Collection: Pure Wool Saddle Pads

Pure Wool Saddle Pads - Angus Barrett Saddlery

Saddle Pads Frequently Asked Questions

why are the saddle pads made from pure wool?

Because wool is a natural fibre, it is ideal for use directly against your horse's spine. The natural crimp of wool provides outstanding elasticity and resilience, and the quality of wool that we use ensures that the saddle pad bonds and conforms perfectly to your horse's back, preventing friction and rubbing.

Wool is extremely hard wearing and the quality way in which the wool is felted for our pads, delivers even greater strength, durability and shock absorbency.

what is the purpose of a saddle pad?

There is absolutely no reason to over complicate the simplicity of a saddle pad and its purpose.

A saddle pad is there to become the connection between saddle and horse. There is nothing better for this than a natural, breathable fibre like wool.

All Angus Barrett Saddlery saddle pads are guaranteed to be durable and long lasting in any environment. This really is a great product - one of Angus Barrett's best.

are there different sizes and colours of the saddle pads?

Our saddle pads are available to buy online in a range of shapes, thicknesses and colours to provide you with the option that best suits you.

The felt is available in white, grey and brown.

There 16 canvas trim colours available. Please refer to the product pages for a complete list of colours.

The pads come in 3 sizes: Classic StandardClassic Long and Fitted Slimline.

can i personalise my saddle pad?

You can personalise your saddle pad with custom embroidery, like names, initials, brands and logos.

To find out more about our personalisation options, please don’t hesitate to contact us or visit our custom embroidery page for more information.

How do I clean my saddle pad?

The best way to keep your saddle pad clean, is to wash your horse before you put the saddle pad on.

If your pad starts to become hard or heavy with sweat, it can be washed by soaking it in a big tub or trough with fresh, cold water and then rinsing it with a hose until the water runs clear. It is important to soak the saddle pad first before hosing it, to allow the woollen fibres to loosen and soften. We also suggest brushing the hair off the pad before washing.

Apply the hose to the saddle pad gently and gradually. It is important to use cold water only, because wool will shrink in warm or hot water. There should be no need to use detergents, but a mild wool detergent can be used to help lift dirt and grease.

Hang the saddle pad on a rail to dry (not in direct sunlight) and if the saddle pad is stiff once dry, then gently bang the pad on a rail or post to loosen the fibres again.

What thickness should I order?

Angus’ recommends a thinner pad for breaking, training, or working young horses, for competition or short days, because it provides good close contact.

A thinner pad will also conform to your horses’ shape more quickly.

what makes an Angus Barrett Saddle Pad so special?

We have our wool felted to a very particular density that is designed not to be so loose that they fall apart, but also not so hard that it is stiff and uncomfortable.

Our saddle pads are made using one piece of felt, without any stitching down the centre. This provides unrivalled strength and prevents the risk of the pad falling apart.


All Angus Barrett saddle pads have been finished with a boarder stitch to prevent the pad from separating in its layers later in life. The specially designed cut-outs, which sit along the wither and spine of the horse, provide
airflow and exceptional fitting. The thicker pads have additional cut-outs for greater flexibility and faster conforming.

Angus first designed our saddle pads approximately 14 years ago. By combining the best pure wool and a design to specifically suit an Australian saddle and environment, he created a product that has proven quality and fitting with over a decade of results.

what is the reason for the cutouts down the centre of the pad?

The specially designed cut-outs, which sit along the wither and spine of the horse, provide airflow and exceptional fitting.

As the pads become thicker, we have added additional cut-outs to their design to improve this fitting and airflow.

what is the benefit of the canvas wear patches?

We add the canvas wear patches to our pads to provide the pad with more shape and structure. It prevents the wool from compacting too much in high contact areas.

The canvas has been chosen for its high quality and durability. We use canvas for our wear patches as opposed to leather, as leather reduces the airflow, will readily
absorb sweat and dries stiffer and harder than canvas.

What colours are the saddle pads?

Are saddle pads are available in three colours:

Off-white

Charcoal

Cowboy Tan

and you have the choice of 16 different canvas trim colours.

Click here for more information on our range of saddle pads