How to Wash Your Equilett Sheepskin Saddle Pad: A Gentle Care Guide

Sheepskin is one of the most luxurious, horse‑friendly materials you can ride with, naturally breathable, cushioning, moisture‑wicking, and incredibly soft. To keep your Equilett sheepskin pad performing at its best, it deserves a little extra care. With the right washing routine, your pad will stay plush, clean, and beautifully shaped ride after ride.
This guide walks you through exactly how to wash and maintain your Equilett sheepskin saddle pad safely.

Why Sheepskin Needs Special Care

Unlike synthetic fleece, real sheepskin has:
•     A natural leather backing
•     Delicate wool fibres
•     Built‑in lanolin that keeps it soft and resilient
Harsh detergents, heat, and rough handling can strip the lanolin, stiffen the leather backing, or cause matting. Gentle care keeps the pad cloud‑soft and long‑lasting.

Before You Wash: Quick Prep

1. Shake Out Dust & Hair
Give the pad a good shake or use a soft brush to remove:
•     Loose hair
•     Dust
•     Arena footing
This prevents debris from embedding deeper during washing.

2. Check for Heavy Dirt
If the sheepskin is heavily soiled, lightly mist it with cool water and gently massage the wool with your fingers to loosen grime before washing.

How to Wash Your Equilett Sheepskin Pad

1. Use a Wool‑Safe Detergent

Choose a detergent specifically designed for:

• Wool
• Sheepskin
• Delicate natural fibres

Avoid regular laundry detergents — they strip natural oils and can harden the leather backing.

2. Wash in Cold Water

Use cold water only.
Warm or hot water can shrink the leather backing and damage the wool.

3. Hand Wash or Gentle Machine Cycle

Both methods work if done carefully:

Hand Washing (Safest)

• Submerge the pad in cold water
• Add wool‑safe detergent
• Gently squeeze the water through the fibres
• Avoid twisting, wringing, or scrubbing

Machine Washing

• Use a gentle or wool cycle
• Cold water
• Low spin
• Place the pad in a wash bag to protect the sheepskin, leather backing and stitching

Drying Your Sheepskin Pad (Most Important Step)

1. Never Use a Dryer

Heat will shrink and stiffen the leather backing.

2. Gently Press Out Water

Press (don’t wring) the pad between towels to remove excess moisture.

3. Reshape While Damp

Lay the pad flat and gently pull it back into shape.
This prevents curling or warping.

4. Air Dry in Shade

Place the pad:

• Flat
• In a well‑ventilated area
• Away from direct sunlight or heaters

Drying can take 24–48 hours depending on humidity.

After It’s Dry: Fluff & Finish

Once fully dry:

• Use a sheepskin brush or wide‑tooth comb
• Gently fluff the wool to restore softness and loft
• Smooth the fabric and check stitching

Your pad should feel plush, springy, and beautifully revived.

How Often Should You Wash It?

Sheepskin doesn’t need frequent washing.
Aim for:

• Every 10–20 rides
• Or when visibly dirty or sweaty

Over‑washing can shorten its lifespan, so spot‑clean between rides when possible.

Keeping Your Equilett Sheepskin Pad Beautiful for Years

With thoughtful care, your Equilett sheepskin pad will stay:

• Soft
• Supportive
• Breathable
• Elegant

A little extra attention goes a long way in preserving both performance, shape and softness.