About Fleeceworks
Fleeceworks was founded by owner and lead designer Judy McSwain, based in Ramona, California, USA. The brand was born from a singular obsession: the comfort and health of horses through better saddle pads and improved saddle fit. Judy's design philosophy is deceptively simple — minimum bulk, maximum performance. The less padding between horse and rider, the better the feel and contact. But research has proven the need for a protective, thermal-balancing layer, so Fleeceworks set out to create pads that protect without compromising connection.
What makes Fleeceworks different is that saddle pads are all they do. Their materials are not by-products of other businesses — every fibre is deliberately selected because it is the best choice for its specific job. Fleeceworks uses genuine Australian Merino sheepskin from older wool-producing sheep (not lambskin), sheared to approximately one inch — the optimum length to prevent pressure points while maintaining saddle fit. Their proprietary technologies, including Perfect Balance Technology and FXK Technology, are developed through daily work with horses and tested by top competitors, veterinarians, saddle fitters, and chiropractors. This is not a copy of someone else's work; it is original, purpose-built design.
OriginUSA (Ramona, California)
SpecialtyPremium sheepskin, Therawool & bamboo saddle pads
Best ForDressage, eventing, hunter/jumper & saddle-fit-conscious riders
Known ForPerfect Balance Technology, FXK Technology & Australian Merino sheepskin
Genuine Australian Merino SheepskinFleeceworks uses sheepskin from older, wool-producing Merino sheep — denser, stronger, and softer than lambskin. Sheared to approximately one inch, it is the optimum length to prevent pressure points and deliver thermal balance without compromising saddle fit and rider contact.
Proprietary Perfect Balance TechnologyThis patent-pending system combines pure Australian sheepskin with three different insert materials in a specially designed pad, allowing you to fine-tune saddle fit and balance. It is an essential tool for horses whose saddle fit changes with fitness, weight, or age.
FXK Topline ProtectionFXK Technology uses a specially woven elastic band over the pad's topline that acts as a shock absorber, taking rotational pull off the horse's shoulder before pressure reaches the sensitive spine and wither areas. It gives with the horse's movement — unlike a static wither cut-out.
Material Choice for Every NeedChoose genuine sheepskin for maximum density and moisture absorption, Therawool for faster drying at a lower price point, or Easy Care Bamboo for machine-washable convenience with natural moisture-wicking and antibacterial properties. No lycra or spandex — only natural fibres between you and your horse.
What does Fleeceworks make?
Fleeceworks designs and manufactures the horse world's finest saddle pads. Their range includes sheepskin half pads, full pads, and shimmable pads; Therawool pads in full, half, and shimmable styles; Easy Care Bamboo quilted pads and baby pads; pads with Perfect Balance Technology and FXK Technology; leg wraps; and accessories including halter fleeces, seat savers, tack covers, girth covers, and grooming mitts.
How do I choose the right size Fleeceworks pad?
Fleeceworks offers pads sized for pony, stock horse, and standard horse builds, with styles for dressage, eventing, hunter, and jumping saddles. Measure your saddle length and check the size guide on each product. Fleeceworks also offers breed-specific essentials collections for ponies, stock horses, and Arabians. If you need help selecting the right pad, contact our team for personalised advice.
What materials do Fleeceworks pads use?
Fleeceworks uses three primary natural-fibre materials. Genuine Australian Merino sheepskin from older wool-producing sheep provides maximum density, moisture absorption, and pressure-point prevention. Therawool is a proprietary blend of merino and merino cross that dries faster and costs about 30% less than sheepskin. Easy Care Bamboo is pulped and pressed into felt-like sheets for machine-washable convenience with moisture-wicking and antibacterial properties. No lycra or spandex is used.
Do you ship Fleeceworks products to Australia?
Yes. iRide EQ stocks Fleeceworks saddle pads and ships throughout Australia. Shopping locally means you receive your pad promptly without international shipping delays or import costs. Orders over $249 qualify for free shipping. Note that Fleeworks uses genuine Australian Merino sheepskin, so there is a nice symmetry in these pads coming home to Australia.
How do I care for my Fleeceworks saddle pad?
For genuine sheepskin pads, use a dedicated sheepskin wash product like Fleeceworks Blanket Wash, wash on a gentle cycle with cool water, and air dry — avoid heat and direct sunlight. Therawool pads can be washed similarly but dry faster. Easy Care Bamboo pads are the simplest — they can go in both the washer and dryer. Always brush out dirt and hair before washing, and never use bleach or fabric softeners on natural fibres.
Which Fleeceworks pad is best for a beginner?
For riders new to Fleeceworks, the Easy Care Bamboo quilted pads are an excellent and affordable entry point — they offer natural fibre benefits with the convenience of machine washing. If you want the premium sheepskin experience, a sheepskin half pad is a versatile choice that works with most saddles and provides immediate pressure-point relief and thermal balance.
How does Fleeceworks compare to other saddle pad brands?
Fleeceworks is unique because saddle pads are all they make — they are not a by-product of a larger tack business. Their pads use genuine Australian Merino sheepskin from older sheep (not lambskin), proprietary technologies like Perfect Balance and FXK, and natural fibres exclusively. The brand tests every design with top competitors, veterinarians, saddle fitters, and chiropractors. This singular focus results in pads that outperform generalist brands in both protection and saddle-fit precision.
Where are Fleeceworks pads made?
Fleeceworks is based in Ramona, California, USA. The company is led by founder and president Judith McSwain. Their genuine sheepskin is sourced from Australian Merino sheep, and their Therawool is a proprietary blend developed in-house. Every material is specifically selected for its job rather than being repurposed from other industries.
What is Fleeceworks Perfect Balance Technology?
Perfect Balance Technology is a patent-pending system that combines pure Australian sheepskin with the option of three different insert materials in a single pad design. This allows riders to fine-tune saddle fit and balance by adding or adjusting shims — essential for horses whose shape changes with fitness, weight fluctuations, or age. The PJ Pad version was developed in collaboration with internationally known equestrian Pierre Jolicoeur and includes a removable rear riser made from high-tech visco-elastic material.
What is the Fleeceworks warranty and return policy?
Fleeceworks stands behind their products with a warranty against manufacturing defects. Through iRide EQ, returns are handled under our Refund & Returns Policy. If you receive a defective or incorrect item, contact our customer service team promptly. We recommend inspecting your pad upon arrival and contacting us with any concerns so we can liaise with Fleeceworks on your behalf if needed.
