The health of your horse’s tack should always be a top priority, whether you’re just getting started in the world of horse care or are an experienced horse owner who’s looking to up your game. Cleaning and caring for your horse’s tack is an essential part of keeping their equipment in the best possible condition, and with the proper knowledge and tools, you can do it with ease.
Why Is Caring For Your Tack Important?
Caring for your horse’s tack is important because it ensures that the equipment is clean and in good repair. Doing so can help prevent a number of costly problems, such as saddle sores and rubbing. In addition to keeping your horse healthy and comfortable, this care can also extend the life of their tack. For instance, leather saddles will last longer if they are cared for properly.
Getting The Right Tools
The first step in caring for your horse’s tack is to get the right tools. You’ll need a few different items, including saddle soap or leather cleaner, soft cloth or sponge, and even an old towel to dry off the equipment after it’s been cleaned.
Other tools you will need may include:
- Saddle stand
- Buckets for warm water
- Sponges
- Tack cleaner
- Towels
- Cloths
- A hoof brush
- Leather conditioner
- Leather oil
- An oil brush
- Gloves
To find everything you need to keep your saddle, bridle, head collars, boots, and the rest of your tack clean, check out the range over at Equi Supermarket.
Clean Your Tack Regularly
The first step to caring for your tack is to clean it regularly. If you want your gear to last as long as possible, you need to clean it regularly. The best way to ensure the longevity of your tack is to clean it thoroughly at least once a week. During this clean, you will need to fully dismantle your tack so that you can clean each component. If you’re worried about putting your tack back together wrong, a top tip is to lay out your tack in front of you in the order it needs to be reconnected. This will ensure that your tack is clean and correctly assembled.
How To Save Dry Or Cracked Leather
There are a number of ways to save dry or cracked leather. One way is by using saddle oil as it penetrates deep into the leather, moisturising it from within. Another method is to mix together oil with beeswax and apply it directly to the rough patches on your horse’s saddles or bridles. The wax helps seal the leather and prevents water from seeping in, which will cause more damage over time. However, if your tack is beginning to dry out and crack, it is essential that you purchase replacements as soon as possible to avoid it breaking during a ride or hurting your horse.
Signs Your Tack Needs To Be Replaced
When it comes to the care of your horse’s tack, prevention is always better than a cure. The longer you wait, the more likely it is that you’ll need to replace your equipment. Signs that your tack may need replacing are mould or if the material is cracked or ripping. This is due to the fact that these things occur when your horse’s equipment isn’t properly cared for. Mould can also cause skin irritation and other health issues for your horse.
Use A Saddle Fitter Every Six Months
One of the most important aspects of caring for your horse’s tack is to use a saddle fitter every six months. This is a professional who checks the overall health of your horse’s saddle and ensures it’s properly positioned. If you’re not sure whether or not you need to see one, there are a few signs you can look out for:
- Your horse has been acting abnormally lately, despite proper care and attention.
- Your horse’s saddles have any tears or frays that could be causing pain.
- You recently purchased a new saddle.
These are all telling signs that your horse needs to be seen by a professional. They can check the position of the saddle and make any necessary adjustments before anything becomes worse. They can also ensure that the saddle isn’t too tight, which can cause discomfort and sores.
Conclusion
No matter the type of riding you do, it is important for you to properly care for your horse’s tack. A good saddle fit, regular cleaning and replacing old or problematic tack are all part of the process. To make the most of your horse’s tack, it is important to know how to care for it properly. With the right tools and a little know-how, caring for your horse’s tack is relatively straightforward.