How to Clean a Leather Tack

Keeping your horse supplies clean is part of owning a horse.

Horse tack is a term used to describe any of the equipment placed on the horse so it may be ridden. Horse tack includes saddles, bridles, reins, stirrups or halters. The majority of horse tack is made of leather. Since leather is a porous material, it absorbs dirt, sweat and grime easily and needs to be cleaned on a regular basis. Regularly cleaned horse tack lasts longer and looks nicer.

Things You'll Need

• Saddle soap or liquid cleanser
• Bucket
• Knuckle brush
• Sponge

Instructions

1. 

   Saddle soap is a great cleaner for leather products.

   Wet a bar of saddle soap and rub it back and forth over one area of the horse tack. Don't be afraid to get too much on there as you want to clean down into the pores of the leather.

2. Work the saddle soap into the leather using a damp sponge or knuckle brush. A knuckle brush is one that fits over your knuckles so the top of the brush is resting against the palm of your hand.

3. 

   A sponge helps absorb the soap and dirt.

   Wipe the saddle soap and grime away with a dampened sponge. Rinse the sponge out and wipe a second or third time, if needed, to ensure you've removed all the soap and dirt.

4. 

   Your horse will look and feel better with a clean bridle.

   Move to the next section of horse tack and repeat the process. Concentrate on one section at a time so you can keep track of the leather you already cleaned.

Tips & Warnings

• Clean horse tack after every use. It will take you less time then having to deep clean and it will keep your equipment in like-new condition.

• Only oil horse tack when it shows signs of dryness. Conditioning it too often will leave it feeling oily and it will attract more dirt.

References

• Horse Tack Review: Cleaning Horse Tack