Clean Gear = Comfortable Horse

A clean, well-conditioned saddle and bridle look terrific, but the more important benefit is greater comfort for your horse. Stiff, dirty tack can cause irritation and even open sores. A dirty cinch, for example, is an all-too-common cause of troublesome cinch galls. Cleaning your tack also alerts you to needed repairs, so you can avoid breakage mishaps. Well-maintained gear lasts longer, too, saving you money.

Credit: Jennifer Paulson

Clean your leather gear at least twice a month with a good saddle soap or leather cleaner, then treat it with a leather conditioner or neatsfoot oil. Wash cinches by hand, using a mild detergent; this approach also works well for nylon-web gear, including halters. And don’t forget your bits, which will taste sweeter and keep from causing sores if you keep them clean with soap and water.

Share
Related Articles
Pre-Ride Tack Check promo image
Pre-Ride Tack Check
HR-161100-YHYL-12_gn
What's Up with Quarter Cracks?
Western Tack Details
Importance of Quality Reins
The Paddie
Trailer Gadgets
Newsletter
Receive news and promotions for Horse & Rider and other Equine Network offers.

"*" indicates required fields

Name*
Country*

Additional Offers

Additional Offers
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.