Leather Care For Tack

Leather Care with our range of Tack Care Products

Leather care for horse tack is essential for maintaining the longevity, functionality, and appearance of your leather equipment. Regular cleaning and conditioning not only keeps the leather looking good but also ensures the safety of both horse and rider by preventing cracks and weakening of the leather.

Key Steps for Leather Care:

1. Cleaning Leather Tack

Cleaning your tack removes dirt, sweat, and grime, which can degrade the leather over time.

Materials Needed:

• Sponge or soft cloth
• Leather cleaner (saddle soap or specialized leather cleaner)
• Warm water
• Soft brush (optional for detailed areas like stitching or tooling)

Steps:

1. Disassemble the Tack: If possible, take apart the tack (bridles, reins, girth straps, etc.) to clean each part thoroughly.

2. Wipe Off Loose Dirt and Dust: Use a dry cloth or a soft brush to remove dust and surface dirt before applying any cleaner.

3. Apply Leather Cleaner or Saddle Soap:

   • Dampen a sponge or cloth with warm water.
   • Rub saddle soap or leather cleaner into the leather in circular motions to remove dirt, sweat, and oils.
   • Clean every surface, paying special attention to areas where the tack comes into contact with the horse, such as girth straps, reins, and saddle flaps.
   • Avoid getting the leather too wet, as excess water can damage or stretch the leather.

4. Rinse the Sponge and Wipe Off Residue: After cleaning, use a damp cloth to wipe off any soap or cleaner residue from the leather.

5. Allow to Dry: Let the leather air-dry naturally, out of direct sunlight, which can dry and crack the leather.

2. Conditioning Leather Tack

Conditioning helps to keep the leather supple, preventing it from becoming dry, brittle, or cracked. It also helps repel water and protect the leather from environmental damage.

Materials Needed:

• Leather conditioner (cream, balm, or oil)
• Soft cloth or sponge

Steps:

1. Choose the Right Conditioner: Use a conditioner specifically made for leather tack. Avoid conditioners with too much oil, as they can oversaturate the leather, causing it to become sticky or overly soft.

2. Apply the Conditioner Sparingly:

   • Apply a small amount of conditioner to a soft cloth or sponge.
   • Gently rub it into the leather in circular motions. Pay extra attention to high-stress areas, like stirrup leathers, reins, and girth straps, which are more prone to wear.
   • Make sure to condition both the grain (outside) and flesh (underside) sides of the leather.

3. Allow the Leather to Absorb the Conditioner: Let the conditioner soak in for a few hours or overnight. If the leather feels greasy afterward, wipe off any excess with a clean, dry cloth.

4. Polish (Optional): For a final shine, you can buff the leather with a soft, dry cloth after conditioning.

3. Waterproofing Leather Tack

If your tack is regularly exposed to wet conditions, it’s a good idea to waterproof it. While some leather conditioners provide a degree of water resistance, additional waterproofing treatments may be needed.

Materials Needed:

• Leather waterproofing product (waxes or waterproofing sprays)

Steps:

1. Choose a Waterproofing Product: Beeswax-based waterproofing products are a good choice for leather tack. Some conditioners also have built-in waterproofing agents.

2. Apply Sparingly: Apply a small amount of waterproofing product to the tack, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Don’t over-apply, as this can clog the leather’s pores and affect its breathability.

3. Allow to Dry: Let the waterproofing product fully absorb and dry before using the tack.

4. Storage of Leather Tack

Proper storage is just as important as cleaning and conditioning.

• Cool, Dry Environment: Store tack in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, extreme heat, or moisture.
• Cover or Hang Properly: Use saddle covers and hang bridles on appropriate hooks to keep their shape and avoid creasing or cracking.
• Avoid Damp or Humid Areas: Dampness can cause mildew, which will damage leather over time.

Tips for Maintaining Leather Tack

• Regular Maintenance: Clean and condition your tack regularly, especially after heavy use or exposure to sweat, mud, or rain. For frequently used tack, clean it after every ride and condition it every few weeks.

• Avoid Over-conditioning: Too much conditioner can soften the leather excessively, making it prone to stretching or losing its shape. Apply it as needed when the leather begins to feel dry.

• Inspect for Damage: Check for signs of wear, cracks, or weak stitching before and after each use. Replace or repair damaged parts as needed to prevent accidents.

• Use Glycerin Soap for a Polished Finish: After conditioning, you can use a glycerin-based saddle soap to add a protective shine to the leather.

• Don’t Use Harsh Chemicals: Avoid using detergents, alcohol-based cleaners, or any harsh chemicals that can strip the leather of its natural oils.

By following these steps for leather care, your horse’s tack will remain durable, safe, and comfortable for many years. Regular maintenance not only ensures the longevity of your equipment but also protects your horse from discomfort caused by stiff or damaged leather.