​The difference between wool roving
​and wool felt​ - wool saddle pad benefits - pulled wool saddle pads

A question I get asked a lot:  What is the difference between Wool Roving and Wool Felt?  ​

​► Wool roving comes from the raw wool shorn from sheep, then is cleaned and carded (the process of breaking up  unorganized clumps of fiber and realigning them). The result is called wool roving; it is the stage where wool is then processed into yarn or fabric.  Roving comes in large "spools" weighing 22 lbs., called a "bump" and what is used to make Pulled Wool Saddle Pads.  It is less processed over felt. 
► Wool felt is machine processed by a combination of moisture, heat, pressure and movement,  to create "felt" that comes in various thicknesses.  Wool felt may, or may not be 100% virgin wool; and can be made up of recycled wool fibers.  With all felted pads they are dense, tightly formed and solid appearance.

high wither saddle pads and contour saddle pads - wool saddle pad benefits -
​pulled wool saddle pads 

A bit about Correction Saddle Pads:  ​

► High Wither Saddle Pads:  "Bless the high withers on a horse 'cause the saddle will stay in place when something rank is roped!"  There are benefits to a High Withered Horse, especially if you have ever ridden a more rounded withered horse!  Bottom line:  high withers on a horse can be hard to fit a saddle to.   Factoring in the saddle is made for a high withered horse; a Pulled Wool Saddle Pad is excellent for all intent and purposes.  It is important to note:  When saddling, it helps to gently raise the pad "up" over the withers into the Gullet of the saddle to insure the pad doesn't draw down too tight against the withers.  A good rule is to be able to place 2-3 fingers between withers and pad.  If pads are not gently raised off the wither top line prior to cinching down the saddle, a certain amount of pressure over the withers can take place.   This restricts the movement of the shoulder; noticeable in short steps.  We may have gotten away from this practice of wither-pressure-release, but, this is a common practice by many horsemen and horsewomen. 
► Contour Saddle Pads derived their name from just that:  Shaped like the contour back of a horse and intended to relive pressure over the withers.  The premises’ of the design is excellent!  Although I see (what appears to me) some gimmicks out there based on revenue and even paid endorsements, so buyer beware.  Bringing our attention back to Pulled Wool Saddle Pads and the issue of high withers and contour pads:  Have you ever noticed when you wear a pair of socks, at first those socks can go on either foot, but with time the sock takes the shape of either the left or right foot making it more comfortable?  Pulled Wool Saddle Pads are exactly the same:  With just a few initial rides these pads contour to the shape of the horses back and surprisingly hold that shape!

the difference between a saddle pad and saddle blanket - wool saddle pad benefits - pulled wool saddle pads

Wool Saddle Pad vs Wool Saddle Blanket:

►Cushion is the main defining difference between the two.  A pad is thicker, depending on the pad, ⅞ to 1" are excellent thicknesses; and will be a single layer, not intended to be folded.   The looped construction of a Pulled Wool Saddle Pads (as opposed to a dense pressed industrial felt pad) actually enhances airflow, circulation, and thermoregulation.   A Wool Saddle Blanket is likely woven, and is much more thin; and can be folded or doubled; it provides little cushion, but still aids in the priority of drawing moisture off the back of the horse if it is woven on 100% wool.  Many are synthetic fibers these days look great, but benefits stop at "looks!"  As with many things man-made:  "Mother Nature selects for strengths; man selects for visual appeal!"   This is applicable in saddle pads.

"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!" is especially true when it comes to proper pads for equine athletes.   The Pulled Wool Saddle Pad home page  addresses many questions prevalent to your search.  
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ASK ME QUESTIONS ABOUT BENEFITS

benefits of using wool for saddle pads

Wool is a tremendous natural fiber, extremely durable with outstanding properties!  It is a Keratin (protein molecule) that does not support mold growth which explains its antibacterial and antimicrobial qualities warding off skin problems common where pads cover and rub.  The looped construction of these pads' aids in air flow.  Wool is known for its wicking properties constantly pulling moisture from the wet source to the dry.  It remarkably responds to temperature fluctuations due to tiny air pockets with each fiber to circulate heat making these pads excellent insulators even under variable riding conditions no matter the season.  This unique construction and combination with natural fibers utilizes the horse's own energy to increase blood circulation to keep the horse's back muscles loose and relaxed.  It is a wonderful pad for cold-backed or sore-backed horses.  These pads are outperformers compared to solid wool felt pads, and those made of synthetic materials that pale in the presence of superior performance of wool.  They are washable with great success when instructions are followed. (Click for Care Instructions).  Pads undergo a natural molding or contour to the horses' back in addition to a mild felting process with use.    Various sizes can be made; a 32" X 32" pad weighs approximately 8 lbs. Pads can be customized for size, color, and detailed brands.  Listed here are some of the benefits of a wool pad.  Please note:  These pads will not overcompensate for an ill-fitting saddle!  Take advantage of all the benefits and custom options of a Pulled Wool Saddle Pad!