Wipe tack after every ride, clean and condition leather regularly, check stitching and safety points, store it correctly, and dry wet tack slowly. Good care keeps leather supple, safe and lasting for years.
Wipe down after every ride
A quick wipe after each ride removes sweat, grease and dirt that break down leather over time. It takes a minute and prevents the build-up that leads to cracking. Pay attention to the parts that contact the horse and the reins and girth areas.
Clean and condition regularly
Every so often, give tack a proper clean with a suitable tack cleaner and then a leather conditioner or balm to keep it supple. Dry, neglected leather cracks and weakens, while fed leather stays strong and comfortable. Do not over-oil, which can make leather greasy and weak.
Check the safety points
As you clean, inspect stitching, billets, girth straps, stirrup leathers and reins for wear, cracks or loose stitching. These are the points that fail and cause accidents, so replace anything worn. Cleaning time is the perfect moment for this safety check.
Store it properly
Keep tack in a dry, airy place, not damp or in direct heat, which both damage leather. Store saddles on a proper saddle rack so they keep their shape, and hang bridles to avoid kinks. Good storage keeps tack in shape and prevents mould.
Dry wet tack gently
If tack gets soaked, let it dry slowly at room temperature away from direct heat, then clean and condition it once dry. Forcing leather to dry fast makes it brittle. With this simple routine, good tack stays safe and serviceable for many years.
