How to Care for Your New Saddle Pad

Saddle pads are an important part of every rider’s tack. They protect the horse from rubbing and scratches, making the saddle feel more comfortable against the horse’s back. Most riders own several saddle pads to switch them up if they get dirty or when they want to change their style. A good saddle pad can last a long time when taken care of the right way.

Here are a few tips on how to properly take care of your new saddle pad!

Basic Care

Most saddle pads are made of materials that can be washed in a washing machine. It would be best to wash your saddle pad as it gets dirty. Most people wash their saddle pads after a few uses because it can cause skin problems for your horse if the pad gets too dirty. During the summer months, horses sweat more and get dirtier underneath their coat as they roll around in the pasture. So, you should pay extra attention to the dirtiness of your saddle pad at these times.

Washing Tips

When it comes time to wash your saddle pads, make sure you check the washing instructions!

• Most can be machine washed with cold water but be mindful not to use too much detergent as residue from the detergent can cause your horse’s skin to itch and become irritated.
• Do Not use bleach.
• Do Not put your saddle pad in the dryer. Instead, hang it on the line to dry.
• Let your saddle pad dry completely before using it. A damp pad can, yet again, irritate your horse’s skin.

Hairy Saddle Pads

If you own a horse that has long hair or tends to shed a lot, your saddle pad might become extremely hairy. To wash your pad, you will need to clean most of the horsehair off before putting it in the washer. Use a rough brush with circular motions to brush the hair off the pad. You can also use a rubber or aluminum sweat scraper to scrape off the hair.

Storing Your Saddle Pad

After use, a pad dries quickest if you lay it out flat. It’s best for short-term storage of fleece, wool, and felt to drape the pad over your saddle rack after it’s dry or hang it on a pad rack in your tack room. Never leave a saddle pad hanging on a fence rail in the sun. Put it away after it’s dry because ultraviolet rays can damage natural fibers and synthetic materials.

For long-term storage, pads should be in a cool, dry environment to avoid mildew or mold. If the pad is completely dry and is not made of leather, you can put it in a tight plastic bag to protect it.

At Personalized Products, we understand how important it is to have high-quality saddle pads that work for both you and your horse. That is why we supply custom saddle pads that fit all your needs. We have you covered, from practice pads to show pads, embroidery, and a wide variety of other personalized equine products.

Please browse our online shop or give us a call today to discuss in detail the perfect saddle pad options for you and your horse!