Pulled Wool Saddle Pads

Pulled wool pads are enjoying a moment in the spotlight and as anyone who's made one or used one can attest, the number one questions are ''What is that?" and "How is it made?”

Pulled wool pads are made on latch hook rug canvas, the same one you may have seen your granny working on when you were a kid. They are a cotton grid, stiffened with potato starch.

Pulled up through this canvas, giving the saddle pad its name, are lengths of wool roving. A loop is made from bottom to top, every other hole, either worked from the outside in, or in rows until the canvas is completely filled. The average 32 x 32 pad has over 3,500 individual loops.

The same hook used for latch hook rugs are used here. I snip off the extra tab on mine until just the hook is left.

They are not complicated to make, but their artistry comes from the consistency and even-ness a maker can achieve with their loops and the many different patterns and colors. Some makers felt designs such as brands into the corner, or work those designs in with the loops.

  • Pulled wool pads are made on a latch hook rug canvas and pulled up through this canvas, giving the saddle pad its name, are lengths of wool roving. A loop is made from bottom to top, every other hole, either worked from the outside in, or in rows until the canvas is completely filled. The average 32 x 32 pad has over 3,500 individual loops.

  • Solid felt pads, while perfectly okay for plenty of horses, don’t offer the form fit and level of comfort that a pulled wool pad does. Being solid felt they cannot breathe. Because of how a PWP is made on a canvas grid with individual loops of roving, they are breathable and will felt down to form fit a horse over time, compressing to about half their original thickness. They offer superior comfort for the horse and close contact for the rider.

  • 8-12 hrs.

  • You can purchase from me through the Shop. You’ll see a listing for Custom Pulled Wool Saddle Pad. There are several sizes I offer.

    If you need anything really special (dyed colors, brands, bulk orders for rodeo awards) just shoot me an email (squiresskay@gmail.com) or give me a call at 304-702-4423.

  • I offer both a thorough PDF guide that walks you through the process of making a pulled wool pad step by step, and a complete kit. Both can be found in the Shop.

  • I have a complete resource list in my PDF guide. You can also purchase roving directly through me. I recommend checking in with your local yarn & fiber shop, they will be a valuable resource and be able to help you find local sources for wool roving. All my canvas I purchase from Color Crazy. Latchhooks can also be purchased through them, I have good luck finding them at thrift stores in the craft section.

  • Pulled wool saddle pads for all their virtues, aren't a solution for poor conformation or bad saddle fit. I only recommend them for use when you have a good fitting saddle and a healthy back.

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