FAQ about saddle pad care

1. How often should I change the saddle pad?

In summer it is advisable to change and wash the saddle pad more often than in winter. If you ride a lot when the temperature is already high, you should change the saddle pad about three times a week. In winter, when the horses sweat less due to the low temperature, changing even once a month is sufficient. However, this varies greatly from horse to horse. If you hang the saddle pad up to dry and brush it off after use, it will stay fresh longer and therefore does not need to be changed so often. A basic cleaning should generally be done after the sixth to seventh use.

2. How many saddle pads can I wash at once?

How many saddle pads can be washed at once depends largely on the size of the machine as well as the saddle pad size itself. In addition, high-quality saddle pads are usually made of a firm material that keeps them in shape. If you were to squeeze several of them into a small machine, they could lose their shape. In general, a maximum of two saddle pads are recommended for a normal sized drum. In the case of saddle pads with sheepskin trim, the high absorption capacity of the fur must be taken into account. It is therefore better to put only one saddle pad in the washing machine.

You can find out which steps you should follow when caring for the different types of saddle pads in our guide „How do I care for my saddle pad correctly?“

3. Can saddle pads be put in the dryer?

If you can avoid it, do not put your saddle pads in the dryer as the high temperature could damage the material and the shape retention. Also, avoid putting your saddle pads directly in the sun or on a turned on radiator. Saddle pads dry best hung at room temperature and in the shade.

The situation is different with sheepskin saddle pads: If the fur can be removed, you can put it in the dryer at a maximum of 30°C. This makes the sheepskin very soft and it recovers its highest possible functionality.

4. Which detergent is suitable for the care of saddle pads?

When caring for saddle pads, it is best to use a mild detergent to gently clean the material. Natural detergents with a neutral pH value are recommended so that the horse does not have an allergic reaction.

For saddle pads with sheepskin, it is best to use a special detergent with a moisturising effect. Conventional detergents will knot the fur fibres.

5. What happens if I don’t change the saddle cloth often enough?

Due to a lack of hygiene and cleanliness of a numnah, dirt can clog the horse’s sebaceous glands. This becomes noticeable as small bumps on the skin. Sweat encrustations on the numnah and in the saddle area are very uncomfortable and itchy for the horse. A dirty numnah also increases the risk of skin irritation and skin fungus.

Dirt on the underside of the numnah also reduces its functionality, such as breathability, elasticity and fit. Especially with sheepskin underlays, the absorbency suffers if they are not cared for properly and irritating tangles can form for the horse.

6. Can dirt be brushed out of sheepskin pads?

As long as the sheepskin of the saddle pad is still damp after riding, the tips of the fur can be wiped off with a wet sponge. When wet, the sheepskin should not be brushed. When dry, you can brush it out carefully with a soft brush, for example a soft body brush. However, avoid working it with a curry comb or mane comb, as there is a risk of individual strands being pulled out of the hide.

In case of heavy soiling and sticking of your sheepskin pad, we recommend our care instructions.

7. Can the saddle pad lose its shape after washing?

Whether a saddle pad loses its shape after washing depends very much on the quality of the material and how it is handled. Saddle pads of inferior quality are often less shape-retaining and soft, meaning that they lose their stability even when slightly damp. Washing at hot temperatures above 30°C and aggressive detergents will also damage the shape retaining ability of the saddle pad. However, if you follow the basic principles for washing saddle pads as well as the manufacturer’s care label, your saddle pad will keep its shape for a long time.

8. Does a dressage saddle pad fit under a jumping saddle?

For an optimal fit and hold of the saddle, the saddle pad must also fit the saddle. Show jumping and dressage saddles are cut differently, so the saddle pad should also be adapted to this cut. The saddle flap of the jumping saddle could protrude over the dressage saddle pad and thus press on the edge seam or cord. This would cause unpleasant friction on the horse’s shoulder. Conversely, a jumping saddle pad does not fit under a dressage saddle, as the jumping saddle pad is cut shorter in the area of the saddle flap. The long saddle flap would press on the edge seam of the saddle pad.

Exceptions can be made for general purpose saddles: Depending on the focus of the saddle (dressage or jumping), a dressage or jumping saddle pad can be placed underneath instead of an general purpose saddle pad.

When choosing the right saddle pad for the saddle, look out for the following abbreviations, which determine the cut of the saddle pad:

Abbreviation	Fit
GP	General Purpose
DR	Dressage
P	Pony
SH	Shetland

9. How big does a saddle pad have to be?

The cut of the panels, knee rolls and saddle flaps, as well as the seat length of the saddle, all determine the size of the saddle pad. Dressage, general purpose and jumping saddle pads have different sizes and shapes. To determine the size of the saddle pad, measure the length of the contact surface of the saddle. To do this, measure from the beginning of the panels to end of the end of the panels. Then add at least 6 centimetres to this. The result gives you the minimum length of the saddle pad. Use the measurement to select the correct size in the saddle pad size guide.

10. What do frequent and occasional riders have to bear in mind when caring for their saddles?

Frequent riders who ride several days to every day of the week should replace and wash their saddle pads weekly. If the saddle pad is even completely soaked with sweat after a ride, it should be replaced immediately.

For occasional riders, it is sufficient to air the saddle pad and hang it dry, and to change it after about the seventh use. If the saddle pad is not used for a longer period of time, it should be kept clean in a dry, airy place. Do not put it in a plastic bag, as bacteria and mould spores can rapidly multiply in it.

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