Saddle Pads

Wool felt pads are the traditional western choice and the backbone of our MDS range. Wool felt is naturally breathable, wicks moisture away from the horse's back, and — uniquely — moulds slightly to the shape of the horse over time with use, improving the fit as it breaks in. It provides excellent shock absorption and handles sustained, heavy work well. Most of our MDS Signature, contoured and work pads are wool felt. Fleece-lined pads combine a wool felt core with a soft fleece underside. The fleece adds an extra cushioning layer between the pad and the horse — ideal for horses with sensitive backs or riders putting in long hours in the saddle. Our MDS Fleece Lined Saddle Pads are available in 29×29 and 32×32 sizes, in both 3/4″ and 1″ thick versions. Synthetic felt pads are made from man-made fibres rather than wool. They are lighter, generally more affordable, and easier to clean than wool felt — but they don't breathe or mould to the horse's back in the same way. They're a practical choice for everyday or light work. Our MDS Synthetic Felt Work Pad is a good example of this style.

Western saddle pads are measured by length (front to back) and width (the total side-to-side measurement, which gives you the drop on each side). As a general guide:

• 24×24 — suits mini and pony saddles, youth riders and smaller horses. See our Mini Saddle Pad collection.
• 28×28 – 29×29 — suits round-skirt western saddles and smaller seat sizes (13″–14″). Our MDS Signature Round Skirt pads are designed for this fit.
• 30×30 — a versatile mid-size suited to most 15″–16″ western saddles, particularly contoured and wither-relief styles. See the MDS Signature Contoured Wither Relief pad.
• 32×32 — the most common size for square-skirt western saddles. Suits most 15″–16″ seat saddles with a standard skirt. Our MDS Signature Contoured Wool Felt pad and Fleece Lined pads are available in this size.

As a rule of thumb, the pad should extend approximately 2–3″ beyond the saddle skirt on all sides. If you're between sizes, go larger — a pad that's too small can cause pressure points where the saddle skirt edge sits on bare pad. If you're unsure, get in touch and we'll help you work it out.

A wither relief cut-out is a notch at the front of the saddle pad, designed to lift pressure off the horse's withers. It creates clearance between the pad and the withers, reducing the risk of rubbing and pressure points — particularly important for high-withered horses, or horses where the saddle sits close to the withers. Our MDS Signature Contoured Wither Relief Cut Out pad features this design, as does the MDS Wool Felt Work Pad. A standalone Wither Pad can also be added beneath an existing pad for targeted relief. A spine relief channel runs along the centre of the pad's topline. It creates a clear channel along the horse's spine, allowing air to circulate and preventing direct pad pressure on the dorsal processes (the bony protrusions of the vertebrae). The Spine Relief Cut Out Wool Felt Pad is built specifically around this design. If your horse shows uneven sweat patterns under the saddle, back soreness, reluctance to be saddled, or sensitivity along the topline, a pad with one or both of these features is worth considering. If you're unsure, speak to your equine vet or saddle fitter.

The MDS Signature range is McDonald's Saddlery's own premium line of wool felt western saddle pads, designed for the comfort and performance of Australian western horses. All Signature pads are built from high-quality wool felt with leather wear patches for added durability, and are available in black, brown and cream. The range includes six styles to suit different saddle shapes and horses:

• Square Skirt 32×32 3/4″ — for square-skirt western saddles in lighter everyday work
• Contoured Wither Relief Cut Out 30×30 1″ — for horses needing extra wither clearance
• Contoured Wool Felt 32×32 1″ — maximum cushioning in the most popular western pad size
• Round Skirt 28×28 3/4″ — for round-skirt saddles and barrel racing
• Round Skirt 28×28 1″ — round skirt style with maximum cushioning
• Wool Felt 29×29 3/4″ — a versatile mid-size for smaller saddles or horses

Wool felt pads are durable, but they'll last significantly longer with proper care after each ride:

• After every ride: brush off loose hair, dirt and debris with a stiff brush. Allow the pad to air dry completely — hair-side up, flat — before putting it away. Never store a damp pad folded.
• Regular cleaning: hand wash in cold water with a mild wool-safe detergent. Work gently — don't wring or twist the felt. Rinse thoroughly and lay flat to dry naturally, away from direct sunlight or heat.
• Machine washing: not recommended for wool felt pads. Agitation and heat can cause the felt to shrink and distort permanently.
• Drying: always dry flat. Never tumble dry, and keep away from direct heat sources (heaters, car boots in summer). Heat degrades wool fibres and will harden and crack the felt.
• Leather wear patches: condition with a quality leather conditioner periodically — the same product you'd use on your saddle. This keeps the leather supple and extends the life of the patch.
• Storage: store flat or loosely rolled, not folded. Permanent creases in a felt pad can create uneven pressure points under the saddle.

Yes — McDonald's Saddlery ships to all states and territories across Australia. Orders over $150 receive free standard shipping anywhere in Australia, and Australia Post's calculated rates apply to orders below that threshold. Express Post is also available at checkout. We ship internationally too — if you're based overseas, please contact us for a shipping quote before placing your order.