Nourish and shine

Carolyn Henderson looks into how best to care for your leather equipment to make sure it stands the test of time

LOOKING after leather can save your hide financially. Good quality equipment is expensive, but correct care could give you around 20 years’ use.

The basics of traditional leather maintenance remain, but regimes have changed. The old rule of dismantling tack and cleaning it after every use isn’t realistic, and may not be necessary for most owners, says Society of Master Saddlers (SMS) master saddler and bridle maker Catherine Baker from Wylye Valley Equine, Wilts.

“If your horse works hard and gets sweaty, then ideally you should clean your tack thoroughly every time you ride,” she explains. “If he doesn’t, or you’re only riding for short periods, once a week should be enough.”

SMS master saddler and British Equestrian Federation consultant Mark Fisher agrees.

“Taking tack apart and cleaning after every use is ideal, but while this was fine in the days when grooms had to be kept busy, it’s not practical for most people any more,” he says.

However, a quick wipe with a damp cloth after every use minimises the build-up of dirt and grease and helps inhibit mould growth.

The SMS advises following manufacturers’ instructions and using non-chemical products.

“Wipe off grease and dirt with a clean, damp cloth wrung out in lukewarm water, then clean with a natural product,” says Catherine. “Anything chemical-based can damage or discolour leather.

“Having said that, if it’s so bad you can’t get the dirt off, you can add a drop of washing-up liquid to the water.”

Professional grooms often use oldfashioned woven dishcloths or face flannels, as these have textured surfaces that don’t scratch the grain (smooth) side of leather.