Winter is over and the days are getting longer. It’s time to dust off your pad and get your horse and tack ready for spring. Whether you ranch, rope, ride trails, or show, spring is a great time to get your tack ready for riding. At 5 Star Equine Products, we know your saddle pad isn’t just an accessory, it’s an important piece of equipment. That’s why we’ve built our pads to offer the ultimate protection for your horse’s back and our saddle pad cleaner & soak to increase the longevity of your pad. Here’s how to get your horse and your 100% pure wool saddle pad ready to ride this spring.
Step 1: Quick Clean with Saddle Pad Cleaner & Soak
If your pad doesn’t need a full soak, this method is a great way to take care of your pad and extend the life and function of the 100% all natural pure wool fibers.
How to do it:
- Hang your saddle pad by the gullet hole or secure it with a clip.
- Wet your pad then spray it down thoroughly with 5 Star Saddle Pad Cleaner & Soak.
- Let it sit for 15–20 minutes to break down sweat, hair, and grime.
- Rinse from the top down using a standard garden hose, working from the spine outward and then downward—never use a pressure washer.
- Rinse until the water runs clear and hang to dry completely.
- Once the pad is dry, it helps to flex it back and forth some to soften those fibers back up.
Keeping your pad clean helps maintain breathability and comfort, and it extends the life of the wool.
Step 2: Deep Clean Your Saddle Pad
After a season of hard work or storage, your 5 Star Saddle Pad has done its job absorbing sweat, dirt, and hair to protect your horse’s back. But all that build-up can pack down the wool fibers, compromise breathability, and lead to uneven pressure distribution. That’s where the 5 Star Saddle Pad Cleaner & Soak comes in. Unlike harsh detergents that can strip natural wool of its essential lanolin, 5 Star Saddle Pad Cleaner & Soak is specially designed to break down grime without damaging fibers, so your pad stays soft, breathable, and functional.
How to Use It:
- Fill a clean tub or trough with water and add 4-6 oz. of 5 Star Cleaner & Soak.
- Submerge the pad and let it sit, allowing the formula to loosen dirt and sweat.
- Rinse thoroughly and let it air dry by hanging it from the gullet hole or by using a clip.
It’s a small investment of time that pays off big in comfort and longevity. A clean pad works better, lasts longer, and keeps your horse’s back protected for the long haul.
Step 3: Everyday Maintenance with the Dry Cleaning Sponge
Extend the longevity of your pad and the time between cleanings by performing minor maintenance after riding. The 5 Star Dry Cleaning Sponge is the perfect tool for quick, daily maintenance. This unique sponge is tough enough to lift dirt and hair, but gentle enough to use on our premium wool pads without pulling fibers or compromising the surface.
Use it between rides to:
- Remove sweat marks, hair, and dust buildup
- Keep your pad looking clean and professional
- Extend time between deep cleanings It’s a must have for your tack room, trailer, or show bag.
Step 4: Shedding
Spring means shedding – a lot of shedding. Your horse is losing their winter coat, and that means it’s time to brush.
Daily grooming helps:
- Remove loose hair and dirt
- Stimulate circulation and bring healthy oils to the surface
- Reveal any bumps, scrapes, or signs of irritation under the saddle area Make grooming part of your daily routine with your horse. Look and feel for signs of pressure points, dry spots, or soreness—especially along the back and shoulders where your pad makes contact. A well-groomed coat not only looks better, but it improves contact between your saddle pad and your horse’s back, ensuring better sweat absorption and pressure distribution.
Step 5: Recheck Saddle Fit and Pad Performance
After a winter off or reduced work, your horse’s back might look different. Less muscle tone, a few extra pounds, or subtle changes in conformation can all affect how your saddle fits. Even a perfect-fitting saddle can become uncomfortable if your horse’s body has changed or if your pad is hard or dirty.
Here’s what to watch for:
- Uneven sweat marks
- Ruffled hair or bald spots
- Behavioral signs: ear pinning, tail swishing, or refusal to move forward A clean, soft pad with healthy wool fibers can make a huge difference in how weight is distributed. When maintained properly with 5 Star’s Saddle Pad Cleaner & Soak and regular dry cleaning, a 5 Star pad continue to perform ride after ride. And remember: our saddle pads aren’t one-size-fits-all. That’s why 5 Star offers pads in custom thicknesses and contours to match your horses conformation, your saddle, and your discipline.
Here at 5 Star Equine Products, we believe your saddle pad should work as hard as you do, and it should be built to last. Whether you’re hauling to jackpots, covering miles of backcountry, or just enjoying a ride around home, our saddle pads and care products are designed with your horse’s comfort and protection in mind. This spring, don’t just dust off your saddle. Deep clean your pad, shape up your horse, and set the tone for a great riding season with 5 Star.
Shop the essentials:
