Your Ultimate Guide To Caring For Your Tack

Leather care is so important for the maintenance of your tack, if you’re going to invest in new tack you want to look after it, right? 

When it comes to tack cleaning, it can definitely feel like a bit of a minefield. With so many products out there and different methods, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. We're here to keep it simple and break it down into three basic steps: Cleaning, Conditioning and Oiling.

Cleaning

Cleaning your tack is all about getting rid of dirt, grease, sweat, and grime that builds up from regular use. It’s a crucial first step because, over time dirt, sweat and oils can break down the leather, causing it to weaken or crack. When you clean your tack, you’re essentially removing all the build-up, ready for conditioning.

Typically, cleaning involves a soap-based product, such as our Leather Cleaner.

A leather cleaner should be composed of natural ingredients to avoid damaging the leather.

A good cleaner with help to lift dirt, grime and grease off the surface to prepare the leather for the next step: conditioning. 

Conditioning

Conditioning leather is all about replenishing the natural oils and fats that leather loses over time due to wear and environmental factors. Fats within the leather keep it supple and resistant to cracking, but when they’re lost, the leather can become dry, brittle, and prone to damage. Conditioning replenishes the fats & oils, keeping the leather in good condition. Bridlework Balm is a great conditioner for bridle work

Our Bridlework Balm is crafted with premium waxes and oils, including beeswax (conditions), lanolin (waterproofs), and carnauba wax (adds shine). With high quantities of these nourishing, natural ingredients, it delivers exceptional quality and care for your leather. Soft Grease deeply nourishes leather, penetrating the fibres to restore and condition. Its smooth texture makes it easy to apply, providing effective care for both soft and more rigid leathers, making it great for saddles.

Oiling

Oiling your tack is important as it helps to maintain the strength, flexibility and overall condition of the leather. 

Leather Oil offers deep nourishment for your tack however it shouldn't be done too often due to over-oiled leather becoming too soft and prone to stretching or losing its shape, less is more.

We'd recommend oiling your tack every 3 months or when you notice the leather stiffening/drying out.

A little goes a long way when it comes to cleaning tack.

Still not convinced? It also smells like Cherry Bakewell.