How to Clean Horse Pads

Keep your saddle pads clean to protect your horse from dirt and embedded sand that can irritate his back. Regularly inspect the underside of the pad for matted hair, rough or hard spots, rocks and sand, burs and other objects that can aggravate your horse. Proper animal grooming will also protect your horse from matted hair and dirt loosening up during your ride and rubbing sore spots against his hide. Perform daily brushing of the horse pad and wash it every 60 to 90 days in water or when you notice a buildup of dirt you cannot remove by brushing it.

Things You'll Need

  • Fence or clothesline
  • Rug brush or racket
  • Stiff horse brush
  • Vacuum cleaner (optional)
  • Bathtub
  • Water
  • Soft brush
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place the saddle pad on a clothesline or fence and beat it with a rug brush, tennis racket or similar device. Remove as much dirt and dust as possible before washing.

    • 2

      Use a sturdy horse brush to remove hair and dander from the underside of the pad. Brush from the middle of the horse pad, outwards. You can also suck dirt and hair off with a vacuum cleaner hose. Work gently on the topside of the pad so you do not fray the pad.

    • 3

      Place the pad inside of a bathtub and cover it completely with plain, cold water. Allow the pad to soak for 1 hour in the tub. Squeeze and release the pad repeatedly in the water to remove embedded dirt inside of the fibers.

    • 4

      Gently wring the pad out of excess water and remove it from the tub.

    • 5

      Hang the blanket over a clothesline or fence right side down and allow the water to drip out of the pad for several hours.

    • 6

      Brush the underside of the pad with a clean soft brush from the middle outwards on both sides of the pad.

    • 7

      Allow the pad to air dry until no moisture remains in the horse pad.

    • 8

      Fluff the pad by lightly beating it on both sides with a racket or beater.