Best Horse Tack Care in 2022

Last update: January 16, 2023

Can I use dawn on a saddle?

Yes, you can use dawn on a saddle. Just make sure to rinse it off afterwards so it doesn't attract dirt and grime.

Can you oil a saddle too much?

You can oil a saddle too much and it can actually damage the leather. If you oil it too much, it can make the leather too soft and it won’t be as durable. You should only oil your saddle when it starts to look dry or cracked.

Can you use olive oil on horse tack?

Yes, you can use olive oil on horse tack. It's a good way to condition the leather and keep it supple. Just be sure to wipe off any excess oil so it doesn't attract dirt.

Do you oil the underside of a saddle?

If you have a leather saddle, you should oil the underside to keep it from drying out and cracking. You can use any type of oil, but many people prefer to use neatsfoot oil because it is specifically designed for leather.


Bickmore Saddle Soap Plus - Leather Cleaner & Conditioner with Lanolin - Restorer, Moisturizer, and Protector Review:


I purchased this saddle soap to breathe new life into some Coach booties that looked like they had seen better days on Poshmark. The wrinkles and scuffs on this gorgeous buttery leather are now almost completely gone because it works so effectively and seeps into all the pores, nooks, and creases. Even though I'll undoubtedly add more mink oil later to increase the sheen and moisturize them even more, this is a fantastic beginning and I wholeheartedly endorse it as a first step in reviving your nice leather products.Having said that, to put it politely, it doesn't smell good. So that your hands don't smell after applying this, I'd also advise obtaining some disposable nitrile gloves.



Bickmore Saddle Soap Plus - Leather Cleaner & Conditioner with Lanolin - Restorer, Moisturizer, and Protector Review:


I use this to clean my leather work boots because I deliver parts for an auto parts store, where I encounter not only the regular filth and grime but also things like industrial grease and used motor oil. This eliminates virtually all of it, but there is still an oil stain on the right boot, and because I use a rag rather than a shoe brush, I still track in dirt as I go by the toes where the leather creases. I occasionally have to clean them twice if I wait a long period between cleanings. The greatest issue I have with this product is that if there is too much dirt, it just spreads it about the shoe instead of actually removing it. "Too much" doesn't even mean caked-on dirt as when you're sprinting through mud or loose dirt like at a building site.In order to achieve the greatest results, I use a damp rag to remove as much filth as possible. Next, I load up a second damp rag with this soap and scrub one boot vigorously; suds should appear. Then I scrub the other boot with extra soap after rinsing the towel in hot water and squeezing it until the water comes out clear. After cleaning, I wipe the suds away with a fresh, moist rag before letting them dry, which normally takes a few hours. There is discoloration, but as long as you clean the entire shoe, everything will be an even hue. I've read reviews of numerous shoe/leather cleaners and haven't found any that don't produce some degree of discoloration, so it's not a major concern.Overall not a horrible result, but the procedure is longer than I would prefer.



Fiebing's 100% Pure Neatsfoot Oil - Natural Leather Preserver - For Boots, Baseball Gloves, Saddles and More - 16 oz Review:


I've been hunting for a product to soften hard leather in a chair for years. The outcomes I experienced after utilizing this product truly astound me. I tried everything, but the leather on the car I bought was rough and ruined. I then purchased this item. I put on some gloves, applied it liberally, giving special attention to the seams and creases, and let it sit for the night. Most of it had already absorbed. I carried out the procedure again for three more days, kneading the substance in with my hands and knuckles (excellent treatment!). I really couldn't believe what I was seeing. Now, the leather is supple and soft. No longer snug and truly displaying the original ruched (gathered) detail. I've already purchased a second quart bottle because I'm sold. For the usage I put this product to, I wholeheartedly endorse it.



Bickmore Gard-More Water & Stain Repellent 5.5oz- Leather Protector and Suede Protector Waterproofing Spray Guard for Boots, Shoes, Clothing, Hats, Jackets & More Review:


I thus purchased this in both an aerosol and a non-aerosol spray to see which was simpler and more effective to use. The aerosol can is definitely simpler to apply, in my opinion. Since Apple Gard spray was out of stock and I needed to protect my expensive, luxury handbags and backpacks, I bought this as a substitute.It was applied very smoothly and without any fading or darkening on a variety of fabrics and colors. I tried it on fabric, leather, and suede that I own. They had no impact on any of the textures or colors, as I previously stated. This spray is supposed to be rather safe for many fabrics because it is silicone-free, much like the apple version.Having said that, I've been fairly impressed thus far. The label on this suggests to let it rest for only an hour, in contrast to many other Protestants who advise you to let it sit for about 24 hours after application. And I will say that it was essentially dry after about 15 minutes. After two coats, the water immediately bead off. Even after wiping, it remains incredibly dry. As I certainly don't want to intentionally splash anything other than water on my bags, I haven't tested out its stain-repelling abilities yet, but I'll be happy to report on my findings in the future. Overall, I'm pretty impressed so far and prefer this brand of Protestantism to others I've tried. (I have tried Kiwi brand, ugg protectant, and Scotchgard)



Fiebing's Golden Mink Oil Leather Preserver, 6 oz - Waterproofs, Preserves and Conditions Leather and Vinyl Review:


In the past, I've used mink oil to soften and waterproof my leather work boots, which I've had for a long time. My work boots still have a nice appearance, and I can easily clean the dirt off of them. To soften, waterproof, and protect my favorite leather daily shoes, I bought Fiebing's Golden Mink Oil, and it did a fantastic job. It's better to choose shoes whose darker hue you don't mind because mink oil will darken leather. It's comparable to applying a sealer on wood, which makes it darker. I use my fingers to massage the oil into the leather and then allow the shoes to air dry. I occasionally spread oil in two or more layers. Before I started wearing them, my work boots had multiple coats of mink oil on them. My oiled shoes now provide excellent protection from water, dirt, and snow. If the oil is applied on the shoe's stitching, the stitching will likewise last longer. The shoes will last much longer and maintain their beautiful looks.



Fiebings Neatsfoot Pure Oil-Quart Review:


On a 1998 Harley Davidson, some misshaped, dried-out saddlebags, this oil made an absolutely astonishing change. I've used a variety of oils and treatments to treat my leather goods, but I've never noticed such a difference. I applied the oil to the saddlebags in two or three applications daily for about three days, rubbing it in until it stopped being quickly absorbed. Since they were thoroughly hydrated, the saddlebags are now flexible, waterproof, and, for the most part, their shape has been restored. I'm so happy I can hardly bear it because, before purchasing some new bags, I was positively certain that this was a last-ditch effort. The difference is so noticeable that I really wish I had taken before and after photos. Since I never anticipated outcomes like these, I didn't believe it would be worthwhile. I cannot express how highly I suggest this. Given how much of the color has been recovered, I don't even think I'll need to use the additional leather dye that I purchased. After the tank bib and the two saddlebags, I still have half of a container. The oil has a tiny odor, but considering the results, I wouldn't let that stop me.



Fiebing's White Saddle Soap, 12 Oz. - Cleans, Softens and Preserves Leather Review:


I didn't understand I should be giving my lovely, two-tone leather shoes regular upkeep until they were severely worn out. I looked up how to clean leather shoes out of fear that I had irreparably harmed them (I accurately assumed that regular soap and water was a no-no). I had never heard the term "saddle soap" before. I purchased Fiebing's and hoped for the best. Wow, did it perform wonders! Look at my before and after pictures; this is the outcome following only cleaning. They are now prepared for polishing, waxing, and future routine maintenance.You don't realize how much bigger the jar is. This ought to last you for years unless you actually have saddles to clean.Important Hint: Let your shoes dry completely before attempting to clean them again or evaluating the results. After using the saddle soap, one of my shoes appeared worse, but it was just because the worn leather was wet. After drying, it appeared fine. :)


Does saddle soap damage leather?

Saddle soap is a cleaning product that is specifically designed for cleaning leather. It is important to note that while saddle soap is safe for most types of leather, it can damage some types of leather if it is not used correctly. It is always best to test saddle soap on a small area of the leather before using it on the entire piece.

How do you condition tack?

If you are conditioning tack, you will want to start by using a clean cloth to remove any dirt or debris. Once the tack is clean, you will want to use a conditioner that is designed specifically for leather. Apply the conditioner to the tack using a soft cloth, and then allow it to soak in for a few minutes. Once the conditioner has had a chance to soak in, you will want to buff it off with a clean cloth.

How often should I oil my bridle?

You should oil your bridle regularly to keep it in good condition and to prevent it from drying out and cracking. A good rule of thumb is to oil it every time you ride, or at least once a week.

How often should tack be conditioned?

Tack should be conditioned at least once a week, and more often if it is used frequently or in humid conditions. Conditioning helps to preserve the leather, and keep it supple and pliable.

How often should you clean your horse tack?

It is important to clean your horse tack regularly to remove dirt, sweat and bacteria. A good rule of thumb is to clean your tack after every ride. If you ride frequently, you may need to clean your tack more often.

How often should you oil your tack?

You should oil your tack after every ride. This will help to keep the leather supple and prevent it from drying out and cracking.