A Quick Guide to Tack Cleaning
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Everyone loves having shiny tack, but cleaning it is not so fun. Don’t worry though, check out our tips to make tack cleaning a breeze so you can spend more time in the saddle.
Why is Tack Cleaning Important?
We all clean our tack before a competition but it’s actually a vital job to do regularly. By removing dirt and sweat you are preventing the tack from rubbing your horse. Conditioning your leather bridle and saddle also ensures they stay supple and in good condition for years to come. Tack cleaning is a great opportunity to check for wear and tear, so be sure to look at the stitching and any buckles in case they need repairing.
Everyday Cleaning
Cleaning your tack after every use can save you time in the long run. Giving your tack a once over is as 1-2-3:
Rinse the bit with water.
Use a quick clean spray and wipe over the tack with a sponge or cloth.
Condition the leather with glycerine-based saddle soap.
Complete Clean
Once a week we suggest deep cleaning your tack. If you’ve been wiping your tack over after every ride this won’t take too long! Here’s how to get spotless tack:
1. Disassemble your bridle and remove the stirrup leathers from the saddle.
2. Soak the bit and stirrup irons in hot soapy water.
3. Wipe over each section of tack with a damp cloth or sponge. We add a dash of washing-up liquid to the water to help lift grease. Make sure the sponge or cloth is damp, not wet, to avoid soaking the leather.
4. Once the tack is dry, apply a conditioner. We love using a balsam at this step to really nourish the leather. For new or very dry leather, oil is a good choice.
5. Allow the conditioner to soak in for around 10 minutes before buffing the leather to a brilliant shine with a soft dry cloth. If you’ve applied an oil, allow it to thoroughly soak in for at least 24 hours.
6. Reassemble your tack. Check that your bridle is together correctly and no straps are crossed. If the bit folds in half easily then it’s the right way up.
7. Store your tack away safely. A bridle bag and saddle cover are a great way to maintain your handiwork and prevent damage.
Top tip – use a toothbrush to clean stirrup treads or hard to reach places.
So, now you have no excuses to avoid cleaning your tack! Whether you’re going for a quick or complete clean, we hope this helps you achieve shiny, spotless tack.
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