Proper care of tack?

[Bertie_Boo]

I'm afraid I've always been a bit slapdash when it comes to cleaning tack and I've realised just how silly that is when they are such expensive items. Has anyone got an idiot's guide to tack care and also any recommendations of particular saddle soaps or oils etc? Thanks in advance.

 

[Christmas_Kate]

For leather, get some hot water and a dash of washing up liquid. Take tack apart and clean it. Don't get it sopping wet or you'll ruin it.

for any greasy bits, use a sharp fingernail to gently scrape off the worst.
For mould, wash with a solution of milton steriliser.

Then leave to dry.

Then apply something like flexalan. keep brushing this on until it can soak in no more.

After that each time you clean just wipe with cold water. You'll know when it needs cleaning properly again depending on how often you use it.

 

[Toby_Zaphod]

Dismantle the bridle, remove leathers from the saddle. Wash bit in hot water, use Belvoir leather cleaner first on the leather & then finish off with Naf leather food. Tack comes up like new. (any gunge where the bit fits scrape off with a blunt knife)
I can never understand people riding in dirty tack, as OP has said it's very expensive & keeping it clean keeps it supple & in as new condition. Some of my tack is old but in great condition. Cleaning it saves money in the end.

 

[passie]

I always wipe off with damp cloth, then if it is dry I put on as much Neatsfoot oil as it will take. 3-4 layers letting it dry in between if it's really dry, then use glycerine saddle soap over the top. I have to admit I have found the spray one and use that after rain and stuff when I'm cold and want to go warm up as opposed to cleaning tack!

 

[Bertie_Boo]

Thanks for all your suggestions guys. I promise to be more diligent in future!