How to Clean Leather Saddles and Bridles

As horse riders, we all know that our saddles and bridles are a vital piece of our passion. Most saddles and bridles are made out of leather, and with that and the price tag, comes the commitment and pressure to look after our gear to the nth degree. This article provides 10 steps to maintain and care for your leather gear, keeping it in great condition and shape for years to come.

1. Regularity

It is important to make time to thoroughly clean your saddles and bridles regularly - a minimum of three times a year.

To thoroughly clean your leather gear, take your bridles apart and clean all the dirt and grime that gets under the buckles. Pull your stirrup leathers off and clean the underside of your saddle and saddle flaps. Between the deep cleans, you can simply wipe over your bridle and saddle with a soft cloth and some saddle oil or conditioner to maintain its elasticity and softness.

TIP! During a deep clean is also a good time to soak your bits and stirrup treads and clean those filthy girths.

2. Get rid of the dirt

Our sport involves a lot of dirt and dust and even if you can’t see it with your naked eye, our gear is usually covered in a light film of grime. Prior to cleaning your saddle or bridle it is a good idea to use a soft leather brush or cloth to remove the excess dirt, followed by a wipe over with saddle soap. This will prevent the small dirt particles from scratching the leather as you oil and condition it.

3. Stop the crack

After cleaning your saddle and bridle with saddle soap, follow up with an application of leather conditioner to keep the leather soft and supple, which in turn prevents the leather from drying out and cracking.

4. Let it sit

When conditioning your leather gear, let the conditioner sit for a few minutes so it can absorb into the leather before wiping off the excess product. Make sure when you do this the saddle is not in direct sunlight, as you don’t want it to dry too quickly.

TIP! Use small circular motions when applying the saddle conditioner to ensure it is applied evenly and can be absorbed through the pores of the leather.

5. The perfect storage

Storage of your saddle and bridle is key to maintaining its shape, quality and preserving its longevity. All you need is to ensure your saddle and bridle is stored in a cool dry place; not in direct sunlight, and avoid a location that holds a lot of moisture as that is the perfect recipe for mould. Make sure your bridle is hung up nicely from the headpiece so the leather doesn’t stretch unevenly. If possible, place your saddle on a saddle stand so it sits flat - as if it would if it was on the back of a horse. If this is not possible, place your saddle on a soft dry surface, pommel down.

TIP! A bridle bag and saddle cover can prevent dust build-up and scratches, ideally made from a breathable material that won’t trap moisture.

6. Drenched

Ideally, try to avoid getting your saddle and bridle wet as leather and water don’t mix well. In saying that, it can be hard at times when the weather gods open up during a ride. If your gear gets wet, don’t panic. All you need to do is dry the excess water off with a soft towel, place your saddle in a well-ventilated area (without the saddle cover on it) and once dry, oil and condition. You may find you need to do this twice to get your saddle back to its normal soft, supple self.

7. Wear and tear

Every time you tack up and untack your horse, pay particular attention to any wear and tear your bridle or saddle may have. Ensure you check your girth points, stirrup leathers and reins as a main priority. What you are looking for is any cracks, splits or tears in the leather and get this replaced or fixed at your local saddlery.

TIP! Also check the stitching.

8. Remove the sweat

After those hard training rides remove the sweat from your gear by wiping over it with a soft cloth. Sweat particles are made up predominantly of salt, and if left will dry out the leather and cause discolouration.

9. Oiling

Oil is the key to maintaining soft, supple leather. In saying that, if you oil your gear too often, it can make the straps swell, slippery and lose their shape. Leather that has been over-oiled can develop a sticky or tacky feel and can also become weaker. When oiling leather, use high-quality saddlery oil in moderation and wipe off the excess. Remember, you can also add more if needed.

10. Don’t forget your riding boots

The best way to care for your riding boots whether they are jodhpur boots or top boots is to wipe them down after every ride, removing all the dirt, sweat and grime. It is also recommended to apply a leather conditioner frequently, letting the conditioner absorb into the leather before wiping off the excess. The leather will stay supple, soft and comfortable for you to wear. As per the saddlery, avoid getting your riding boots wet. Instead of washing your horse in your riding boots, swap them out for a pair of waterproof gumboots. This will increase your boots’ longevity and as a bonus, you are less likely to end up with soggy socks and cold toes. Lastly, who doesn’t love a freshly polished pair of boots? Choose a high-quality boot polish that matches the colour of your leather, and apply the polish generously, letting it sit for a few minutes before buffing them with a soft buffing brush or cloth to get that beautiful shine. Regular cleaning and maintenance of your leather gear can be daunting, but once you are in a routine with it, it doesn’t seem that bad. Regular cleaning will halve the time of your deep cleans and you’ll thank yourself a decade later when your tack is still in good condition.

Article: Safari Smith

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