Tack cleaning - how often?

Tack cleaning, how often?

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Never, until my bridle snapped out hacking on a crazy horse who was tanking up a stubble field! Also had stirrup irons break on the gallops before where I used to throw my saddle down on the floor and weakened the metal!

Now I make a point in wiping my tack over after every other ride! I'm OCD overly paranoid nowadays!
 
Good clean before a show, so maybe every couple of weeks in the summer? It just seems to stay clean, I don't know why. I hate tack cleaning!!! In winter I ride less but try and clean it properly at least once a fortnight. Am fanatical about hanging bridles up properly and keeping the saddle covered though.

Husband is worse though. He's had his horse since June and the tack has been cleaned twice. Both times by me.

We do both clean bits and girth after every ride however so hopefully we redeem ourselves a bit!!!!
 
EffyCorsten said:
Does this really keep it supple? Sounds like a good idea would safe a fortune!
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Sorry I only see this now. If I showed you photo's of some of my old tack you would be amazed. I have a 12 year old GFS anky saddle that looks 6 months old.
I also recently sold a 17 yo Crosby saddle. The saddler couldn't believe the amazing condition and didn't believe me when I told him the age. He actually researched it and saw it was a limited edition one and proved me right as it was only produced for a year or so.
 
all hunting tack is stripped and has a full clean and condition when we get back and is hung up ready for the next as with all show tack, it is all done the night we get back or whilst still at the event!

Work tack will have bits washed every ride, and then it is wiped over once a week and strip cleaned once a month.

numnahs are changed after every ride.
 
I have quality tack so a weekly clean. Always have done, since I was a kid. Was drummed into me from an early age!
 
RubysGold said:
This thread got me thinking.... does anyone use those tack cleaning wipes you can buy?? wondering whether they'd be worth having.
I don't clean my tack often enough, that's true!
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Also wondering this. I need more motivation, and I think wipes might help. Any recommendations? Which are good at getting grease off and good for leather? thanks
 
Not recommended by me. You need to rinse off any cleanser you use (ie what is impregnated in the wipe), which is why water is best, hand hot, with a cotton dishcloth, perfect texture for leather. Anything one step is a no-no, and wipes aren't great for the environment either.
 
Even at 6 years old, I'm confused by the replies!!!!

Bit and girth gets wiped every use. Fresh saddlepad every week minimum, usually twice a week in summer. My boots get wiped clean each ride.

Full clean of everything every week without fail. I don't actually clean my tack before a show. I wipe any grease of the reins/girth etc but I don't use cleaner. Helps my whites stay white...

I'll never ever understand why people don't look after their tack. Even a quick wipe will leave it cleaner than when you started. There really isn't an excuse in my book. Plus it helps identify any unusual wear and tear in terms of fit and safety.

On top of all that, tack is expensive? Even lower value models etc. Why wouldn't you take some pride in it?!
 
Bit gets dunked after every use. Bridle and girth cleaned with soap after every use as well.

Nunmnahs/gel pads get changed every couple of uses.

Saddles get cleaned every couple of weeks.
 
nikkimariet said:
Even at 6 years old, I'm confused by the replies!!!!

Bit and girth gets wiped every use. Fresh saddlepad every week minimum, usually twice a week in summer. My boots get wiped clean each ride.

Full clean of everything every week without fail. I don't actually clean my tack before a show. I wipe any grease of the reins/girth etc but I don't use cleaner. Helps my whites stay white...

I'll never ever understand why people don't look after their tack. Even a quick wipe will leave it cleaner than when you started. There really isn't an excuse in my book. Plus it helps identify any unusual wear and tear in terms of fit and safety.

On top of all that, tack is expensive? Even lower value models etc. Why wouldn't you take some pride in it?!
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Exactly NM!
Its not just the cleaning tho, I specifically check stitching, billets and leather etc. My safety comes 1st and cracked or worn items can break.
One reason I dodged riding others horses on occasions if they were of the 'ha ha, I only clean my tack for comps and I don't do many of those tee hee' as I wasnt sure how well the tack would stand up, and its horrible to ride in filthy tack with smelly solid things (numnahs etc) under it!
 
I hate tack cleaning and only cleaned for 'outings' until it started to fall apart and I learned my lesson. I was giving it a regular 'basic dirt wipe' but not thorough enough to notice cracking etc in the bendy bits. Now I make a point of conditioning it properly at least once or twice a month and always gets a full take apart & clean after I've been hunting or something wet/dirty and it's splattered in mud. The leather stuff cost me a fair bit so I want to try and look after it. love my biothane bridles though they can go in the washing machine 😁
 
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