I remember the first time I actually felt the difference a mattes saddle pad made for my horse's back during a long schooling session. Before that, I'd mostly used those standard, thin quilted pads that you can find at any local tack shop for twenty bucks. I thought as long as my saddle fit "well enough," the pad was just there to keep the leather from getting sweaty. I was wrong, and my horse, a sensitive Thoroughbred with high withers, was the one who eventually pointed that out to me through a bit of grumpiness during transitions.
If you've been hanging around the barn for any length of time, you've probably seen the signature sheepskin trim of a Mattes pad peeking out from under a dressage or jump saddle. They've become a bit of a status symbol in some circles, but after using one for a few years, I've realized the hype isn't just about the aesthetic. It's about the engineering behind the wool.
It's Not Just "Fluffy" Sheepskin
When most people look at a mattes saddle pad, they see the sheepskin and think it's just for comfort. While it is incredibly soft, the functional benefit of their specific lambskin is actually about pressure distribution. Unlike synthetic fleece, which compresses and stays flat, genuine sheepskin is made of thousands of tiny wool fibers. These fibers act like millions of small springs.
When you sit in the saddle, those fibers don't just collapse; they distribute your weight across a much larger surface area. This is a game-changer if you have a horse with a sensitive back or if you're spending hours in the saddle. Plus, sheepskin is naturally breathable. It can hold a surprising amount of moisture without feeling "wet" against the skin, which helps prevent those nasty heat bumps and friction rubs you see in the summer.
The Famous Spinefree Design
One of the biggest selling points for me was the "Spinefree" design. If you look at a cheap pad, it's usually just a flat piece of fabric. When you cinch up your girth, that fabric often pulls tight across the horse's spine and withers, causing downward pressure where you want it least.
A mattes saddle pad is anatomically shaped to follow the curve of the horse's topline. The sheepskin is specifically omitted along the spinal canal. This ensures that there is zero pressure on the vertebrae and the sensitive ligaments running along the back. It sounds like a small detail, but if you've ever seen a horse "hollow" their back because the pad is pinching their withers, you know how much of a difference this makes to their movement.
Dealing With a Changing Horse
We've all been there: your horse has been out of work for a few months and lost some topline, or maybe you've got a youngster who is growing like a weed. Buying a new saddle every six months isn't realistic for most of us. This is where the Mattes Correction System comes in, and honestly, it's saved my budget more than once.
These pads come with pockets where you can insert "shims"—small felt or foam inserts—to balance the saddle. If your horse is slightly asymmetrical or if the saddle is sitting a bit too low in the front because they lack muscle behind the shoulder, you can add a shim to level things out. It's not a permanent fix for a poorly fitting saddle, of course, but for those "in-between" phases, it's an absolute lifesaver. It allows the horse to move comfortably and build the correct muscle without the tree of the saddle digging in.
The Shim System in Practice
I used the shim system when my gelding was coming back from a long layup. He'd lost a lot of muscle over his topline, and my jump saddle was "diving" forward. By adding two 5mm shims in the front pockets of my mattes saddle pad, I was able to lift the pommel just enough to clear his withers and keep my own balance centered. As he got stronger and filled out, I simply removed the shims one by one. It's incredibly user-friendly and way more precise than using a bulky half-pad over a regular square pad.
Let's Talk About the Look
I'd be lying if I said I didn't care about how the pad looks. One of the fun parts about ordering a mattes saddle pad is the sheer amount of customization available. You aren't stuck with just white or black. You can choose the quilt color, the binding color, and up to three different rows of piping.
I've seen some stunning combinations—deep navy with silver piping, or a classic hunter green with gold accents. Because the quality of the fabric is so high, the colors don't fade after three washes. They stay vibrant, which makes them great for both schooling and the show ring. If you're someone who likes to coordinate your horse's "outfit," you can get pretty lost in the online configurators.
How to Actually Clean These Things
This is usually the part where people get nervous. "It's sheepskin! I'll ruin it in the wash!" I felt the same way. I was terrified of turning a $200 pad into a matted mess of felted wool.
However, Mattes actually wants you to wash these pads. They recommend using their specific liquid soap, called Melp, which is designed to replenish the oils in the sheepskin. The key is to wash it on a cool cycle and, most importantly, don't let it air dry in the sun.
I usually toss mine in the dryer on the "no heat" or "air fluff" setting with a couple of tennis balls. It comes out looking brand new and super fluffy. If you let it sit and air dry slowly, the leather backing of the sheepskin can get stiff. But if you follow the instructions, these pads can literally last for a decade. I have a friend who is still using a Mattes pad she bought in 2012, and aside from a little staining on the quilt, it's still perfectly functional.
Is It Worth the Investment?
I know, it's a lot of money for a "piece of fabric." You could buy five or six basic pads for the price of one mattes saddle pad. But here's how I look at it: I'm spending less on the chiropractor and the massage therapist because my horse isn't getting sore from his gear.
When you factor in the longevity, the therapeutic benefits of the wool, and the ability to shim the pad as your horse changes shape, the value is definitely there. It's one of those pieces of equipment that you buy once and never regret.
Whether you're doing Grand Prix dressage or just hacking out on the trails, your horse's back will thank you. There's a reason why you see these pads in almost every professional barn. They just work. If you're on the fence about it, I'd say go for it—just be prepared to never want to go back to "regular" pads again. Your horse will likely start moving more freely, and you'll find yourself much more confident that you're doing right by their physical health. It's a win-win, really.