Top Tack Tips: Caring for Equestrian Saddlery

Aside from the cost of the horse and possibly the lorry or trailer and vet bills, the saddlery is one of the most expensive items you will purchase for your equestrian activities. Caring for it properly not only preserves its value but is essential for safety and comfort.

Here are key expert tips to help you look after your leather tack and ensure it remains in excellent condition.

• Buy the best tack you can afford and, whenever possible, choose guaranteed English leather. English leather tends to be of superior quality compared to many foreign imports, which can feel plasticky and less supple, impacting comfort for both you and your horse.
• Black tack is popular but easier to dye over poor-quality leather. Sticking with authentic English leather is wise whether you select black or brown tack.
• You don’t have to buy new if on a budget; well-maintained secondhand saddles and bridles often offer better value than cheap new tack.

Caring for Your Tack: Essential Maintenance

The longevity and condition of your tack largely depend on proper care. Good tack, well looked after, can last many years. Follow these golden rules to maintain softness, shine, and suppleness.

• Protect your leather from abrasive materials such as mud with stones or silica sand. Remove stirrups and girths separately to avoid damage.
• Clean your tack regularly using a damp cloth and saddle soap to remove dirt, sweat, and grime, preventing deterioration from embedded debris.
• Allow wet tack to dry naturally; avoid heaters or artificial heat sources which strip essential oils, leading to cracking and splitting.
• Thoroughly wash dirty tack weekly by dismantling it and using saddle soap with a sponge. This deep cleaning removes hair, sweat and dirt from tiny cracks and crevices.
• After washing, apply a good quality leather conditioner such as Neatsfoot Oil or a leather balsam to nourish and protect the leather. Don’t over-oil as it can weaken leather fibres.
• In between weekly deep cleans, a lighter cleaning will keep tack in good condition.
• Cover saddles and bridles when not in use to shield from dust and environmental damage.
• Don’t forget to care for your riding boots with suitable leather food to keep them supple and long-lasting.

The Tack Room: Security and Environment

Your tack room should be secure as saddlery is often targeted by thieves. Installing good locks and alarms helps protect your valuable gear.

Maintain a well-lit, ventilated, and moderately heated room to avoid leather drying out and cracking through cold or damp conditions.

Consider security marking or microchipping your tack components. The British Horse Society and local riding clubs often host tack marking events with police advice on theft prevention.

While total theft-proofing is impossible, slowing down thieves with multiple obstacles can help prevent loss.

Ensure your tack insurance is included in your horse’s general cover. You can itemise individual items or agree on a blanket sum to protect your saddlery.

Moving Saddlery Safely

Although tempting, do not drape your saddle over stable doors; this is a quick way for it to fall and be damaged. Use a portable saddle stand or tack arm with hooks outside the stable to keep everything safe and tidy.

Portable saddle horses are also useful at shows or competitions where lorry access may be limited. Tack on the ground risks being trodden on or damaged.

Never leave items unattended in trailer or lorry lockers. Thieves sometimes pose as competitors, entering events with empty lorries to steal equipment from locked vehicles.

Always lock your towing vehicle, trailer skirt lockers, and tack lockers for extra security.

Have your saddles checked two to three times a year by a reputable saddle fitter who can assess fit, undertake repairs, and reflock often on-site. This regular maintenance helps ensure comfort and extends your saddlery’s life.

Summary of Top Tack Care Tips

1. Invest in quality English leather tack.
2. Clean tack after every ride with saddle soap and a damp cloth.
3. Deep clean and condition leather weekly and monthly.
4. Allow tack to dry naturally, avoid artificial heat.
5. Protect tack from abrasive dirt and dust.
6. Cover saddles and bridles when not in use.
7. Secure your tack room and consider microchipping.
8. Use portable saddle stands to avoid damage when moving tack.
9. Lock towing vehicles and tack lockers at events.
10. Regularly inspect and have your tack professionally fitted and repaired.

Taking these steps will help you keep your tack durable, safe, and comfortable for both you and your horse, preserving your investment and enhancing your equestrian experience.