Follow Leather Care Best Practices

Like your horse, the trailer you haul it in and the truck you pull it with, your buddy’s tack is an investment. Are you following leather care best practices to promote its longevity?

“We spend a lot of money on these items now and they are investment pieces,” U.K. equestrian Stephanie Smith said. “A saddle worth thousands of dollars can last years and years. In 20-plus years, you could still be using it if it’s looked after correctly and appropriately.”

In an interview with Valley Vet Supply, Smith shared leather care tips to consider.

Frequent leather care is best. For some reason, cleaning tack is just something equestrians find as a bit of a chore. With more regular and effective care, it would be much easier to do each time. Cleaning tack can take minutes. It doesn’t have to be a big thing.

It’s a two-step process. The key to maintaining leather, and looking after it for the long term, is regular cleaning, conditioning and maintenance. There’s a two-step process — cleaning the tack and removing any grease build-up from the coat of the horse, dirt from arena surfaces and any moisture or mold. Always clean it and remove any mold or dirt before you start adding on a conditioning product.

Safety is paramount. It’s crucial to regularly inspect the leather’s quality, look for any cracks when bent and ensure that everything remains comfortable for the horse.

When leather cracks, it requires replacement. If the safety and comfort of that piece of leather is no longer where it should be, then consider replacing it. When the tack starts to crack so much that you get splits within the leather and the actual piece is compromised, that becomes a safety concern. It is likely to split just at the wrong time when you’re about to jump a fence or are galloping across a field. If it’s becoming a safety concern for the rider or the horse, it’s time to replace it.

Tack storage promotes leather care. The other thing that’s key with promoting leather longevity is how you look after the tack when you’re not using it. Very wet conditions, damp conditions and direct heat can also harm leather quality in the long term.

The correct storage of that leather while it’s not being used is the key to stopping it from drying out, losing its flexibility and the integrity of the leather itself. Correct storage also ensures it’s not going to get mold spores growing on it.

Consider how tack is put away. Bridle bags and saddle covers are available. Make sure you’re not putting saddles away that are soaked with water from riding in the rain. These need time to dry out correctly. Also, do not place it in front of a radiator, as that will strip out the natural oils.

Clean tack often. You can’t clean tack too much. It is important to use the correct product, depending on the type of leather used.

“Realistically, your horse’s tack is like their gym kit. Without regular cleaning and conditioning, it can become quite unhygienic due to grease and sweat buildup, and it can also lead to leather damage over time,” Smith said.

Remember these best practices to care for your tack and protect your investment.

About the Author:

Aimee Elyse Robinson draws from her lifelong experience with horses and tenure as a writer in the animal health industry. Visit www.ValleyVet.com to read more about how to care for your horse.