How to Oil a Bridle for the First Time
Preparing a bridle for first-time use involves cleaning, conditioning and protecting the leather. Proper care of your bridle will make it supple, easier to use and lengthen its lifespan. To condition a bridle, you can use oil or a leather conditioner. There are many quality leather oils for tack, or you can use olive oil or vegetable oil. Your new bridle should be free of cracks, soft and supple before using it for the first time.
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Things You'll Need
- Leather cleaner (optional)
- Warm water
- Small bucket
- Cellulose sponge
- Leather oil
- Plastic cup
- Disposable gloves
- 1-inch paintbrush
- Glycerin soap
- Cotton rag
- Bridle hook
Instructions
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Fill the bucket with warm water, immerse the sponge and add the leather cleaner according to the product's instructions. With a new bridle, the leather cleaner is optional and warm water may be used by itself.
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Squeeze the sponge to remove excess water and thoroughly wipe the bridle clean.
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3
Pour the oil into the plastic cup and put on disposable gloves.
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Dip the paintbrush into the oil and apply it to the bridle in thin, even strokes.
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Roll the parts of the bridle through your hands gently to allow the oil to evenly penetrate the leather.
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Reapply two additional layers of oil at 12-hour intervals.
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Fill the bucket with warm, clean water, wet the sponge and wring it out.
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Wet the glycerin soap in the bucket and rub it generously onto the sponge.
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Rub the bridle with the sponge in a circular motion, covering the entire piece.
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Wipe the bridle with the cotton rag to remove excess soap.
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Store your bridle by hanging it on a bridle hook to maintain its shape. Ensure the brow band and nose band are in a horizontal position and facing outward.
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Tips & Warnings
If you choose to use neatsfoot oil, select one that is pure and does not contain petroleum distillates, which will rot the stitching on your bridle. Use enough oil to lightly coat the leather and wipe off the excess immediately after application.
Some bridles have a white finish or coating to protect the leather. Consult with the manufacturer or read your bridle's product manual to determine how to remove the material. Typically, customers are advised to use glycerin soap and a leather conditioner or oil.
Don't soak your bridle overnight in warm oil. It will make the leather too soft, weaken it and cause it to break.
References
Resources
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