Sunday was one of those rare, perfect days here in Bakersfield. It was warm while still being cool. The sun was bright and cheerful, but there was a lovely breeze that kept the temperature perfectly comfortable. When we have days like that, I always like to say that if we had more of them, none of us would be able to afford to live here.
Izzy is worse than a teenaged boy when it comes to funk and gunk. He quite often sweats through his pads which leaves the equine version of ring around the collar. So after a weekend of very good rides, I decided that my schooling whites needed a good cleaning. The weather was perfect for line drying saddle pads, or in my case, "patio chair" drying.
Say yes to embroidery!
We have a newish washing machine though, so I didn't want to gunk it up with Izzy's prodigious funk, so I used the shop vac first. Not only were the pads crusty brown underneath - I swear I groom him first, but they were also matted with hair.
It was such a pretty afternoon!
After a super duty wash cycle and a double rinse, the pads came out mostly white. While they might not sparkle, they sure do smell nice after drying in the breeze. I love riding with a crisp, clean pad. Too bad my leg boots, bridle, and horse won't be as clean as the pads.
