A saddle pad is an essential tool for any horse owner. It reduces moisture and cools the horse’s back. It also prevents the saddle from slipping and rocking. However, the saddle pad must be adequately cared for and maintained to perform its role effectively and efficiently.
When it comes to saddle pad care and maintenance, people have various questions. These questions include:
Will your saddle pad lose shape after washing?
The quality of the material and the way it is handled will influence whether dressage saddle pads lose their original shape after washing. Lower-quality saddle pads tend to be softer and less shape-retaining, which causes them to lose stability even when wet. The saddle pad’s capacity to maintain its shape will also be damaged by washing in hot water (over 30°C) and with strong detergents. If you adhere to the manufacturer’s care label and basic washing guidelines, your saddle pad will maintain its shape for an extended period.
Which is the most suitable detergent for cleaning a saddle pad?
The best way to take care of saddle pads or waterproof horse blankets is to clean the material gently with a mild detergent. It is advised to use natural detergents with a neutral pH to prevent allergic reactions in the horse.
It is recommended to use a specific detergent with a moisturizing effect for saddle pads made of sheepskin. The fur fibers will knot when using regular detergents.
How often should you change the saddle pad?
Washing and replacing the saddle pad more frequently in the summer than in the winter is recommended. You should change the saddle pad approximately three times a week if you ride often during the hotter months. Even once a month will do in the winter when the horses sweat less because of the chilly weather. But each horse is different in this regard. Saddle pads or waterproof horse blanket last longer and require less frequent changing if you hang them up to dry and brush them off after each usage. Usually, after the sixth or seventh use, a basic cleaning is necessary.
What happens if you don’t change the saddle cloth more often?
Due to poor numnah hygiene and cleaning, the horse’s sebaceous glands may become clogged with dirt. Little pimples on the skin become apparent as a result. Horses find sweat encrustations on their numnah and in the saddle area very irritating and painful. Additionally, the likelihood of skin fungus and irritation is increased by a dirty numnah.
The numnah’s capacity to breathe, flex, and fit is further reduced by dirt on the bottom. In particular, improper maintenance reduces the absorbency of sheepskin underlays, which can lead to knots that irritate horses.
Can saddle pads be put in the dryer?
Avoid putting your dressage saddle pads in the dryer, as the intense heat may harm the fabric and cause it to lose shape. Moreover, keep your saddle pads away from the sun and from radiators that are on. Saddle pads dry best when hung in the shade and at room temperature.
