How do you wash a sheepskin half pad?

To wash a genuine sheepskin half pad, you must use a specialized leather-safe wool wash, select a cold, delicate cycle on your washing machine, and air dry it flat away from direct heat. Standard household detergents and high heat will strip the natural oils from the leather backing, causing it to shrink, crack, and ruin the pad.

Step-by-Step Sheepskin Washing Instructions

Before you introduce any water, the first step is to remove dry debris. Use a stiff grooming brush to vigorously brush away dried sweat, dirt, hair, and arena dust from both the fleece and the quilted cotton sides. Getting rid of this surface grime beforehand prevents it from turning into abrasive mud during the wash cycle.

Next, select your detergent carefully. You must use a specialized wool wash containing lanolin, which restores the natural oils in the sheepskin. Regular household laundry detergents, bleach, and fabric softeners will strip these oils, leaving the leather backing stiff and prone to tearing under the saddle. Set your washing machine to a delicate, wool, or hand-wash cycle with cold water. If your machine allows you to adjust the spin speed, select a low spin setting to avoid stretching the hide.

Once the cycle is complete, do not wring out the pad. Instead, gently press out excess water and lay the pad flat on a drying rack with the fleece side facing up. Keep the pad away from direct sunlight, radiators, or heat vents, as rapid drying will cause the leather to shrink and warp. While the pad is still damp, gently pull the leather backing into its original shape. It may take several days to dry completely, and once dry, you can use a slicker brush to fluff the wool fibers back up.

Synthetic Alternatives for Easier Maintenance

If the intensive care routine of real sheepskin does not fit your daily barn schedule, synthetic fleece options offer a highly practical alternative. High-quality synthetic pads provide excellent pressure distribution and shock absorption while being significantly easier to clean in a standard laundry cycle.

• The Shires ARMA Half Pad - SupaFleece Lining, Faux Fleece Edge & Quilted Cotton - Multiple Colors offers the luxurious look and feel of sheepskin but uses a synthetic SupaFleece that can be machine washed regularly without the risk of leather cracking.
• For horses with prominent conformation, the Shires High Wither Fleece Half Pad #88500 - Quilted Synthetic Fleece Pressure-Balancing Horse Saddle Pad provides targeted pressure relief and can be tossed in the wash with standard detergent after a sweaty schooling session.

Whether you choose genuine sheepskin or a synthetic alternative, keeping your half pad clean is essential for your horse's comfort. Dirt buildup can cause friction, heat, and painful rub sores. If you ever notice persistent swelling, heat, or signs of skin irritation on your horse's back, consult your veterinarian to rule out underlying saddle fit or health issues.