How to clean your wool felt pads
Tips from Euro-Horse and Justen OeDell, Chief Executive Officer of Team Equine LLC
Why Proper Western Saddle Pad Maintenance Matters (and How to Do It Right)
Your western saddle pad plays a crucial role in your horse's comfort and back health. It distributes the pressure of both your weight and the saddle evenly across the horse’s back. In addition, a clean and dry pad helps to wick away heat and moisture, keeping your horse comfortable—even during longer rides.
Why is pad maintenance so important?
Western saddles don’t have built-in cushioning to absorb pressure, which means the pad carries much of the load. When a pad becomes hard or dirty, it loses its shock-absorbing, moisture-wicking, and heat-dissipating abilities. This can lead to discomfort for your horse—such as rubbing, irritation, or even injury.
How to keep your saddle pad in top condition
Brush daily or weekly: Before each ride (or at least once a week), give your pad a good brushing. Use a soft curry brush or an All Natural Dry-Clean Sponge. Always brush in circular motions to loosen dirt and hair—and only brush a dry pad to avoid grinding dirt deeper into the fibers.
Deep cleaning (when your pad gets really dirty):
Vacuum the outer surface to remove dust and loose hair.
Brush the inner side using a soft brush or All Natural Dry-Clean Sponge in circular motions to loosen dirt and embedded hair.
Spray the inner side with a specialized cleaner like Saddle Pad Cleaner & Soak. For very dirty pads, create a solution with lukewarm water and soak the pad. You can also use wool-safe soap, as long as it doesn’t irritate your horse’s skin.
Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap or cleaner residue. Never use a high-pressure spray, as it may damage the pad fibers.
Hang the pad to dry in its natural shape—draped like it would sit on a horse’s back, for example over a fence rail. Never hang it upside down, as this puts strain on the seams and may distort the contoured shape.
Extra tips:
Make sure your pad can fully dry while storing it. Avoid leaving it over your saddle—leather doesn’t appreciate moisture either.
Check regularly for hard or damaged areas so you can address issues early.
Don’t have time or unsure how to clean it properly? Take your pad to a professional blanket cleaning service with experience in western saddle pads.
With proper maintenance, your saddle pad will last longer—and more importantly, your horse will enjoy a healthier, more comfortable back. A little time and attention go a long way toward better rides and a happy horse.
