Riding isn’t all about getting on a beautiful steed and riding into the sunset, it’s much more than that. Horse riding is a passion, a lifestyle. It demands a lot work of regardless if it is done as a mere hobby or as a profession. Taking care of a horse and bran is not only time-consuming but also expensive. Moreover, every rider knows that cleaning horse tack and leather saddle on a regular basis is a must.
In order to clean tack and leather saddle, one needs to invest in a quality leather cleaner and conditioner. A good quality leather cleaner and conditioner not only makes the process easy and effective but also protects the valuable tack and leather saddle from environmental elements. In this article, we will share our insights on how you can clean and condition your horse tack and leather saddle.
Caring and Maintaining Horse Tack and Leather Saddle
Caring for a Horse Tack and Leather Saddle
Horse tack and leather saddles tend to get quite dirty both from sear dirt and dust from the horse and ride and from barn storage. It is not possible to save them from getting dirty or soiled, however, it is possible to clean and care for them so that they can last for a long time. After every ride, make a habit of cleaning your horse tack and leather saddle, and make sure to condition them every six months or so to retain their suppleness and allure.
Steps for Cleaning and Conditioning a Horse Tack and Leather Saddle
Given below are 5 important steps for cleaning and conditioning a leather saddle, and horse tack:
- Ready your saddle for cleaning
- Dust of grime, dust, and mud, gently
- Wipe the tack and saddle with a gentle leather cleaner
- Allow the tack and saddle to dry completely
- Apply leather conditioner
1. Ready Your Saddle for Cleaning
Before you begin the cleaning process, make sure to remove all the non-leather parts of the saddle. Remove the irons off the saddle and soak them in a bucket containing warm water and soap. You can clean the leather stirrups in the same way as the saddle, however you must do it separately.
2. Dust of Grime, Dust and Mud, Gently
Take a soft brush or a dry rag and gently remove grime, dust, and debris from the surface of the leather. Do not apply the leather cleaner before dusting as that will turn into mud once mixed with the cleaner.
3. Wipe the Tack and Saddle with a Gentle Leather Cleaner
Before applying the leather cleaner to your leather saddle, or tack, make sure to do a patch test. Once the cleaner passes the patch test, apply a small amount of it on a soft, lint-free cloth and gently wipe the surface of the leather. Pay extra attention to the soiled areas, but make sure not to rub too hard.
4. Allow the Tack and Saddle to Dry Completely
Once you have thoroughly cleaned your tack and saddle, it’s time to let them dry naturally for a few hours. This step is very important because if you condition wet lather, you will lock in moisture that can result in mildew. Therefore, before continuing on to the next step, make sure to let your leather dry completely.
5. Apply Leather Conditioner
Once your tack and saddle are dry, apply a thin coat of Whites Pearl Leather Conditioner. For the application, take a soft, lint-free cloth and then gently massage the conditioner onto the leather. Once the entire leather is conditioned thoroughly, let it dry for a minimum of 2 or a maximum of 24 hours.
Storing Horse Tack and Leather Saddle
Once you have cleaned and conditioned your horse tack and saddle you can store it in a dry place. If you don’t plan on using your saddle for a long time, you can store it by covering it with a breathable material such as a bag or a cotton sheet. Avoid plastic bags at all costs because they can promote moisture.
Also Read
The Ultimate Guide to Nubuck Leather
How to Protect leather from Sun Damage?