Premium Wool Felt Western Trail Saddle Pad - Shock Absorbing Horse Riding Pad

Trail Felt Pad

SKU: SA-CTP

Designed for the dedicated equestrian, the Trail Felt Pad offers unparalleled protection and comfort for long-distance and rugged trail riding. Engineered to meet the demands of high-performance riding, this pad ensures your horse remains comfortable across varying terrains while protecting their back from pressure points and heat build-up.

Key Features

• 100% Virgin Wool Felt: Naturally shock-absorbent and moisture-wicking, wool can absorb up to 20 times its weight in sweat while regulating temperature to keep your horse cool.
• Contoured Spine: Anatomically shaped to follow the natural curve of your horse's back, preventing "bridging" and ensuring consistent contact.
• Wither Cutouts & Gullet Holes: Specifically designed to sit up into the saddle's gullet, eliminating wither pinching and pressure.
• Heavy-Duty Wear Leathers: Reinforced high-stress areas protect against friction from the cinch and saddle fenders, significantly extending the life of the pad.
• Optimal Thickness: Available in 3/4" to 1" options to provide the right level of padding for daily use or extreme long-distance treks.
• Cinch Cutouts: Features a specialized cut near the cinch area to allow for closer leg contact and a more secure fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I choose the right thickness for my ride?

For most trail riders, the 7/8" thickness is the ideal "Goldilocks" choice. If you are planning rides longer than 4 hours or if the combined weight of the rider and gear exceeds 200 lbs, we recommend the 1" thickness. Note: A thicker pad should not be used to compensate for a poorly fitting saddle, as this can create unnecessary pressure.

How do I clean and maintain the felt pad?

To maximize longevity, use a rubber sponge or curry brush daily in a circular motion to remove hair and dried sweat. For a deeper clean, hose the pad down by rinsing from the center outward to push salts out of the fibers. Never machine wash or use a heated dryer, as this will cause the natural wool to shrink.

How long will this pad last?

With proper maintenance and regular brushing of sweat and hair, high-quality wool felt pads are known to last between 10 to 15 years (or over 2,000 hours of riding).

Is this pad suitable for high-withered or "swayback" horses?

Yes. The contoured design and wither cutouts are specifically engineered to prevent rubbing on high-withered horses. For horses with a swayback, felt shims can be added to the center of the pad to fill the dip and ensure even weight distribution across the back.

What size should I get for my saddle?

Your trail pad should ideally extend 1" to 2" beyond the front and back of your saddle skirt. A pad that is too long may rub the horse's hip, while one that is too short may allow the saddle skirt to rub the horse directly.