Cleaning your riding equipment is necessary to keep it in good condition and use it for as long as possible. Your equipment will last for years, provided that we take good care of it. By introducing certain rituals after each ride, we will ensure that expensive items of equipment are in good condition.
How to clean the saddle
The most important element we should be saddle about. Prepare them by unclipping stirrups, trestles and girth. Many riders have special pastes or soaps designed to clean saddles – treating them with ordinary detergents can destroy them. After washing, the saddle is greased so that the skin stays soft and elastic. The last step after oiling is the skin shine with a special preparation. After all the procedures, the saddle should remain in a dry place for 24 hours, thanks to which the preparations dry and absorb. Similar measures should be used to clean the bridle and leather protectors (for protectors that are made of other materials you will only need water and a brush).
How to clean your saddle pad
The most important for horse comfort is cleaning the saddle pad, i.e. the fabric on which the saddle is placed. During great effort, the horse can sweat and get dirty – especially during long distances. This is why it is so important to always remember to properly clean and dry the saddle pad. The best solution is to wash your saddle pad as often as possible. Before each ride, it must be very well dried – otherwise it can cause painful burns on the back of the animal.
Caring for the horse’s hygiene
Remember to devote a lot of attention to the hygiene and care of your mount. In order for the horse to be healthy, it must be cleaned regularly with a brush and a comb. Every day, it is obligatory to remove mud and dead hair from the horse’s back and wash the area around the eyes, mouth and intimate areas. Every few days we comb the mane and tail. Hoof care is extremely important – they should be cleaned of mud and litter everyday, washed and greased. In addition to taking care of the animal’s physical hygiene, remember about mental hygiene: the right amount of movement, a large room, and constant access to drinking water.