IMPORTANT: Every saddle pad with pockets for shims should be hung over a rail or drying rack after each use, with pockets wide open and without inserts, away from direct sunlight and artificial heat. This allows horse sweat to dry out completely. After use, store your saddle pad away from direct sunlight, as ultraviolet rays can degrade the original properties of both natural fibers and synthetic materials. Direct sunlight can cause genuine leather reinforcements and the pelt (the leather side of sheepskin) to crack, shrink, lose their natural elasticity, or stiffen.
WASHING your sheepskin saddle pad
EquineLUX saddle pads and half pads without sheepskin are machine washable. However, we recommend following our specific care instructions for best results.
Before washing
1. Remove shims or inserts from the pockets and hand wash them separately.
2. Shake the saddle pad outdoors to remove loose debris.
3. Use a soft rubber curry brush in a circular motion or a lint roller to gently remove horsehair from the cotton underside.
4. Always keep the VELCRO Hook-and-loop fastener closed before washing. Horsehair, sheepskin and fleece are attracted to VELCRO. Hooks can scratch the fabric's surface.
Machine washing
- For non-sheepskin saddle pads, use cold or lukewarm water with a regular detergent.
- For sheepskin saddle pads, it is not recommended to use a washing machine. However, if you decide to do so, use a delicate or hand-wash cycle with a detergent specifically designed for wool or delicate fabrics. A pH-neutral, mild detergent is ideal. Baby shampoo can work, but a specialized detergent is recommended.
- Once finished, use the spin cycle to get rid of excess water.
NOTE: Due to the delicate nature of sheepskin, different types of the washing machines, and the fact that we cannot supervise the washing process, the Warranty is void if washing instructions have not been followed.
Hand washing is strongly recommended
Wash your sheepskin saddle pad in cold or lukewarm water using a detergent or other cleaning product specifically designed for sheepskin and wool. Do not to use hot water. It may damage the pelt of sheepskin. As long as the water is above 72°F (22°C) and below 105°F (40°C), it is lukewarm* enough.
Remove excess water after washing or rinsing by carefully squeezing the water out. Never wring the sheepskin half pad out, as it may result in damaging the pelt.
Specifically designed detergents
A quality sheepskin shampoo removes stains, and sheepskin conditioner contains a conditioning agent to keep the performance of the wool fibre. Avoid using clothing detergent with enzymes and bleach, regular soap, "oxygen" cleaners, MELP or WOOLITE detergents. These products can break down the protein structure of wool, damage wool fibers, and counter-act the tanning process causing damage to the genuine sheepskin fur and leather. Harsh detergents with enzymes or bleach can damage wool fibers and destroy lanolin - a unique natural remedy for soothing horse skin.
• Ecover Wool & Silk Delicate Laundry Detergent: This Woolmark-certified detergent is praised for its gentle, plant-based formula and suitability for delicate fabrics like wool and silk.
• Eucalan No Rinse Delicate Wash: Known for its no-rinse formula, making it convenient for handwashing wool items.
• Woolskin Premium Woolwash: Specifically designed for sheepskin and all wool types.
DRYING instructions
Do not use any source of heat at any point in the drying process. It is not advised to put any EquineLUX saddle pad in a dryer. Hot air can shorten the life of your saddle pad, and the dryer sheets will make non-slip mesh layers slippery. Do not use fabric softeners. It is just not necessary.
- For non-sheepskin saddle pads, hang your saddle pad to dry by laying it over a rail or a drying rack, away from direct sunlight and artificial heat.
- For sheepskin saddle pads, gently reshape a sheepskin lining or sheepskin trim whilst damp. Lay it flat on a surface covered with bath towels and place another towel on top and between flaps. Apply pressure, such as walking on it, to remove residual water. Secure the saddle pad in this position. Check the saddle pad's condition periodically to ensure it retains its shape. Allow your saddle pad to dry completely before resuming regular use.
To restore the pile to its fluffy appearance and remove horse hair, brush sheepskin whilst still damp and again when it is dry. Stiff brush or rubber curry comb can be used at your discretion.
NOTE: The sheepskin pelt becomes prone to delamination when wet. If excessive force is applied while combing, or if using a hard comb or brush, the pelt can delaminate, leading to partial damage such as holes or torn-out tufts of wool. Additionally, overly aggressive stretching of the sheepskin can also cause damage.
IRONING instructions
You can iron both front and back sides of the saddle pad. Set the iron to the low-mid setting with light steam for the top layer. The cotton lining can be ironed like any other cotton garment, on a medium setting and light steam.
WARNING: Avoid ironing the non-slip mesh!
To restore the fleece trim to its fluffy appearance, you can brush it when the fur is dry.
Merino sheepskin care
It is strongly recommended to HAND WASH saddle pads with sheepskin lining and trim. Sheepskin pelt becomes very heavy when it absorbs water and may tear when rotated and twisted in a washing machine.
✦ Everyday care: Lanolin is a natural, waxy substance produced by sheep's wool. Due to its anti-fungal and antibacterial properties, a genuine Merino sheepskin tends to be self-cleaning. A daily airing will keep the sheepskin fresh and help maintain its self-cleaning properties.
✦ Spot cleaning: Hand wash gently in cold or lukewarm water using a mild soap designed for sheepskin. For best result clean any lightly soiled areas on the sheepskin right after it has been stained. Use a damp sponge to clean the stained area and pat gently with a soft towel to absorb the water. Waterless horse shampoos can also be used at your discretion.
* Lukewarm water is water that is neither hot nor cold, but rather slightly warm or tepid. It's a temperature that feels comfortable to the touch but not hot, and is often described as being around room temperature or slightly warmer. There isn't a universally agreed-upon precise temperature for lukewarm, but it generally falls between 22°C and 40°C, or 72°F and 105°F.
EquineLUX Saddle Pads
