A saddle pad affects more than the look of a horse and saddle. The right pad provides a layer between the saddle and the horse while helping manage pressure, moisture, and friction during a ride.

Sheepskin saddle pads are valued for the natural cushioning and moisture-wicking properties of sheepskin. They are available in several shapes and configurations, including half pads, contoured pads, and full-length pads for different saddles and riding disciplines.

Barn World's current selection includes sheepskin pads for Western, Dressage, and all-purpose riding, with different lining and edge options to match the rider's needs.

Sheepskin saddle pads are available in several designs at Barn World.

What Is a Sheepskin Saddle Pad?

A sheepskin saddle pad uses natural sheepskin as part or all of the material between the saddle and the horse. The wool fibers provide cushioning and can help move moisture away from the horse's back.

The natural fibers also have a degree of resilience, allowing the material to compress under pressure and recover its shape. This makes sheepskin useful when cushioning and moisture management are important considerations.

The amount of sheepskin used in a pad varies. Some designs have partial lining, while others have sheepskin covering the entire underside and edge.

Types of Sheepskin Saddle Pads

Barn World's current sheepskin saddle pad collection includes three basic configurations:

Pad Type	Typical Use
1/2 pad	Adds sheepskin cushioning beneath part of the saddle
Contoured pad	Follows the shape of the horse's back and saddle
Full-length pad	Provides broader coverage beneath the saddle

The best configuration depends on the saddle being used, the horse's back, and how much coverage and cushioning the rider wants.

Sheepskin Half Pads

A half pad places sheepskin cushioning between the saddle and an existing saddle pad. This can be useful when a rider wants the characteristics of sheepskin without replacing the primary saddle pad.

A half pad also provides flexibility because it can be used with different saddle pads. The shape and dimensions should still be checked against the saddle to make sure the pad does not interfere with the saddle's fit.

Barn World's current collection includes sheepskin half pads as one of its available styles.

Contoured Sheepskin Saddle Pads

A contoured saddle pad is shaped to follow the horse's back rather than using a completely flat profile. The contour can provide a closer fit around the withers and along the horse's topline.

Contoured pads are available for different types of riding. When selecting one, consider the shape of the horse's back as well as the saddle. A pad should not create pressure points or interfere with the saddle's position.

Barn World's current selection includes contoured sheepskin saddle pads for riders looking for this style.

Full-Length Sheepskin Saddle Pads

Full-length sheepskin saddle pads provide more extensive coverage beneath the saddle. Barn World's current selection includes full-length designs with different lining and edge configurations.

Some full-length pads are available with a pommel roll, cantle roll, or a fully rolled edge. These details affect the appearance and configuration of the pad as well as how the sheepskin extends around the edges.

The current Barn World collection identifies full-length sheepskin pads for Western riding, packing, barrel racing, and other applications.

Partial vs. Full Sheepskin Lining

One of the differences between sheepskin saddle pad designs is how much of the pad is covered by sheepskin.

A partially lined pad has sheepskin extending only partway down the underside. A fully lined pad carries the sheepskin across the underside and can also have sheepskin rolled around the outside edge.

Configuration	Sheepskin Coverage
Partial lining	Sheepskin covers part of the underside
Full lining	Sheepskin covers the underside more extensively
Full rolled edge	Sheepskin extends around the outside edge

The choice comes down to the type of coverage desired and the saddle being used.

Why Use Sheepskin Under a Saddle?

Sheepskin has several characteristics that make it useful as a saddle pad material.

• Cushioning: The wool fibers provide a natural layer of cushioning between the saddle and horse.
• Moisture management: Sheepskin can absorb and move moisture away from the horse's skin.
• Breathability: The wool structure allows air to move through the fibers.
• Conformability: The material can compress and conform to the surfaces around it.
• Friction management: Properly fitted sheepskin can provide a smooth layer between the saddle and horse.

These characteristics do not replace the need for a properly fitted saddle. A saddle pad can add cushioning, but it cannot correct a saddle that does not fit the horse.

Sheepskin Saddle Pads for Western Riding

Western saddles generally require a larger pad than English saddles because of their larger skirt area. A full-length sheepskin saddle pad can provide coverage beneath the Western saddle while adding the cushioning and moisture management associated with sheepskin.

The current Barn World sheepskin collection includes full-length pads intended for Western riding as well as packing and barrel racing.

When choosing a Western pad, check the saddle dimensions and the shape of the horse's back. The pad should provide adequate coverage without extending so far beyond the saddle that it interferes with the horse or equipment.

Sheepskin Saddle Pads for Dressage and English Saddles

Sheepskin is not limited to Western saddles. Different pad shapes are available for English and Dressage riding.

A Dressage pad is shaped differently from a Western pad and is designed to fit beneath the longer, more streamlined panels of a Dressage saddle. An all-purpose English pad has a different shape again.

Before ordering, match the pad style to the saddle. Barn World's sheepskin collection includes full-length designs for Dressage and contoured all-purpose applications.

English Saddle Pad

 

Pommel and Cantle Rolls

Some sheepskin saddle pads include raised rolls around the pommel or cantle. These rolls can provide additional structure at the front or rear of the pad and can affect how the pad looks beneath the saddle.

Barn World's current article describes full-length sheepskin pads with front, cantle, and full rolled-edge options.

When choosing a rolled pad, make sure the additional material does not interfere with the saddle's normal position.

How to Clean a Sheepskin Saddle Pad

Regular cleaning is important because saddle pads collect sweat, hair, dirt, and dust during use.

The current Barn World product information recommends cleaning sheepskin with mild detergent and cold water. It advises squeezing the pad without twisting it and allowing it to dry on a flat surface or in the sun. A light brushing after drying can help restore the loft of the wool fibers.

The current product information also cautions against washing the pad in a washing machine with an agitator because agitation can distort the quilting or affect the sheepskin.

How to Choose the Right Sheepskin Saddle Pad

Start with the saddle and horse rather than choosing a pad based only on appearance. The pad should fit the saddle and provide appropriate coverage for the horse's back.

• Saddle type: Choose a pad designed for Western, Dressage, or English riding as appropriate.
• Coverage: Decide whether a half pad, contoured pad, or full-length pad makes the most sense.
• Horse's back: Consider the horse's topline, withers, and overall conformation.
• Riding discipline: Trail riding, Western performance, barrel racing, packing, and Dressage can require different pad shapes.
• Lining: Choose between partial and more extensive sheepskin coverage.
• Edge style: Consider whether a pommel, cantle, or full rolled edge is appropriate.
• Saddle fit: Make sure the additional material does not change the saddle fit in a way that creates pressure.

Sheepskin Saddle Pads vs. Wool Felt Pads

Sheepskin and wool felt are both wool-based materials, but they are used differently in saddle pads.

Feature	Sheepskin	Wool Felt
Construction	Natural sheepskin with wool fibers attached to the hide	Compressed wool fibers
Common pad styles	Half, contoured, and full-length pads	Many Western saddle pad designs
Cushioning	Natural wool fiber cushioning	Dense felt cushioning
Moisture management	Natural wool fibers wick moisture	Wool also provides moisture management
Typical use	Western, English, and Dressage applications depending on design	Primarily Western saddle pads

Neither material is automatically right for every horse. Saddle fit, pad shape, riding discipline, and the horse's individual needs should guide the choice.

Finding the Right Sheepskin Saddle Pad

A sheepskin saddle pad can be a useful choice when you want natural wool cushioning and moisture management under the saddle. The important part is selecting a shape and configuration that works with both the horse and saddle.

Barn World's current sheepskin saddle pads include half pads, contoured pads, and full-length designs for different riding applications. Check the individual product specifications for the current styles, sizes, and lining options before ordering.

Finding the Right Sheepskin Saddle Pad

A sheepskin saddle pad can be a useful choice when you want natural wool cushioning and moisture management under the saddle. The important part is selecting a shape and configuration that works with both the horse and saddle.

Barn World's current sheepskin saddle pads include half pads, contoured pads, and full-length designs for different riding applications. Check the individual product specifications for the current styles, sizes, and lining options before ordering.

If you are unsure which sheepskin saddle pad fits your horse, saddle, or riding style, Barn World can help you compare the available options. Contact us with your saddle type, riding discipline, and any specific fit or padding requirements, and we can help you find a pad that matches your setup.