Leather is a natural material and it responds to how it is treated. A little regular care keeps it supple, strong and comfortable, and it saves a lot of repair work later in the year.
Clean little and often
Wipe the tack after every ride with a barely damp cloth to remove sweat and dust. Pay attention to the parts that sit against the horse, where sweat collects, and to the buckles and keepers where grit hides. Pay particular attention to the inside of the bridle and the underside of the girth, where sweat dries into the leather and is easily missed. A soft brush can lift dust from stitching before the cloth goes over it.
Never soak leather or leave it wet. If it does get soaked, dry it slowly away from direct heat, then clean and condition it once it is dry. A radiator or a hot sunny windowsill will dry the leather too quickly and leave it brittle.
Soap, then balm
Use a saddle soap and a damp sponge to lift the dirt, working in small circles and rinsing the sponge as it soils. Let the leather dry naturally before you apply a balm or conditioner. A thin, even coat is better than a heavy one, which can leave the surface tacky. Choose a soap that suits the leather and follow the maker's instructions. Saddle soap is not the same as a household cleaner, and a harsh product can strip the finish that protects the surface.
Do not over-oil. Too much oil can make leather soft and stretchy, which is the opposite of what you want in a bridle or a girth. Condition the leather, then buff off any excess with a clean cloth. In wet weather, give the tack a little more attention, and in cold weather let it warm up before you clean it.
Store it well
Hang bridles and headcollars on a shaped hook or a peg so the leather does not crease. Keep saddles on a stand or a rack, away from damp and direct sun. A dry, airy tack room is kinder to leather than a sealed cupboard. A cotton bag or a breathable cover is better than plastic, which traps damp. If the tack room is cold, let the leather come up to room temperature before cleaning so the soap can work properly.
Check stitching, buckles and straps as you clean. A worn strap is easier to replace at home than at the yard gate, and small repairs are quicker than a rebuild. Store cleaned tack loosely rather than crammed into a bag.
- Wipe sweat and dust off after every ride.
- Use a damp cloth, never a soaking wet one.
- Clean with saddle soap and a rinsed sponge.
- Dry naturally, away from direct heat.
- Apply a thin coat of balm and buff off excess.
- Hang bridles and store saddles on a stand.
- Check stitching and straps as you clean.
Leather that has cracked or gone brittle is usually beyond a simple clean, so ask before you use it again. Our saddlers can advise by phone, by email or from photos of the tack and the worn area. Browse the saddlery collection for care products and replacement parts.
