Sheepskin saddle pads

[vineyridge]

Are the ones from the equestrian companies actually fleece attached to leather? Back in the 1950s it was not uncommon for riders to buy tanned skins with the fleece on and cut their own pads to fit their own saddles.

I look at modern day “sheepskin” saddle pads, and leather is the farthest thing from my mind.

[keysfins]

[QUOTE=vineyridge;8904410]
Are the ones from the equestrian companies actually fleece attached to leather? Back in the 1950s it was not uncommon for riders to buy tanned skins with the fleece on and cut their own pads to fit their own saddles.

I look at modern day “sheepskin” saddle pads, and leather is the farthest thing from my mind.[/QUOTE]

Not sure I understand what you are asking. Most “sheepskin” pads are now sheepskin attached to something else, like cotton quilt or other fabric to give it a shape or size. Are you asking if THAT sheepskin is still attached to its skin/leather?

I think it is. I used to have the Dover dressage girth with the removable sheepskin that allowed one to wash it. It had a tanned pelt under the Velcro, as revealed by a foster dog who shredded the sheepskin part. (Still wish I had that girth, too.)

FWIW, my trainers did the same with tanned sheepskin pelts, and would usually get two usable pads from each pelt. I still have the one that I got many years ago from them, and it looks and works great. And we have quite a few at the barn that my trainers still have in daily use.

It is still possible to buy pelts and cut what you need from it. Get as long a pile on the pelt as you can, and wash the pelt first before cutting. Otherwise, you might make a lovely kitty lounger pad from a carefully measured and cut pelt that was not washed before making the cut. (Not me, honest!)

[Scribbler]

Yes, there are many brands of real sheepskin pads, but with the hide sewn onto cotton backing. Mattes is top of the line, but there are lots of other brands including Fleeceworks.

A few companies make pads of manufactured woolen fleece material, but they are usually quite clear about the fact it isn’t real sheepskin (they may even try to claim it is better).

[Mtn_trails]

I once saw on ebay years ago a western cinch that was the fleece still attached to the hide with a second strip of leather attached to give it strength and substance. I regret not buying it for the $20 it went for.