How to clean your Wool (Felt) Pads?

How to clean your Wool Felt Pads?

Tips by Euro-Horse and Justen OeDell ,Chief Executive Officer from Team Equine LLC.

Your western saddle pad protects your horse's back by absorbing and distributing the pressure of the weight of you and your saddle. A clean, dry pad also dissipates heat and moisture as you ride, keeping your horse comfortable. Unfortunately, we often see that the upkeep of saddlepads could be a whole lot better. Pads with hard pieces can no longer fulfill their function while they are so important in a western saddle because western saddles do not have cushions.

It's best to brush your pad daily but at least once a week before riding. You can use an All Natural Dry-Clean Sponge or soft horsehair brush. Always do this on a dry pad otherwise you will rub the dirt into the pad.

In addition, you can periodically clean your pad extensively when it is dirty:

1) Vacuum Exterior

2) On interior use an All Natural Dry-Clean Sponge or soft curry comb to loosen and remove hairs. When doing this, move in circular motions.

3) Hang or lean saddle pad upright and spray interior with Saddle Pad Cleaner&Soak left to right and top to bottom. You can use wool based soap as long as it does not irritate the horse.

4) Spray thoroughly, making sure all the detergent has been rinsed away.

5) Hang dry. Hang the pad as it is over the horse's back, for example over a fence. Never hang it upside down, this will put too much stress on the seams and distort the contoured shape.

Enjoy your clean pad!