Tack Cleaning
By Cindy Edwards

Aside from the horse, purchasing tack is one of the major costs of owning a horse. Doesn’t it make sense to properly care for something that is such a large investment? Quality tack can last for years if properly cleaned, conditioned, stored and maintained.

Every time you use your tack, it gets sweaty, dirty and dusty. Sweat and dirt can make the leather dry out and crack if it is not cleaned properly. Your tack should be cleaned every time after you ride. Just a few minutes of caring for your tack daily will extend the life of your tack. Cleaning your tack also give you the opportunity to check your tack for potential safety hazards like cracked leather or loose stitching.

Things you will need for cleaning tack:

• Glycerine soap- i.e. Leather New, Lexol, or Fiebings
• Leather conditioner- i.e. Lexol, Oakwood or Hamanol
• Two medium sized sponges
• Bucket of water
• Soft, clean rags
• Metal polish or toothpaste
• Toothbrush
  
  
  1. Start by getting a sponge wet and wringing it out until it is barely damp. Water is actually very bad for leather, it causes it to dry out and crack.
  2. Apply your glycerine soap to the damp sponge and rub in circles on the leather until it works up a foam. Make sure to get the entire piece of tack, especially the parts that touch the horse.
  3. Thoroughly rinse out your sponge and use the clean sponge to wipe off all of the dirty glycerine foam. Continue to rinse the sponge until your have wiped down the entire piece of tack.
  4. To clean your bit, you should rinse it off in clean water to get off any saliva or bits of grass. I like to use a toothbrush and toothpaste to clean the bit. After you rinse the toothpaste off, the bit is clean, shiny and tastes minty for the horse.
  5. Every few months, you should condition your tack. Apply conditioner to a clean sponge and gently rub into the clean leather, making sure to get everywhere even underneath. Allow to sit for a few minutes.
  6. Now that the conditioner has absorbed, take a clean, dry rag and buff the leather to bring out the shine and to get rid of any excess conditioner. Be careful not to over condition your leather because it can actually be harmful. Too much oil causes the leather to break down faster and can rot out the stitching

Store cleaned tack in a dry place away from any sources of extreme heat or cold. Avoid storing tack in direct sunlight. Proper care of your tack will help you avoid mildew growth, which can cause irreparable damage.