3 Spring Cleaning Tips for Riders

For many of you, spring has arrived!

I have heard stories buzzing of sunny days, horses basking in the warmth, birds chirping, and flower blossoms making appearances. For others like me, this is not yet my reality, as I awoke this morning to Mother Nature’s cruel April Fools’ Day joke – a 15 inch blanket of thick snow covering the ground.

Seeing as I am snowed in at the moment, I am forcing myself to look at the bright side by acknowledging that springtime isn’t a myth, but an exciting season that can sometimes be delayed. In order to stay ahead of the game, I’ve put together three easy spring cleaning tips for equestrian enthusiasts who would like to start planning and organizing their season regardless of the current weather conditions.

1. Take the time to clean your horse blankets

Spring is the best time to give your horse blankets the deep clean they need after a long winter of use and storage. This will help to extend their life, prevent irritation of your horse’s coat, and ensure they continue to serve their function. Not sure the best approach to take when cleaning your horse blankets?
There are a few options:

• Many local tack shops provide professional cleaning services; reach out to see if they can provide a quote to service your blankets.
• Cleaning your blankets on your own is always an option with a simple hose and water.
• Perhaps you can earn a little cash by providing others the opportunity to have their blankets washed and cleaned.

Helpful tip: Ensure your waterproof blankets remain waterproofed by doing the following:

• Hand wash or wash in a washing machine without using an agitator in a cool temperature using a non-biological type of soap
• Always hang to dry; do not tumble dry
• Store your blankets in a cool, dry place to protect from moisture and mold

 2. Create a practical routine for cleaning your non slip saddle pads

Success Equestrian non slip saddle pads, with proper care, are built to last! To get the greatest use out of your favorite equestrian product, follow these easy steps to care for your saddle pads:

• Machine-wash your non slip saddle pads in warm water with a non-bleach detergent.
• Use a gentle cycle option and do not overstuff your machine with too many saddle pads.
• Wash regularly for best results.
• Avoid washing with Velcro or buckles. Spot treating difficult stains is fine to do; “Oxy” detergents as well as stain removers work well.
• Hang dry your saddle pads if you can. You can also place them in a dryer, and we recommend using an air fluff setting to protect the non-slip material.

For more information on how to care for your saddle pads, click here.

3. Make your “To Do” list now

So much goes into caring for our horses and the products we need to help them be comfortable and successful. Making a checklist of actionable items to prepare you and your horse for spring can go a long way. Google calendars are a great way to set reminders and make regular scheduled appointments. Use your lists to help you set goals and stay on top what needs to be done in order to achieve them!

How do you like to prepare for spring? Share your ideas with us, or connect with us on Facebook or Instagram to share your own tips!

Author: Lila Gendal