How to Clean Western Saddle Pads

Keeping your riding gear in excellent shape is important not only for your performance, but also for the health of your horse. In particular, it's important to clean the saddle pads because they come into direct contact with the horse. When not cared for properly, these pads can potentially cause discomfort for your horse or even lead to saddle sores. If you're a rider, follow these steps for how to clean Western saddle pads to ensure they're safe and comfortable for both you and your horse.

Remove Dirt and Debris

Over the course of several rides, there's bound to be a little buildup on and around your Western saddle pad. Shaking it out and giving it a gentle brush after each ride can help reduce this buildup, but you'll still need to give it a more thorough cleaning on a regular basis.

To clean the pad more thoroughly, start by scrubbing gently in a circular motion with a brush to loosen dirt, dust, hair and caked-on sweat. A rubber curry comb can be very effective for this step. Next, use the hose attachment on a vacuum to collect anything that was loosened by the brush.

Wash with Water

The next step is washing your Western saddle pad, which should generally be done by hand. You can check the instructions for your pad, but most Western saddle pads should not be cleaned in a washing machine to preserve the shape and avoid changes to the fabric. In addition, you shouldn't use soap on the pad

Begin by spraying the pad down using a garden hose with a pressurized nozzle. Aim the spray at an angle toward the edges of the pad rather than straight down, which could drive dirt into the fabric. The pressure of the water is sufficient to remove dirt and sweat, so you won't need any soap for this step.

The pad will absorb some water and become quite heavy, so don't hang it using a clip while you wash it. Instead, place it flat on a clean surface.

Clean the Leather

If your Western saddle pad features leather elements, you'll need to clean those as well. This should be done after hosing off the pad so that the majority of dirt and sweat is already removed.

Use a damp cloth to wipe down the leather trim. Dry it gently then apply a leather conditioner. Take care not to get the leather conditioner on the fabric.

Let It Dry

Now that your Western saddle pad has been washed, it's time to dry it before your next ride. The best way to do this is to place it flat on the ground or over the rail of a fence. Although it's tempting to place the pad out in the sun for faster drying, the added exposure could weaken the strength of the fabric. Instead, keep it in a well-ventilated area while it dries.

Store It Properly

Last but not least, it's time to store your saddle pad. Once it's completely dry, you can use a blanket rack to hang it or place it over your saddle. The pad should be kept in a cool, dry environment where mold and mildew are unlikely to develop. Wherever you end up storing your pad, make sure nothing is pressing down on it as this could compress the soft fibers.

Use these tips to keep your Western saddle pad in great condition. A clean pad will be more comfortable for your horse and help keep your saddle safely in place.