Cleaning Saddle Pads

The cleaning solutions used on a saddle pad will depend on what fabric the pad consists of. All pads regardless of material should first be brushed well to remove hair and sweat. Sheepskin pads should be handwashed with pure soap. Some sheepskin is machine washable. The manufacturer tag will let you know if it's okay to wash the pad in the machine. Fleece pads may be machine washed. Felt pads should also be handwashed with pure soap in cool water and allowed to dry completely. If in any doubt, check the manufacturer's cleaning instructions on the pad.

Buttercups and Horses

While buttercups are dangerous to most animals, the plant doesn't taste good to them so most will avoid it when they have plenty of hay or other grass to consume. The immediate reaction to eating a buttercup is oral irritation. Treatment is not usually necessary unless severe problems such as colic or bloody stool is present. If buttercups are a pasture problem, mowing or treatment of the field is an option. Check the information on the chemicals used for eradication to determine when the field will be safe for animals again.

History of the term "tack"

The word "tackle" is used in many instances to mean equipment or gear. Around 1924, the word was shortened to "tack" in order to clarify equipment only for equestrian use. Tack includes all equestrian gear, such as harnesses, bits and bridles, not just saddles. Since the tack is usually stored in an accessible room, the room came to be called the "tack room".