Keeping horses is an activity where constant cleaning cannot be escaped. Grooming your horse is just one part of the equation; cleaning stables, stalls, barns, and horse tack pieces is pretty much inescapable. Caring for your saddle and the rest of your horse tack may not be as appealing as grooming because it lacks the animal bonding factor, but we cannot deny that it is crucial. When you think about everything that led up to the point of choosing your saddle, it makes perfect sense for you to adopt a regime of proper and frequent care. Adult riders can invest on adjustable Western saddles that can last more than a horse lifetime if they are built with quality materials. If you think about it, the riding lifespan of a domestic horse can last more than 15 years, which means that a saddle can be passed on to younger riders in the family. The integrity and optimal functionality of saddles can be kept through: ReflockingGullet adjustmentStitchingBillet replacement There is more to saddle and tack care than just protecting your investment. When you spend time performing horse tack maintenance, you get to see and feel the condition of all parts, and this lets you know if there are problems with stitches that are about to burst, buckles that are about to come off, or straps that may be at risk of tearing. The last thing you want is to unexpectedly lose your cinch while the horse is negotiating rough terrain; these are accidents that can be prevented through proper maintenance. If you are a horse owner who has invested in a new saddle or tack, it’s essential to treat it correctly. Not only should you protect your investment from water, snow, heat and harsh weather, you should make sure it is properly cared for with a regular inspection to assess and eliminate problems before they become major. The right maintenance routine for saddle and tack care will help you avoid problems and will keep your horse happy and healthy. Basics of Horse Tack Maintenance When it comes to tack care, the main concern is to keep everything in its place, particularly in cold weather. If there are any cracks in the bridle, do not ride the horse or wear the tack without fixing them first, as this can lead to the injury of your horse. It is also important to check all saddle and saddle girths and reins every time you ride, and make sure that everything is still tight. If you see anything loose or worn out, tighten them up immediately and make sure your tack has been thoroughly cleaned. Cleaners That Should Not Touch Leather Saddles All saddles need to be kept clean and moisturized, particularly if they are made of leather. In the case of saddles made with synthetic materials, the moisturizing process is not separate; it is already provided by cleaners such as Wintec, which feature a special formula that works wonders on Cordura, BioThane, EquiLeather, and others. Cowhide leather must be conditioned after it has been cleaned and dried, and this is a very important process that should never be skipped. With the above in mind, here is a short list of household cleaners that should never be used to clean your saddle or tack: Dish soapBleachAlcoholLaundry detergentVegetable oilWD-40 There is one item from the list above that merits an exception, and that is bleach, but you would only use it on a horse saddle that has become very moldy after years of neglect. You can use a combination of bleach and vinegar to treat moldy saddles, but you would have to dilute both with plenty of water. The recommended ratio is half cup of bleach and half cup of vinegar for 10 cups of water. Once you have taken care of mildew, you should proceed with saddle soap for a regular cleaning. What You Need to Keep Your Saddle Clean and Moisturized The good news here is that you do not need to spend a lot to keep your saddle in good shape. A small bucket with clean water, a couple of sponges, towels, saddle soap, soft bristle brushes, and conditioner are all you need for leather saddles. Synthetic saddles will need Wintec instead of saddle soap and conditioner. Some horse owners are known to use saddle cleaners that combine glycerin soap with conditioner because they are busy riders; this is fine, but it should not completely replace the application of products such as Bick-4. An easy way to understand the importance of applying conditioner to your leather saddle is to remember that cowhide was once part of a biological system, which in turn was able to provide moisture and natural oils. In the absence of this natural process, it is up to saddle owners to provide it, and the best formula can be found in cream-based conditioners. The glycerin soap used to wash saddles after each riding session should not remain on the leather; it needs to be rinsed off completely before conditioner can be applied. Should you find yourself without access to saddle soap, one-time applications of very mild detergent are better than leaving the saddle dirty. The Saddle Cleaning Process Thankfully, cleaning a saddle is not difficult at all. Getting the saddle ready is a matter of unbuckling all the the fittings before grabbing a brush and removing all the dust, hair, dirt, and grime. The next step involves using a wet towel, but not one that is dripping wet, to get rid of remaining dirt. Saddle soap can be applied with a damp sponge. Work the soap in by means of small circles. It should be noted that saddle soap should only be used on leather. Once you notice that the sponge is thoroughly soiled, rinse it off and reapply soap until it stops absorbing dirt. For more thorough cleaning, saturate a soft toothbrush with soap and give it a light scrubbing action over the leather. If the saddle is stained, try spot cleaning. Mix saddle soap with a little water, dip a soft sponge in it, and dab the spot. If the leather is too stiff, try a soft cloth. A little saddle soap goes a long way; there is no need to make suds. Excess soap needs to be removed with a damp towel. You never want to leave soap residue on the saddle, and you definitely do not want to mix glycerin with leather conditioner. Wipe the inside and outside of the cinch or belt area to remove excess soap residue and dirt. You can also use a cotton swab to remove any excess dirt. A clean, dry towel is your best friend here. Wipe the inside and outside of the cinch or belt area to remove excess soap residue and dirt. You can also use a cotton swab to remove any excess dirt. A clean, dry towel is your best friend here. Use a toothbrush to clean the inside of the cinch or belt area. Use a clean, dry towel to clean the outside of the cinch or belt area. For the final conditioning step, keep in mind that it only needs to coat the surface. There is no need to apply pressure or use elbow grease because you do not want the conditioner seeping down and through the flocking. As for the metal fittings, a toothbrush and a sponge should be sufficient to clean them. You can apply a bit of metal polish here, but this is completely optional. Storage of saddles should be limited to hanging them from racks after they have been conditioned. If you go a few weeks without riding, use a brush to dust off saddles and apply a light coat of leather conditioner in order to keep it moisturized.