Tack is an essential component of any equestrian’s kit, providing comfort and safety for both horse and rider. When it comes to tack care, there are two types of equestrian: one who cleans their tack after every use, and the other who avoids tack cleaning for as long as possible!
Like any equipment, proper care and maintenance are crucial for longevity and whether you are a seasoned rider or just starting out, understanding the basics of tack care is essential. Read our latest guide on how to keep your tack in top condition, ensuring it lasts for years to come.
1. Cleanliness is key
One of the fundamental tips when it comes to looking after your tack is to keep it clean. Ideally you should clean it after each use in order to remove dirt, sweat and grime accumulated during your riding sessions. Simply wipe down your tack with a wet sponge to remove the surface dirt, or if you have leather tack use a leather cleaner to cleanse the leather. Try not to use harsh chemicals that can damage the natural oils in the leather or the stitching.
2. Condition and moisturise
Leather tack requires conditioning after it has been cleaned. If you forget the conditioning part, this can strip away essential oils and leave your leatherwork brittle and dry. After cleaning, apply a leather conditioner or moisturiser using a soft cloth and work it into the leather in a circular motion. Make sure you let the conditioner penetrate the leather before wiping off any excess.
3. Regularly inspect your tack
Most horse riders forget that cleaning tack is actually incredibly important as it gives you the chance to check for wear or damage at the same time. This could save you from having a serious accident whilst riding due to stitching becoming loose, for example. When inspecting your tack, pay close attention to areas that experience the most wear including billets, reins and stirrup leathers.
4. Storage of tack
Whether you are cleaning your tack ready for your next competition, or are getting ready to store it away, the storage of your tack is incredibly important if you want it to last for a long time. One of the best products is Carr Day & Martin’s Ko-Cho-Line which is a special leather dressing, designed to prevent drying out and mould, without causing rotting. Simply apply a thin layer to your tack before storing it, leave to soak for 12 hours and then remove any residue.
5. Avoid excessive moisture
Now living in Britain, this can be a challenge to avoid excess moisture (don’t get us started on the winter we have had!). Excessive moisture can reduce the longevity of leather so if you can, try to avoid riding in wet conditions - make the most of that indoor school if you have the luxury! If you aren’t able to avoid the rain, like most of us, be sure to allow your tack to dry naturally if it does get soaked. Don’t put it near a radiator in order to speed up the drying process as this will dry out the leather and cause it to crack.
6. Professional maintenance
There may come a time when your tack needs some professional attention, maybe some stitching needs replacing, billets have worn out, or an old saddle needs some extra flocking to ensure it remains comfortable for your horse. There are lots of fully qualified Master Saddlers in the UK, so head over to their website and find one close to you. By investing in a professional, your tack will be safe for use and its lifespan will be extended.
Proper tack care is incredibly important for maintaining both the performance and longevity of your equipment. By following these maintenance tips that we have included in this blog, you can keep your tack going for many years to come. While most of us busy horse owners don’t have time to clean their tack daily, following these steps on a monthly basis will keep your tack clean, supple and comfy for your horse. Feel free to browse our range of leather care products online.