Most horse people are very meticulous about caring for horses, but maybe not much when it comes to tack. In most parts of the country, it's time to gear up for riding season. It's also an opportune time to get out all the tack out, inspect questionable equipment, clean, and condition everything. After all, dirty tack will not only have a shorter lifespan but can also be dangerous. When leather is weakened it can break and it never happens at a convenient time. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure to keep tack dependable and to protect such a large investment.

Visual inspection is the best place to start. It’s pretty easy to see how dirty the tack has gotten over the long winter months. Wipe as much of the dirt, dust, and sweat off of the saddle before applying any cleaner. If planning to use wipes, stick with a product formulated intended to be used on leather. Wipes containing alcohol can damage leather. An air compressor with a blow gun attachment is an easy way to remove dust and debris. This technique gets dust out of the crevasses and hard to reach areas of the saddle. It’s not a bad idea to blow out the dirt that has collected in the fleece or sheepskin under the skirt too!

Moving forward in the cleaning process, it's best to get your saddle or tack up off of the ground. Leaving tack on the floor will only invite excess dirt to stick to it during the cleaning process. A saddle rack or gate will work fine. Don't make this any harder than needed!

Remember to start in a specific area and work out. Rather than working on the entire saddle all at once, start with one area. Avoid any product drying on the leather before the product has had a chance to get worked into the leather. Use a clean, damp sponge (not dripping wet) to apply saddle soap. There are a variety of soaps available, including glycerin based pastes and liquids. After applying saddle soap in the area you are working, wipe any excess soap off with a dry towel. Wipe all areas, getting into all the creases and hard to reach places.

Now the leather is ready to be conditioned and protected. There are a few products to choose from but a favorite for this step is Prime Neatsfoot Oil. This product is a combination of oils that are the most beneficial for leather care. Prime Neatsfoot Oil is great for lubricating the leather fibers, keeping them soft and supple. The fact that it provides a waterproofing element to the tack is an added bonus. Don't forget! 4-Way Care products are convenient and effective, and clean and condition at the same time. 

A few extra helpful tips:

• Be careful around sued and metal components
• Always keep a clean, dry towel handy to wipe overspray and runs
• Start local in one spot and then workaround to the rest of the saddle
• Slow and steady wins the race

Significant investments have been put into saddles and tack. Spending a little extra time and care will make them last for years to come, giving something to pass on to the next generation of rough riders!

"How to Clean a Saddle" using Fiebings products by Smith and Edwards Link to full article: http://bit.ly/2Jp7iNV

References: Fiebing Company