How to Clean a Saddle Pad

A saddle pad is a very important part of your riding gear. The saddle pad is the cushion between you and your horse. A clean saddle pad is comfortable and soft on your horse's back. A dirty saddle pad is not only uncomfortable, but it can cause rubs and raw spots on your horse's back. This can cause your horse to form a bad association with riding.

Things You'll Need

  • Saddle pad
  • Stiff brush
  • Mild liquid soap
  • Water hose or squirt bottle
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Instructions

    • 1

      Lay the saddle pad upside down on a hard flat surface.

    • 2

      Scrub the saddle pad with a stiff brush to loosen dried sweat and dirt.

    • 3

      Squirt or pour just enough water to clean dirty areas.

    • 4

      Use a small amount of very mild liquid soap, such as baby soap, to clean the saddle pad.

    • 5

      Wash the saddle pad in circular motions from the center to the outer edges.

    • 6

      Rinse the saddle pad from the center to the outer edges. This will wash the dirt off of the pad.

    • 7

      Hang the pad to dry by laying it over a rail in the shade.