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Care Guide

How to Clean & Care for Saddle Pads

Washed correctly, a quality saddle pad keeps its shape, colour and breathability for years. Here is the simple routine that protects technical fabrics and anatomic shaping.

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Answer

How do you wash a saddle pad?

Brush off loose hair and dirt first, then machine wash cool at 30°C with a non-biological detergent. Do not use fabric softener (it clogs the wicking fabric) and do not tumble dry. Air dry flat or over a rail to protect the shaping.

Answer

How often should I wash my saddle pad?

Rotate two or three pads and wash whenever a pad is visibly dirty or sweat-stiffened — often every week or two in regular work. Letting sweat and dirt build up shortens fabric life and can irritate the horse's back.

The step-by-step washing routine

Start dry: use a rubber curry comb or a stiff brush to lift off hair and caked dirt before the pad goes anywhere near water — this prevents hair clogging your machine and helps the wash work. Treat any heavy sweat marks with a little detergent rubbed in by hand.

Machine wash cool at 30°C on a gentle cycle with non-biological detergent. Skip fabric softener, which coats and reduces the fabric's ability to wick sweat. Wash pads separately from rugs to avoid abrasion.

Drying and storage

Always air dry — never tumble dry, which can shrink fabric and distort the anatomic shaping. Dry the pad flat or folded over a rail away from direct heat. Make sure it is fully dry before storing to prevent mildew.

Store pads flat or hung, not crushed at the bottom of a trunk. Rotating several pads spreads the wear and means you always have a clean, dry pad ready for the next ride or show.

How to Clean & Care for Saddle Pads

Saddle pad care is quick and makes a real difference: de-hair, cool wash with the right detergent, air dry, store flat. That routine keeps technical fabrics breathing and protects the shaping that makes a good pad comfortable.

Ready to refresh your rotation? Shop genuine Kentucky saddle pads below, built to wash well and last.

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