With warmer weather moving in more and more during the transition between Spring and Winter, our poor horses still have their bulk of their winter coats.  As we take advantage of the beautiful days to enjoy a lovely trail ride or get some training time in, our horses just can’t help but sweat.  It was almost 80 degress here in Texas just last week and my horses were sweating like little piggies!  So how do you keep those saddle pads from getting all stinky from sweat and also to help deter the growth of mold and mildew without having to completely wash them every time you ride?  Easy!  Here’s what I do to get clean smelling saddle and bareback pads…

Make An Essential Oil Spray To Freshen Up Your Tack

You can use many different kinds of essential oils or combinations of oils depending on your goal with your deodorizer.  My favorite oils to use are Lemon, Lavender, and Melaleuca alternifolia,  You can use this on saddle pads, blankets, rope or web halters, bareback pads or any other cloth tack that you want to “freshen up”. 

Caution – When using essential oils singles and blends that may cause photosensitivity, such as Lemon or other oils containing citrus oils, make sure the application area is completely dry.  If it will be coming into contact directly with your horse and you put the saddle pad on while it is still wet with the essential oil mixture, it may cause photosensitivity if the horse is then turned out in the direct sun. 

Lisa Carter is a Certified Equine Massage Therapist (CEMT), with multiple certifications from several different equine bodywork schools.  She incorporates her knowledge and experience with Parelli Natural Horsemanship, equine bodywork, using essential oils for animals and as a veterinary technician to provide her clients with the resources they need to make informed decisions for their horses.  She encourages and facilitates network building between equine health care professionals, working together to find the best combination of therapies to meet the needs of the “whole horse”.  

Are you ready to get better results with your horse?  Put your equine health care team to work so you and your horse can be doing what you were meant to.  Click here to get started!