What should I use to clean my tack?
All Things Tack Cleaner
In this article we will discuss all about tack cleaning, why it is so important and what products The Saddle Bank use on a daily basis and recommend to customers all over the world.
If you are still a bit confused about which saddle or any saddle related product is best for you why not get in touch with our friendly customer support team. Via phone on 01733 301 488 or email info@thesaddlebank.com. Our lovely team are always happy to help as much as they can and provide you with the information you need to make the best decision for you and your horse.
Why do we clean our tack?
Prevent damaging the leather
Regularly cleaning your horses tack is important as it prevents a build-up of dirt which could end up rubbing your horse. The built up dirt can also cause friction on your saddle between the saddle and your boot and damage the leather. When investing your money into a saddle you don't want to damage the leather by not doing a simple thing such as giving it a quick wipe over.
Enabling you to check for wear or damage
The most important thing about tack cleaning is that it gives you time to check your tack over. Items can get old, worn or damaged and it is vital that nothing breaks mid-ride as this can be exceptionally dangerous. Cleaning your tack regularly will enable you to check your tack over thoroughly and notice anything that may need to be repaired by your local saddler.
For competitions
As a rider you don’t want to let your horse down by rocking up to a show looking messy or having grubby tack. This is particularly important for the show or dancing friends. Ideally speaking, you should clean your tack after every ride, particularly if you are using the same tack on different horses during the day.
Top Tip: If you are using the same bridle on different horses throughout the day, be sure to give the bit a rinse before using it on another horse. Washing the bit prevents any viruses being spread.
What should you use to clean tack?
Step 1: A damp cloth
Firstly, it’s important to get any dirt or grease off your tack. You can’t treat your tack if it’s covered in grime! Use warm water and a cloth or a soft sponge to give your tack a wipe over, don’t be afraid to use a little elbow grease! Another fact of the day: water stretches the leather. If there is too much excess water, give it a wipe with a dry towel. We understand when you are hunting all day at the end of the day you’ve had it. But, if you spend five minutes to get your mud off, this will make your leather so happy and prevent the dirt from damaging the leather. If you own a synthetic Wintec 500 saddle, you have a super low maintenence saddle which you can hose off after a muddy ride or ride on the beach. However, do not do this to a leather saddle!
Step 2: Clean
Have you ever been in a tack store, and been overwhelmed with all of the different cleaning products they offer? Our job today is to break it down so you can find out which one is right for you.
Synthetic cleaners
The spray which feeds the synthetic material is what we will talk about first. This scientifically formulated cleaning solution will make your saddle look and feel like brand new. The purpose of this spray is so that mud, sweat or dirt can be removed without any damage being done to the saddle. We stock the Wintec Synthetic Saddle Cleaner here. It doesn’t matter if you don’t specifically have a Wintec. You can still use this spray on any synthetic material. Simply, spray the liquid onto a sponge, and give your tack a wipe over. Remember to do all parts of the saddle which are a synthetic material. Many people forget to do the underneath of the saddle, every part is important! This cleaner is ideal for the following synthetic models of these brands; Wintec, Thorowgood, Cavaletti, Premier Equine!
Buy the synthetic saddle cleaner spray here.
Leather cleaners
To maintain leather tack on a daily (being optimistic) or weekly (more realistic) we usea popular saddle soap by NAF. This sticky saddle soap is used to clean thousands of saddles each year at The Saddle Bank and we think it does a great job! Grab your sponge, dip it into the saddle soap and apply generously to the leather in a circular motion. Don't forget to clean into the creases of the saddle. After applying the the saddle soap we take a clean microfibre cloth and wipe off any excess. Ensure the saddle has been cleaned in all areas including girth straps, panels, seat, and flaps (both sides).
Step 3: Condition
Once the saddle has been cleaned and the dirt and grease removed, we like to feed and nourish the leather using Carr, Day and Martin Leather Balsam. This product feels quite greasy but really nourishes the leather and gives is a luxurious glow. If you have a particularly old or dry saddle, you may need to repeat this step several times over a number of days as the leather will undoubtably drink in the balsam. However, one application of this leather balsam is sufficient for most saddles. To apply the balsam use the sponge in the tub provided, apply generously to all parts of the saddle in a circular motion. Again use a clean microfibre cloth to buff the balsam into the leather and remove any excess.
Brand specific products
If you own a Bates Saddle, we also have you covered. Bates do a specific leather cream and balsam specific for their saddles. Although, you don’t need to do anything to your new saddle before your first ride. Once you have ridden in your saddle a couple of times and you have wiped your saddle from dirt and grime, use the bates cream to moisture the leather. Once you have done that, then use the bates balsam which creates a surface barrier to protect against wear, water and sweat. Ideally, this should be done at least once a week.
If you own a synthetic saddle (such as a Wintec), the Wintec Synthetic Saddle Cleaner is perfect for you. The Wintec Saddle Cleaner is the ideal cleaning spray for anyone who rides in a Wintec saddle. Simply spray onto the saddle and wipe down with a cloth! It easily removes dirt, mud and sweat and brings your saddle back to life!
Shop Wintec synthetic saddle cleaner
If you own a high-end saddle, such as Equipe, Amerigo, CWD or Albion, lucky you! You are fortunate to have your own saddle soap. Some of these brands stock oil and cream, which can be used together or at separate times to feed the saddle to make it look and feel brand new. After all, a high-end saddle needs high-end care!
