No one likes to clean, and the same goes for your horse’s tack. It’s time consuming, it’s dirty, it’s boring and no one notices but you. But the reality is, the tack does get dusty, dirty and sweaty – and it’s usually made of leather. And leather can be durable, but through neglect can become dry and brittle, which shortens its life.
There’s a lot of good reasons for keeping your tack every bit as clean as your horse.
It’s an investment
You’ve spent a lot of money on your tack, and you’ve spent valuable time in selecting it, so why not protect your asset? It’s just like any item you own, you want it to last as long as possible. With proper care, you can get the maximum return on your investment.
How to clean it
Don’t think of it as cleaning, but prevention, so be sure to clean it after every ride. Every tack manufacturer has its own recommendation, but generally you should wipe the dust and sweat from it immediately using a slightly moistened cloth or sponge. Next, rub a light layer of glycerin soap in the leather to seal pores and keep it soft. There are also conditioning creams and other cleaning solutions that restore moisture. Make sure you get in the creases, nooks and crannies where the grime collects.
A clean tack is a safe tack
While you’re cleaning it, also inspect it. If you notice cracked reins or a girth that needs repaired, it may be time to consider a whole new tack. You definitely don’t want any unexpected accidents while you’re riding far from home or sitting in the show arena. Prevention with cleaning means prevention with safety, too.
A clean tack helps you look and perform better
Have you ever heard the saying that a clean car just runs better? A clean tack means you’ll feel better and your horse will, too. Besides, we all know that image is everything in the horse world, especially when you’re competing. Even if you’re not the most experienced or talented rider in the arena, you can still look your absolute best.
Proper storage helps it last longer
Mice and similar rodents love chewing on leather, so the better you can secure it somewhere safe the more likely it will last longer. You may want to wrap it in something, such as fabric (and not plastic), so that the leather can breathe and not acquire mildew. If you don’t have that option at least keep it from extreme temperatures, which can damage leather.
