Tack cleaning

I don't know about you guys, but I actually love cleaning my tack. I love the way leather smells and I love how soft the leather gets. Nothing beats a buttery soft bridle that is conditioned and maintained. To me your horse tack is an investment, and with the amount of money I spend on it every year, I like to do everything I can and take care of it to ensure that it will last me for years. 

Other than just keeping your leather clean and supple, tack cleaning also gives you the chance to inspect your equipment and make sure that it is still in good working condition or if it needs repair or replacement. Sometimes the inspection might also show you some changes in your leather and will prompt you to change the product you are using which in turn helps prolong the life of your leather.

When it comes to saddle pads, suede  and anything white-do not cry! there are some secret tips that you can add to your routine to also help these items look like new and shine in the show ring!

What I find fun(and that's where you might question my sanity) is there are so many different types of products to maintain and condition your leather. Testing new products and seeing how they will react or behave once on my leather is part of what I enjoy. It gives me the chance to see which products work well to soft, condition, shine, clean or even darken it. Just so many products to work with!

Hopefully reading this post, you will give you some inspiration to develop your own tack cleaning program.

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Tips and tricks

** Got mold? make sure your tack is always clean and dry before putting it away in a closed tack box. A leather cleaning product that contains a mold inhibitor (Leather Restorers & Conditioners are examples). The can also help to prevent the growth of mold and mildew between cleanings, especially in humid climates. Breathable bags are also great to store tack.

​* Always make sure to keep your cleaning and polishing sponges and clothes separate. I have 2 different large ziplock bags that I have labelled and keep a sponge and a cloth in each for their designated use. 

* Always take your tack apart(bridle and breastplate) apart when you are cleaning them. Most of the dirt accumulation is in the buckles, because the dust and grim has nowhere to go. 

* Soft bristle toothbrush is fantastic in getting in those tiny nooks and crannies that you otherwise would not get access to. 

* Keep bit wipes in your grooming kit for easy access when you are removing tack after you ride. Makes it easy to keep your bit clean.

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Cleaning: Saddle soap

For regular saddle cleaning, saddle soap is always a great option. Create a gentle lather using a sponge in circular motion with a little bit of water on top of your soap. In a circular motion work that saddle soap on all surface of your saddle, and make sure to include under your saddle flaps as well as the billets and straps and the underside of your saddle flaps. Wipe any excess foam using a soft clean cloth. 

Any brand of saddle soap will work with these instructions.

Leather damage on your saddle is often a result of an unbalanced pH level. When regularly cleaned with the proper saddle soap, the fatty acids in the soap combine with the salt contained in horse sweat to keep your saddle leather’s pH levels balanced properly.

Glycerine soap works to seal the pores of the leather, giving it a like-new glossy finish and protecting it from dirt.

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Conditioning: Leather conditioner

Now to me using the right leather conditioner is key. Other than the actual cleaning of your leather, I feel that is one of the most important steps and I will tell you right now not all leather conditioners are created equal!
Apply conditioner using a cloth (make sure it’s not your regular cleaning sponge). In a circular motion, apply the conditioner of choice to all areas of the saddle. Allow the conditioner to penetrate the leather and soften it. Repeat as needed. Wipe any excess off with your cloth.

Do not hesitate to try out different brands of leather conditioners, to find the one that works best with your tack. Not all leather conditioners will react the same way once applied to your leather.

I prefer using a cloth for this step because it gives you a better tool to work the conditioner into the leather than a sponge would. Make sure to condition all surface of your leather including those hidden areas under your flaps and the underside of those saddle flaps. ​

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Brightening bits, stirrups, buckles and name plates

Bit wipes are great for a quick cleaning after each ride and make it easy to keep your bit clean.

​Doing it immediately after your ride makes it easy as residue is still wet and soft and will wipe right off. For those who like flavour, you can get bit wipes that have different fruit flavours(apple and banana) as well as regular mint!

Once or twice a month, you should put all of your bits into a bucket for a thorough cleaning. Use a product like Bit Therapy Effervescent Cleaner, which fizzes when added to water, and let the bits sit for 8-1  mins. They’ll come out shiny and mint-scented, even in the hard-to-reach crevices. Another option is to put your bits in the dishwasher! even your stirrups do fantastic with a regular dishwasher trip!

If you don’t have time before a show, use a polish paste like Simichrome Polish on the rings of the bit to get them shiny. Your stirrups will also benefit from this-make sure you cover all aspect of the stirrup including the bottom, underneath portion. Be sure to select a non-toxic metal polish so you aren’t dyeing the surrounding leather, and allow the polish to sit for a few minutes before buffing it away.

Another great product is Nevr-Dull on a cotton ball and is easy to use and not as messy as a polish paste. The impregnated cotton can be used to easily polish brass, nickel, zinc, silver and aluminum fittings on breastplates, bridles and halters, even name plates.

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Spotless Suede!

Like leather, half chaps and other items with suede are susceptible to daily wear and tear especially when you start mixing them with horse sweat, and dirt or mud.
​The most important thing to remember is to use products that are specifically for suede. Most of these cleaning products are easy to find at your local tack stores or online. Using a soft bristled brush just for suede will make it easier to brush off any dirt or surface stains when you are cleaning suede. Make sure to read the instructions on the bottle so you don't use to much product. 

Suede Brush – For stubborn stains, or on Equisuede you can use a small stiff bristled brush, such as a fingernail brush, to lift the dirt. Rinse the saddle with water and allow to dry out of direct sunlight.
Proper Suede Storage – Suede can fade and even warp with prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, so storing your suede items in a closet is best. If you use a saddle cover, you shouldn't have that issue.

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