How Often Should You Oil Your Horse Tack?

Over Oiling and Over Conditioning Over oiling or over conditioning can cause the leather to rot or stretch. Leather horse tack should only be conditioned every 2 – 4 weeks, and it should only be oiled 2 – 3 times per year.

How often should I oil my tack?

around two to three times a year
Cleaning and conditioning your horse tack should be a routine occurrence, but you should only oil your leather around two to three times a year. You can also apply a light coat if your horse tack gets exposed to sweat, water or rain.

Can you over oil tack?

Don’t slather too much oil on your tack, excess oil can soak into the leather too much, and over-oiled leather can stretch and become weak. Don’t oil the underside of the stirrup fenders, as the rough leather will absorb too much oil quickly. Never oil rawhide parts.

Should you clean your tack after every ride?

Tack Cleaning Tips
Ideally, you should run a clean cloth over your tack after every ride — paying special attention to any areas that may have come in contact with your horse’s sweat. If your tack is particularly dirty, muddy or coated in sweat, use a damp sponge instead.

How often should tack be conditioned?

Step #2: Condition
Even if tack is used heavily and cleaned regularly, it generally won’t need conditioning more often than once a month. “I tell people to think of your saddle like your face. If you clean it all the time and never condition, it becomes too dry,” says Gall.

Can you oil a saddle too much?

Too much oil can actually damage the leather and make it brittle. It can also attract dirt and dust, which can be challenging to clean off. Additionally, if you don’t do it correctly, you could end up with a greasy mess on your hands (and on your saddle).

What oil do you use for tack?

To properly deep clean and oil a piece of tack you’ll need saddle soap, Neatsfoot oil or a substitute and a couple of pieces of sheepskin or clean cloth. I use Neatsfoot oil but other oils such as olive will work.

How do I oil my horse tack?

Like with leather cleaner and conditioner, it’s a good idea to apply the oil first to a sponge to help prevent over-oiling. Use the sponge to apply the oil to your tack and rub it in. Afterwards, use a towel or clean, damp sponge to wipe off any excess oil, because excess oil may attract dust and dirt.

Can you use olive oil on horse tack?

Leave the vegetable and olive oils in the kitchen. They shouldn’t be used on leather tack, as they can cause it to degrade over time. “If you get a spot on the saddle seat, blot it immediately and do not let the spot soak into the leather,” Wenske advises.

How often should I oil my new saddle?

It depends… but as a general rule you should oil your saddle before your first ride, and perhaps every 2 – 6 months there-after depending on how often you ride and your climate. If you ride in very dry or very humid conditions, you may need to oil or condition your saddle more often.

How do you break in new tack?

First, use a cleaner (such as Lexol^® Leather Cleaner) to ensure that your leather’s surface is free of any dust, dirt or grime. Then, use a conditioner (such as Lexol Leather Conditioner) to help soften and stabilize the protein bonds in your new tack.

Can you use coconut oil on horse tack?

Many people enjoy oiling tack, and a myriad of oils are used on tack, everything from neatsfoot oil, olive oil, hydrophane oil, mink oil, lexol, and even coconut oil or butter.

What is the best way to clean tack?

The best way to clean most horse tack is by using saddle soap and water. Mix the saddle soap with warm water and scrub the leather with a soft cloth or sponge until it’s clean. Once you’re finished, rinse off your equipment in cold water and let it dry before storing.

Can you over condition a saddle?

Using too much conditioner on your saddle can penetrate through to the padding or the tree which can cause damage over time.

What happens if you apply too much tack coat?

Too much tack coat can create a lubricated slippage plane between layers, or can cause the tack coat material to be drawn into an overlay, negatively affecting mix properties and even creating a potential for bleeding in thin overlays (Flexible Pavements of Ohio, 2001).

How do you store tack long term?

A climate-controlled environment is best for tack, since temperature extremes — including humidity and extremely dry heat — take a toll on leather. Dry heat will make leather brittle, while humidity can cause it to mold and mildew.

Is Murphy’s oil soap good for saddles?

The truth is, a saddle does best when you keep it clean and well oiled. Never clean with harsh detergents or hot water. Natural soaps such as Murphys Oil Soap, liquid glycerin soaps or glycerin bars with lukewarm water are best.

Do you oil the underside of a saddle?

The underside is just as important and the sweat flaps absorb so much sweat and dirt from your horse’s coat so do not forget to do them too! Cover the saddle liberally and evenly in oil. Use your paintbrush for those parts that you might not be able to reach.

Can you over oil leather?

Over oiling is one of the worst things you can do to leather. Remember, a little oil goes a long way. Please do not use any oils that contain mineral oils or listed as petroleum distillates. This type of oil over time breaks down into a solvent, and since solvent can de-tan, you get double damage.

How do you care for tack?

The traditional method of leather care is to wipe dust and sweat from your tack immediately after use with a sponge or cloth that is barely moistened with cool water. Then rub a thin layer of glycerin soap on the leather to seal the pores and keep it soft but not sticky.

Can you use WD 40 on horses?

WD40 for horses is a no-go. Use grooming oils instead.