HOW TO CLEAN THE SADDLE AND BRIDLE
It is important to check and clean your tack every time you use it, as dry unoiled tack will crack and break easily. Also unclean tack can lead to sores and infections. However short on time you are, the bit must still be washed off as it is unfair to expect the horse to put a filthy bit, that tastes awful in their mouth. Checking your tack regularly could even save your life as broken reins, girth or stirrup leathers are never a good thing.
THE BRIDLE
After every time you ride you should:
Clean the bit thoroughly under water and scrub with a clean cloth to make sure it is perfect for the horse to put in his mouth.
Wipe the leather down with a clean damp cloth making sure you clean off all the grease build up.
Wipe the leather with a cloth with saddle soap or oil on it, being very careful to miss any bling (which I have a lot of sadly) and covering on the reins, such as rubber. I use a different colour cloth so I know which ones have oil on.
Check all stitching and keepers (the leather loops that hold in the spare leather) and make sure you clean under the buckles and in the creases.
When finished, hang up the bridle. To stop the reins from dragging on the floor you can link them through the throatlash.
Every other week, or when you can, strip the bridle completely so you can clean, oil and check in all the buckles and creases.
THE SADDLE
After every time you ride you should:
Take the girth off and clean it thoroughly, checking for cracks and tears.
Take the numnah off and shake it out, if it is dirty wash it with sensitive washing detergent, make sure it is rinsed well.
Clean the stirrups with a damp cloth or brush.
Wipe all the leather off with a damp cloth, checking the stitching and straps carefully.
Wipe all the leather with a cloth with saddle soap or oil on it. As I have mentioned, I use different coloured cloths so I know which has oil on them.
Store the saddle with the stirrups rolled up, and the numnah over the saddle, if not washed, and the girth on top.
Every other week, or as often as you can, strip the saddle removing the stirrup leathers so you can oil and check them thoroughly. It is important to hold the leathers up and compare the length as they can stretch over time causing you to ride at an odd length. This will make you and your horse unbalanced.
TIP- when removing the stirrup leathers or putting them back on, tip the saddle up as this makes the job easier.
Final Thoughts
It is important to clean and check your tack as often as you can as your horse’s health and safety, as well as your own, is your responsibility.