How to Maintain Horse Tack

Horse tack can become very expensive, especially if it has to be replaced frequently. You can keep it clean and safe for many years if you maintain horse tack properly. Save money and time by taking care of the tack that you have. Learn how to maintain horse tack by following these steps.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Check your horse tack before and after each ride. Go over each piece to make sure nothing is torn, worn or rotten. Leather tack can become dry and start to rot and tear. Nylon tack can become frayed and worn--throw these out.
2. Wipe your tack after each ride. Tack that stays dirty looks worn and old and can rot faster than clean tack. Sweat, dirt and mud builds up on leather and nylon tack and causes the tack to age faster than it should. Cleaning your tack after every ride, or at least wiping it down, reduces the wear tremendously.
3. Clean your tack thoroughly at least once a week. Take off all hardware and clean it with soap and water, oil and condition leather and wash nylon tack thoroughly. Hardware can be polished with a metal polish.
4. Replace small parts that get worn easily instead of replacing large items. Snaps at the ends of reins can become brittle but can be replaced much more cheaply than a set of reins. If the snaps are sewn into the ends of the reins, a leather shop can replace them easily.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't forget boots and leg wraps. These should be washed with mild soap and water after every use. Clean the straps with a stiff brush if there are leaves or debris stuck in them.