Cleaning Your Tack
By Leslie Potter

Pay special attention to parts of tack that are subjected to a lot of wear, such as stirrup leathers. Riders put their tack through a lot of abuse. The dirt, sweat and horse slobber that saddles and bridles are subjected to in their daily use can break down the leather and stitching over time. While few riders have the time to give their tack a thorough cleaning after every ride, it's important to make sure you don't let the dirt get out of hand.

Unbuckle every buckle to give your tack a thorough cleaning. If you compete with your horse, you already know that it's important to give your tack a thorough cleaning before you enter the show ring. Though the condition of your tack alone probably won't change the outcome of the class, judges do notice which exhibitors take the time to put that extra polish on their appearance.

When you can commit the time to a thorough cleaning, you'll need to unbuckle each and every buckle. If you've used your bridle on the same horse for a long time, there will probably be a crease in the leather at the hole where the buckle goes. However, if the tack is relatively new or if you adjust it frequently, you may want to count the holes to where the buckle was set and write it down so that you know you're putting the bridle back to the correct adjustment.

Start by wiping off any excess dirt from the surface of the leather. Then use a damp-not wet-sponge or cloth to work your soap into the leather. Small tack sponges are ideal because they are soft and non-abrasive, and small enough to get into all areas of the tack. Make sure you concentrate on the areas around the buckles and the folds in the leather by the reins and in your stirrup leathers. Wipe off any excess soap residue with a damp cloth.

Apply conditioner after cleaning while the leather is still slightly damp.