How to care for your brand new saddle pad?

Saddle pads are an important part of every rider's tack. They protect the horse's back from rubbing and scratches, and they simply make the saddle feel better against the horse's back. In fact, most riders own a bunch of saddle pads, so they can switch them up as they get dirty, or simply when they want to change their style. A good saddle pad can last for a long time when it is taken care of properly.

Simple care 

Most saddle pads are made of materials that can be washed in a washing machine. You should wash your saddle pad as it gets dirty: most people wash their saddle pad after a few uses. If the pad gets too dirty, it can cause skin problems to your horse. For instance, bumps or rubbing on the back underneath the saddle. This, in return, can cause pain and discomfort to your horse. 

During summer months, horses sweat more, and oftentimes, they are also dirtier underneath their coat simply because they roll around in the pasture more. So, you should pay extra attention to the dirtiness of your saddle pad. 

When it is time to wash your saddle pads, wash them in the following way:

1. Check the washing instructions! Usually, saddle pads can be machine washed with cold water. 
2. Remember not to use too much detergent: residue from the detergent can cause your horse's skin to itch. 
3. Do not put your saddle pad in the dryer. Instead, hang them to line dry. 

Remember to let your saddle pad to dry completely before using it. A damp pad can, yet again, cause irritation on your horse's skin. 

What to do with hairy saddle pads?

If you own a horse that has long hair or tends to shed a lot, you might encounter a problem: saddle pads with tons of hair. Of course, a saddle pad that is covered with horsehair cannot be put in a washing machine: the hair would simply end up clogging the drain. 

In order to wash your pad, you will need to clean most of the horsehair off the saddle pad before putting it in the washer. Below, you will find a couple of good tips on how to clean the horsehair off the pad.

1. Use a curry with circular motions and brush the hair off the pad
2. Use another kind of rough brush
3. Use a rubber or aluminum sweat scraper to scrape the hair off

Ophena has released a new, branded luxury saddle pad

In May of 2020, Ophena released a new, branded, luxury saddle pad that had been requested multiple times by satisfied and happy customers. Our midnight blue showjumping pad has a beautiful "Ophena" logo on the left side, a honeycomb design, a luxurious cord, and it has been manufactured from the best materials.

You can easily order your own pad online through our site. All you have to do is to pick the sie (full or cob), add it to the cart, and finish your payment process. The new beautiful pad will arrive as soon as possible. 

If you have already bought our magnetic safety stirrups, you will notice how beautifully this new saddle pad goes with the branded safety stirrups, too.

Should you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us.