Your tack is an expensive investment, so you’ll want it to last as long as possible. Plus, once you’ve found a saddle that fits your horse just right, you definitely don’t want to have to start the saddle search over again anytime soon. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to lengthen the life of your tack.
Invest in Quality Tack
If you want your tack to last as long as possible, then invest in quality tack products. Higher quality tack – when cared for well – will outlast cheaper tack every time. You may need to save up a little more for that initial purchase, but when you tack lasts for years longer, that investment will pay off.
Can’t buy quality tack new? Then buying quality products secondhand is the next best option. Even used, quality leather will outlast some of the super cheap options that you see.
Clean and Condition Your Tack Regularly
Caring for your tack properly will help to keep it in good condition. Clean and condition your tack on a regular basis to keep the leather supple. When you clean your tack, do a thorough job. This means unbuckling all of the buckles, cleaning all of the surfaces of the tack, and following up with a thorough conditioning.
If you’re oiling your tack for the first time, go lightly, or you might end up with an oily mess. Keep in mind that, while oil can go a long way in softening up new tack, it can also start to degrade the stitching in your bridle or saddle if done too often. Use oil sparingly and only as needed.
Use the Right Tack Care Products
The tack care products that you use can affect your tack’s lifespan. Invest in some quality tack cleaner or saddle soap, and find a tack conditioner that works well with the leather of your tack.
If you have a higher-end saddle or bridle, you may want to purchase tack cleaner and conditioner directly from the tack manufacturer. These products are made to complement the type of leather that’s used to create your tack.
Using a new cleaning product? Test it out on a small area of your tack that can’t be seen. Some products can darken leather, so you want to be aware of this before applying the product to all of your tack.
Store Your Tack Properly
How you store your tack can also affect the length of its useful life. It’s best to keep your tack in a climate-controlled space. If your tack room isn’t climate controlled, then bring home any tack that you don’t use regularly.
If you’re storing tack for a long period of time, put it in rodent-proof containers, like a heavy-duty tack box. If storing tack in a basement, then running a dehumidifier can help to prevent mildew from growing on your tack.
Make Repairs Promptly
If your tack becomes damaged, you find areas of loose stitching, or there are other issues that need attention, get your tack repaired promptly. Not only does this help to keep your tack safe for use, but it can even minimize the severity of the issues – and the size of your repair bill.
With proper care, your tack can last for many years to come. What are some of your favorite tack care tips?