Good leather tack is an investment — and like any investment, it rewards consistent care. A well-maintained saddle or bridle not only looks better, it lasts longer, stays supple, and is safer to ride in. Neglected leather, by contrast, dries out, cracks, and weakens at the stitching — often at the worst possible moment.
This guide covers the essentials: how to clean tack properly, how to condition leather to keep it supple, and how often to do it.
Why Leather Care Matters
Leather is a natural material that absorbs sweat, dirt, and moisture every time you ride. Left untreated, these work into the grain, dry out the natural oils, and cause the leather to stiffen and eventually crack. Regular cleaning removes the buildup; conditioning replaces the oils that keep leather pliable and strong.
For equestrians in New Zealand, humidity and seasonal variation add another layer of complexity — leather can absorb moisture in wet conditions and dry out rapidly in summer. A consistent care routine protects against both.
How Often Should You Clean Your Tack?
- After every ride (ideally): wipe down with a damp cloth to remove sweat and surface dirt
- Weekly: full clean with saddle soap or leather cleaner
- Monthly (or as needed): condition with a quality leather dressing
- Seasonally: deep clean and condition before storage or at the start of the competition season
What You'll Need
- Soft cloths or sponges (separate ones for cleaning and conditioning)
- Warm water
- Saddle soap or leather cleaner
- Lincoln Leather Dressing with Lanolin — for conditioning
- A soft brush for stitching and crevices
Step-by-Step: How to Clean and Condition Leather Tack
Step 1 — Disassemble where possible
Remove stirrup leathers, irons, and girth from the saddle. Take apart the bridle so every piece of leather can be cleaned individually. This is also a good opportunity to check stitching, buckles, and billets for wear.
Step 2 — Remove surface dirt
Wipe down all leather surfaces with a damp cloth to lift loose dirt, sweat, and hair. Don't soak the leather — you want it lightly damp, not wet. Pay attention to the underside of the saddle flap and the inside of the bridle where sweat accumulates.
Step 3 — Clean with saddle soap
Work a small amount of saddle soap into a damp sponge and apply in circular motions. The soap lifts ingrained dirt and grease without stripping the leather's natural oils. Wipe off any residue with a clean damp cloth. Avoid letting soap dry on the surface.
Step 4 — Allow to dry naturally
Let the leather dry at room temperature, away from direct heat or sunlight. Heat dries leather out rapidly and can cause cracking — never use a hairdryer or leave tack near a heater.
Step 5 — Condition with leather dressing
Once dry, apply Lincoln Leather Dressing with a soft cloth, working it into the grain in circular motions. The lanolin in Lincoln's formula penetrates deeply to restore suppleness and create a protective barrier against moisture. Pay extra attention to areas of high flex — billets, reins, and stirrup leathers.
Allow the dressing to absorb for a few minutes, then buff lightly with a clean cloth. The leather should feel soft and look nourished — not greasy.
Step 6 — Reassemble and store correctly
Reassemble your tack and store on a saddle rack in a cool, dry, well-ventilated space. Avoid plastic covers that trap moisture. A breathable cotton cover is ideal for saddles not in regular use.
Tips for Specific Tack
- New leather: condition generously before first use — new leather is often dry from the tannery and benefits from several applications before it reaches optimal suppleness
- Bridles and reins: clean after every ride if possible; reins in particular take a lot of sweat and wear
- Girths: clean the leather panels regularly and check the elastic inserts for wear
- Boots and chaps: the same cleaning and conditioning process applies — see our Rider Footwear collection for boot care products
What to Avoid
- Over-conditioning: too much product can soften leather excessively and weaken stitching — once a month is usually sufficient
- Petroleum-based products: these can degrade stitching over time
- Soaking leather: wet leather stretches and loses shape; dry it slowly if it gets saturated
- Skipping the clean: conditioning over dirty leather seals in the grime rather than nourishing the leather
Shop Leather Care
The Lincoln Leather Dressing 500ml is a reliable, lanolin-rich conditioner suited to all equestrian leather. Browse our full Saddle & Leather Care collection for a complete tack care kit.
Related Reading
The same principles apply to your riding boots — read our dedicated guide: Riding Boot Care: How to Clean and Maintain Leather Riding Boots.