Horseytalk.net Special Interview
Top Tips for Tack Cleaning this Winter
from The Society of Master Saddlers
Mud, rain, wind and cold temperatures, our horses' tack goes through a lot during the winter months battling the elements, not to mention the sweat produced by the horse during hard work or a morning's hunting.
Quality leather tack is designed to withstand a lot, but with daily use the leather and stitching can become damaged, so time spent cleaning our tack is a good opportunity to inspect for wear and tear.
Very often in winter we are all guilty of cutting corners to get in a quick ride during daylight hours but with a bit of care and attention it is possible to keep our tack clean, after all, for many it has been a serious investment.
Ideally we would all clean our tack and wash off the bit every time we ride; in reality few have time in the winter months, so here we offer some advice on this essential chore of owning a horse.
Firstly hang the bridle on a hook and unbuckle the throat lash and noseband and unbuckle the cheek pieces down to their lowest hole.
Wipe off mud and grease with a damp sponge, taking care not to use too much water as wet leather can stretch, then allow to dry naturally to prevent the leather from drying out and becoming hard.
Stiff, muddy tack can be uncomfortable for horses and risks causing sores from chaffing.
Using saddle soap wipe all the leather work thoroughly taking care to make sure the underside is cleaned as well.
It may not be essential to oil the bridle every time it is cleaned. Oiling helps maintain the suppleness of leather as well as preventing it from becoming dry and brittle.
Wash and dry the bit checking for any roughness that could cut the horse's mouth.
As often as possible give the bridle a thorough clean by completely dismantling it, cleaning and inspecting each individual piece of the bridle, taking the opportunity to also check for worn stitching
There are many products available these days for cleaning tack and it comes down to personal choice on which you choose. A soap containing glycerine is recommended as this will help condition the leather as well as keep it supple.
It is advisable to keep leatherwork in a tack room with some form of heating to prevent mould from taking hold as once it has started to form it can cause staining that is difficult to remove.
To prolong the life of your leather work, cleaning your tack should be a regular part of your routine, not only could it prevent an accident it could also save you money.
To find out more information on the Society of Master Saddlers visit www.mastersaddlers.co.uk or contact on 01449 711642.