How Is Felt Made? Everything You Need to Know About This Natural, Durable Material

At 5 Star Equine Products, we’re committed to providing the best saddle pads for horses—and that starts with our  100% pure wool felt saddle pads. But what exactly is felt, how is it made, and why does it matter for your horse’s comfort, performance, and overall well-being? Let’s take a closer look at this remarkable material and why it sets 5 Star wool saddle pads apart from the rest.

What Is Felt and How Is It Made?

Felt is a dense, durable fabric made by matting or compressing fibers together. Unlike woven materials, felt is created by condensing unspun wool fibers into a strong, resilient mat. This process can be done by hand or machine, but the end goal is the same: tightly bind fibers to create a saddle pad material that stands up to heavy use while remaining comfortable for the horse.

At 5 Star Equine, we use only 100% pure wool felt, which offers unmatched durability, natural moisture-wicking properties, and superior cushioning. While other saddle pads might use blends or synthetic materials, we believe in natural saddle pad construction that benefits both the horse and the rider.

Methods of Felt Making:

• Wet Felting: Combines wool fibers with water and soap, then agitates them until they bind together.
• Dry Felting (Needle Felting): Uses barbed needles to interlock the fibers without water.
• Industrial Heat and Steam Pressing: Uses heat and steam to bond wool fibers under pressure, creating a dense, durable felt ideal for high-performance saddle pads. 5 Star Equine Product’s exclusive wool is made using this method to maintain the wool’s wicking ability and to extend the life of the saddle pad.

Once formed, wool felt can be cut and shaped into a variety of products, including our premium western saddle pads designed to reduce pressure points and enhance horse performance, providing the best comfort for both you and your horse.

Is Felt a Natural Fiber?

Felt requires human intervention to create, but wool felt is completely natural if the fibers come from untreated animal wool. Our wool felt saddle pads are made with naturally sourced wool—free from synthetic materials and harmful chemicals.

Many horse tack brands use synthetic felt in their pads, but these don’t match the breathability, comfort, or eco-friendliness of natural wool. That’s why 5 Star Equine Products proudly offers 100% pure wool saddle pads, giving horses the natural support and protection they deserve.

Is Wool Felt Biodegradable?

Yes, wool felt is biodegradable and environmentally friendly. When your pad eventually wears out—after years of reliable use—it will naturally break down in moist conditions, unlike synthetic saddle pads made from polyester or plastic blends, which persist in landfills for decades.

Our commitment to natural horse tack means using materials like 100% pure wool felt that return to the earth, reducing environmental impact.

Is Felt Recyclable?

Yes, wool felt can be recycled or repurposed. It’s often shredded into fibers to make new products or it is repurposed. Wool felt can make a cozy, naturally insulating bed for pets, such as dogs or cats, providing them with comfort and warmth.

Is Felt Renewable?

Wool felt is highly renewable. Sheep naturally produce wool year-round, and responsible shearing ensures a continuous, humane supply. Unlike synthetic felt saddle pads that rely on petroleum-based materials, our wool saddle pads are derived from a renewable, sustainable resource.

 Does Felt Contain Plastic?

Our 100% pure wool 5 Star saddle pads do not contain plastic. Some competitors use synthetic felt made from plastic, acrylic, or nylon, but we stay true to our roots with pure wool. For riders who value eco-friendly horse tack, plastic-free saddle pads are a must. If an eco-friendly, completely biodegradable pad is what you are looking for, 5 Star’s 100% pure wool saddle pad is what you need!

 Is Felt Environmentally Friendly?

Natural wool felt has a low environmental impact and is widely regarded as eco-friendly. While sheep farming requires resources, ethically sourced wool supports sustainable farming and rural economies. Synthetic pads require fossil fuels and are often treated with toxic chemicals—something we avoid entirely. 5 Star uses only 100% pure vegetable-based dye to give our pads a rich, vibrant color.

Is Felt Ethical?

When sourced responsibly, wool is harvested humanely. We work with wool producers who prioritize animal welfare, ensuring our materials are as ethical as they are effective. No animals are harmed in the making of 5 Star saddle pads, and our natural felt pads support both horse health and environmental well-being.

Final Word: Why Choose Wool Felt Saddle Pads?

At 5 Star Equine Products, we’re proud to offer the best wool saddle pads on the market. They’re:

• Biodegradable
• Plastic-free
• Eco-friendly
• 100% natural and renewable
• Designed for superior horse comfort and performance

Unlike synthetic western saddle pads or cheap felt blends, our handmade wool felt saddle pads offer durability, moisture wicking, and impact absorption you can count on—ride after ride.

When you choose 5 Star, you’re investing in quality horse tack that’s good for your horse and the planet.

Ride natural. Ride 5 Star.