Winter Tack Cleaning

Synthetic vs Leather

Everyone loves the smell of leather tack, there's something truly special about it, but what about winter time? One of the biggest appeals of synthetic saddlery is that it can cope with dreadful conditions without any detrimental effects.

Wet, muddy conditions are no problem for synthetic tack and when you've just come back from a ride and you're cold and wet all you want to do is hang up your tack and go and get warmed up. If you do this with leather you are asking for trouble.

 

Learn how to clean Zilco synthetic saddlery

View some of our synthetic range

 

How to Help Your Leather Tack Survive the Winter

Most of us wouldn't choose to ride in the rain if we can help it but if you must then it's worth investing in a waterproof saddle cover or wrap around exercise sheet

Whitaker Rothwell Roll-Up Rain Sheet

Rainwater can cause permanent damage to the fibres in the leather if not adequately protected and treated. Using a leather balsm to repel water is an excellent way of trying to prevent damage occuring in the first instance. Products containing beeswax are particularly effective at creating a protective seal on your leather tack.

 

It is sensible to keep a towel in your tack room or lorry so that you can dry as much as possible before the water has a chance to be absorbed by the leather fibres.

 

• Firstly towel dry excessive water then wipe down with a damp cloth to remove any dirt or grease
• If your tack has been absolutely drenched it's wise to apply a thin layer of leather conditioner. This will help to prevent cracking and to restore the natural balance of the fibres
• Allow the tack to dry naturally not too close to a heat source and leave it open to the air so don't put your cover back on until completely dry
• Once dry you can apply further conditioner as required, only as much as is absorbed by the leather. The best way to do this is to massage the conditioner into the leather with your hands
• Finally cover your tack up again

 We have an extensive range of Tack Cleaning Products