Cleaning tack is super important!

I absolutely love this time of year! It’s getting warmer, and I’m losing my shaggy winter coat. Maybe I can convince my dam to let me have a mohawk this summer, from my withers to my poll! I doubt it, though.

I’m super pumped about this summer! Lot of camps going on at AQHA in Amarillo, Camp It Up! Is always a blast.  This year we’ll have Horseology 101, Horseology 102 and Junior Master Horseman camp! You can email Ande about information on any of those if you’re in the area.

Of course now that we’re nearly to summer I just hope you have your spring cleaning about wrapped up! If not, never fear, Two Bits is here!

My grandsire tells me that if you clean tack after every ride, it’s a lot easier. I don’t know about that, but I have gotten a lot faster at it- especially if it’s near feeding time! Below I included  a tack-cleaning list my grandsire made for me. He’s pretty wise when it comes to keeping things neat and in good shape – he’s the only one of us who can keep his horseshoes on and not accidentally pull one off, and he still has his winter blanket from 10 years ago! That’s sure to be a record! So check out the tips. I’m off to help get the barn ready and take a quick lope in the sun!

Later!

Cleaning Tack:

You might think your horse pal doesn’t care about having clean clothes. He rolls in the pasture, slurps water from his bucket and could care lass about the shavings in his tail. But what if your mom never did your laundry? Wouldn’t that be gross? So don’t give your tack the “smell test” to see if it’s clean enough. Make a habit of putting saddle soaping high on your to do list.

Crazy about horses? Test your knowledge with AQHA’s Junior Master Horseman program. You can even earn certificates!

First! Make a list and check it twice!

• Bucket with clean, lukewarm water
• Clean sponges
• Scouring pad
• Saddle soap or glycerin soap
• Leather conditioner
• Neatsfoot oil (or a similar conditioning agent)
• Saddle rack
• Bridle rack or hook to hang bridle

Now!

• Wipe tack clean after every use, because dirt and sweat can create and promote bacterial growth. Bacteria can break down the leather, and we all know how expensive new saddles and bridles can be! Regular cleaning and conditioning will help keep your tack supple and in shape, protecting both you and your four-legged friend.

• Make sure your bucket has clean water in it. If you’re cleaning a bridle, scrub the bit with the scouring pad to remove all debris. Using a flat- head screwdriver or other dull object, remove large particles of caked on dirt from your saddle and bridle. Get your sponge wet and wring out as much water as possible. Apply saddle soap with your sponge to the leather, working in small, circular motions to create a later. Rinse your sponge periodically to remove excess soap and dirt. Don’t forget to clean the undersides of the tack and all the parts that have contact with the horse- they’re the ickiest!

• Dry your tack with a clean towel.

• Apply a leather conditioner like neatsfoot oil with a clean sponge or rag. This replaces the oils in the leather that were lost during the cleaning process. Let the conditioner absorb into the leather.