The 'horse store' here owner told me the wool mats they get still have the lanolin in them. That may get on the fabric when pressed or make the smell. Wool mats best for pressing should be thick and stiff. You won't be able to roll them up. I got remnants of wool used to go under quality area rugs to line my ironing board. It works okay but not as well as the thick stiff one.

I wanted to report back on my pressing mat decision. I bought a New Zealand wool mat. I used it tonight with a dry iron - no smell. I wish after reading other posts that I went with saddle pad. Thank you everyone for your input!