​CARE FOR YOUR PULLED WOOL SADDLE PAD

► CLEANING 
There are a few "schools of thoughts" for cleaning that boils down to emphasis on personal preference.  Numbered below you will find the order of my personal preference.  To help keep your pad clean (or even not!) choose of the following that may work best for you and your equine athlete (or let me know if you come up with something better)! 
  1. Hose off when debris is built up is noticeable:  This is my favorite although takes a day in summer heat/warm day to dry!  Immediately after a ride pull pad from the horses' back as the fresh moister/sweat allows the dirt and hair to wash off rather easily.  Lay over a wooden fence or other sturdy frame not likely to rust.  Using a garden hose with cool water and a rubber curry help to gently loosen hair/dirt, the hair/dirt rolls off rather easily.  *Be aware, when saturated these pads are awkward and very heavy-for best results do no submerge in a tub.  When finished hosing off, lay diagonal on fence, pointing corners DOWN▼ to form a triangle shape on each side.  Water will flow out of pad with little resistance when laid askew in this fashion. (Otherwise laying a wet pad perfectly horizontal the water flow will "hit" each horizontal row that actually impedes water flow).  Allow to air dry. Often pads can be used before they are completely dry. Avoid the use of any detergent or solvents when washing, and never use a pressure washer. ​
  2. Use Air hose to  clean backs:  In our barn,  a general practice was to use an air-compressor with air hose to blow dirt off the horses' back before saddling.  Use common sense with this approach!  This can create a havoc for young horses unfamiliar with the noise and direct air from nozzle!  Once used to this practice, they quickly come to enjoy the air as a form of massage, however. 
  3. Shop Vac.:  I'm hearing of some customers using a shop vac. after each ride to quickly remove dirt and debris from the underneath side of pad.  It just takes moments, and likely enhances the use over time.  There are likely huge benefits to this especially in the spring when shedding and debris build up on the underneath side of pads is most prevalent.     
  4. Flip and Rotate:  With the underside of a saddle being of good quality wool shearling, this method works well for some.  Periodically the pad is flipped and/or rotated.  This method will rub off most accumulation of debris from hair and dirt build up.   I'm surprised as how well this work and is the choice of several.   
  5. NEVER EVER WASH:  Honestly, I've seen this work surprisingly well!  If kept/used in the same position, with time, pads form in the shape of the horses' back and become stiff from sweat and debris; always used the same direction and same side up.  As soon as the pad and saddle are in place and perspiration/moisture rises off the horses back, pads soften to the contour of the back, and function very well.  Careful to watch debris build up to cause sores or tender spots on the horses' back.    

► STORE PROTECTED
A secure and designated tack room is ideal to protect your tack collection.  Like all tack-articles derived from living, breathing creatures, care to properly store will/does preserve all tack investments.  Here are the ABC’s of excellent storage for Pulled Wool Saddle Pads:
  • A - Air-dry after each ride:  Ventilation preserves the life and performance of these pads.    
  • B - Bottom is bottom and top is top:  Store in the same fashion the Pad is used:  Top side up ↑ - and bottom side down ↓.  The critical “wicking process” of moisture being drawn to the dry sourse continues after use releasing moisture and heat.  I storngly discourage storing recently used pads top side down!   
  • C - Clear of obstructions:  Store to prioritize ventilation, void of obstructions above or below pads, this is vital!  
Implement the ABC’s of storage.  Also the benefits using more than one pad are immense!  Alternating pads from day to day allow pads to completely release moisture and heat possibly trapped in fiber.  As a natural material, wool also needs to breathe to function properly.  “Breathe in to wick sweat and heat away from damp source, and breathe out remove the moisture and heat as vapor.”  One customer,  Tom, from Green County, Texas stores his using collection of (at least five) Pulled Wool Saddle Pads (from various custom makers including myself) better than any Horsemen I have come across.  He uses a horizontal wooden poll where his collection of pads can air dry.  He follows the ABC’s of storage.  Impressive!  Regardless, protecting the investment adds years of use.  
DIANE'S DISCLAIMER #1:  CARE & STORAGE
►Proper care, cleaning and storage preserves the integrity of each and every Pulled Wool Saddle Pad.  If the above outline for cleaning and storage is not adhered to your pad will not perform as intended.  I proudly stand behind each and every pad produced.  Pad performance truly falls back on customer responsibility.   Never store in an air-tight container. The pad will breakdown, and rot if stored this way.  If pads get damaged (torn, holes, frayed) from negligence, replacing over repair is likely.  Repairs of Pulled Wool Saddle Pad is limited to damage that may occur.  The more extensive the damage the less likely a repair can be done.  Repair costs is $35/hr (2/1/2021) plus shipping costs are paid by customer.  Proper care and storage cannot be stressed enough.   Please ​contact me about any issues regarding care, storage, and/or repairs. ​
DIANE'S DISCLAIMER #2:  SIZE
►When ordering a custom pad, the specific dimensions at the time of ordering are the dimensions pads are individually produced and may vary slightly.  Oversized pads are actually a waste of material, production time, and additional cost.  The desire to have an oversized pad, in my opinion, is a direct result of modern sales tactic of oversized blankets of today and often those needing wear-leathers as  result.  Pulled Wool Saddle Pads are intended to have one inch exposed all the way around the outer skirts the of saddle.  Anything beyond this size is unnecessary.  I am always open to hear why a customer feels an oversized pad is needed, and willing to accommodate.  However, oversized pads may likely have unnecessary wear underneath the girth cinch ring.  It is helpful to measure the underside of saddle (length, and drop from side to side) when deciding on pad size.  Please, use good judgment on custom sizes.  Refer to the Home Page column on left for sizes and pricing.  Thank you!