purpose, or another discipline.
• Measure the saddle: Check the saddle dimensions against the pad specifications.
• Decide how much coverage you want: A half pad provides less coverage than a full-length pad.
• Choose the lining: Consider whether full or partial sheepskin lining makes more sense for your use.
• Consider saddle security: A pommel or cantle roll may be useful if you want additional resistance to saddle movement.
• Check the shape: Choose a Dressage, all-purpose, contoured, or Western design that matches your saddle.

How to Clean a Sheepskin Saddle Pad

Sheepskin needs appropriate care to preserve the natural fibers. Barn World's product information recommends hand washing with a mild detergent and allowing the pad to dry naturally.

Avoid harsh cleaning methods that can damage the wool fibers or alter the shape of the pad. After cleaning, allow the pad to dry completely before putting it back into use.

Sheepskin Saddle Pads for Different Types of Riding

There is no single saddle pad design that works for every rider. A Dressage rider may need a different shape from someone riding Western, while an all-purpose rider may want a versatile full-length design.

Barn World's current selection includes options for Dressage, all-purpose, Western, and riders who prefer the lower profile of a half pad. The selection can be narrowed by saddle style, pad shape, lining, and the amount of coverage you need.

Sheepskin Saddle Pad FAQs

What are the benefits of a sheepskin saddle pad?

Sheepskin provides natural cushioning and moisture management. Its fibers can help reduce friction and provide a comfortable layer between the saddle and horse.

What is the difference between a half pad and a full-length saddle pad?

A half pad provides a smaller area of coverage and is designed to sit beneath the saddle. A full-length pad extends farther around the saddle and provides more overall coverage.

Are sheepskin saddle pads available for Western saddles?

Yes. Barn World carries a full-length Western sheepskin saddle blanket with full Australian Merino sheepskin lining.

Are sheepskin saddle pads available for Dressage saddles?

Yes. Barn World's full-length sheepskin pads are available in a Dressage style as well as an all-purpose style.

What size saddle does the Western sheepskin saddle blanket fit?

The current Western saddle blanket is designed to accommodate saddles up to 30.5 inches long. It provides approximately 31 inches of front-to-back coverage with an 18-inch leg drop.

Can I get a sheepskin saddle pad with a pommel roll?

Yes. Barn World offers full-length sheepskin saddle pads with a pommel roll, as well as other configurations with full or partial lining and rolled edges.

Choosing Your Sheepskin Saddle Pad

The right sheepskin saddle pad comes down to the saddle you use, the type of riding you do, and how much coverage and cushioning you want. Barn World offers several configurations rather than one universal pad, making it easier to match the pad to your riding setup.

If you need help deciding between a half pad, contoured pad, full-length pad, or Western saddle blanket, Barn World can help you compare the current sheepskin saddle pads based on your saddle type, riding style, and coverage requirements.