How to Wash Your Saddle Pad Properly: No matter what discipline you perform in, the saddle pad serves a dual purpose of providing both function and style. It is essential to wash your pad on a regular basis in order to maintain it looking its best and ensuring that it continues to protect your horse’s back.
They have the ability to express who you are, and for shows, they may be identified by your barn logo. All shapes and sizes, as well as all colors, are available.
Whether you’ve just signed up for a show and want your saddle pads to sparkle, or you’ve been riding a lot and your saddle pads are in need of some TLC, take a look at some of our saddle pad cleaning tips and techniques.
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The Importance of Clean Saddle Pads
Some horse saddle pad types may be very difficult to clean and wash, making it easy to rationalize bypassing the cleaning procedure and reusing soiled saddle pads time and time again.
After all, you might think, they aren’t supposed to be spotless after every trip, are they? But here’s the thing: dirt, moisture, and matted hair accumulates on the underside of a saddle pad over time, producing a breeding ground for germs to grow.
Because of the build-up of debris deposits beneath the saddle, it might irritate your horse’s back and cause saddle sores, which may be aggravated worse by the germs found on a dirty saddle pad. Maintaining the cleanliness of your saddle pads on a regular basis can help you avoid saddle sores and being forced to sit out while they recover.
Types of horse saddle pads
When choosing a cleaning procedure for your horse saddle pads, it’s crucial to remember that various kinds of horse saddle pads will need different cleaning methods.
The following are examples of typical English saddle pad types:
- Cotton pads: Cotton pads, which are thin and lightweight, are the industry standard across all English disciplines.
- Pads made of sheepskin or half pads: These pads, which are made of wool fibers, aid in both the distribution of pressure and the improvement of air circulation
- Gel pads: Those might be made of a variety of materials, but they are typically thick in order to absorb impact.
Western pads are often available in the following types:
Blanket Pads: A range of colors and designs may be found on blanket pads, which are made of thick woven cloth.
Felt pads: made of compressed wool and are often designed in curved, square, or shaped patterns.
Woven pads: which are similar in appearance to woven blankets, but they often feature cushioning and either natural or synthetic fabric on the bottom.
How to clean a Wool Saddle Pad
Never put a wool western saddle pad in the washing or dryer, since it will shrink. Especially if you have invested in a high-quality pad or one that was specifically developed for a certain riding sport, such as barrel racing or roping, this is true. Both devices have the potential to cause harm to your pad and limit its life span if used together.
Instead, you should do the following:
- Remove dirt, sweating, and hair from the skin. In the same way that you would curry a horse, begin by cleaning your wool pad with a rubber curry comb in a circular movement to loosen the wool fibers.
A stiff riding whip or an old tennis racket might be useful in loosening any caked-on grime or moisture that has accumulated on the pad.
When it comes to the top of the pad, a soft brush will do the trick to remove hair and debris. It is important not to curry or brush your pad too aggressively, since this might cause the cloth to tear and fray. - Clean the dirt out of your pad. After that, use a vacuum with a hose attachment to remove the dirt and hair that has been accumulating on your pad.
- Clean your pad with soap and water. In an outward direction, spray the water from an attached garden hose toward the pad’s perimeter, using a sprayer attachment if necessary. The dirt and hair will be pushed off the pad as a result of this. Never direct the water straight down into the pad, as this may force dirt further into the wool and cause it to rip. During this operation, never use a clip or clamp to hold your pad in place. Your pad will get very heavy as a result of the water, and this might cause it to lose its form or possibly rip.
- Allow your pad to dry. Allow your pad to dry naturally. It is essential that you do not hang it with a clip once more. Instead, hang it over a saddle rack or a fence post to assure that your pad maintains its form.
Tips for cleaning every Saddle Pad
Another set of suggestions and strategies to bear in mind while cleaning your saddle pads are as follows:
- Cool or cold water should be used.
- Natural detergents or gentle shampoos should be used to protect your horse’s skin from irritation.
- When drying your pad, let it to hang freely to avoid damage caused by folding.
Final thoughts on how to wash your Saddle Pad properly
The use of a well-made saddle pad should give comfort and protection for your horse’s back for many years if it is maintained correctly.
However, it is necessary to keep an eye out for indications of wear. Consider the following scenario: if your pad does not return to its normal shape after washing, it may be time to replace it.
Horse Saddle Shop provides a large assortment of high-quality western & english saddle pads to choose from.