For many yards, the tack room is a place to hide from the weather, have a cup of tea after a ride and catch up with friends. It’s a real hub. But it can be a place in need of a little TLC as the seasons change, meaning a spring clean could well be in order. It might seem like a huge job, but we are here to help and have put together a list to help your tack room sparkle in next to no time, ready for spring and summer.
1. How's your tack looking?
Over winter, tack can get a lot of abuse from the wet and mud that are part of winter riding. Although we’re sure you clean your tack regularly(!), it’s worth just making sure everything is mud free, and if there’s any tack you use occasionally (maybe you have different saddles, or use different accessories like breastplates, for specific activities), double check this too. You might also want to give your tack a really thorough clean in spring- take your bridle apart, wash stirrup irons and bits, etc, to make it really shine and feel conditioned after winter.
Product tip: We love NAF’s Sheer Luxe leather collection for deep cleaning – check out the Leather Cleanse & Condition and Leather Food.
2. If you have a synthetic saddle, it’s not always practical to clean it thoroughly during winter due to the drying time needed
but with warmer days fast approaching, it’s a good excuse to give it a little TLC. Remember to always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when it comes to cleaning your saddle- usually they say to dry away from direct sunlight and away from heat sources like radiators, so make sure you’ve factored drying time in before you start!
Product tip – We love Wintec’s Saddle Cleaner for synthetic saddles. It comes in a handy spray bottle too!
3. Do your saddlecloths, numnahs and boots need a wash?
If so, use the warmer weather to your advantage and get them outside on the washing line to dry! To save your washing machine, try and remove as much hair as possible before you put them in the machine- a rubber curry comb can really help. Also, fasten any hook and loop tabs to stop them coming out covered in hair or stuck to other items!
Product tip– these wash bags are a brilliant way of keeping hair out of the machine’s filter. Just put your saddle pad or other horse wear product inside it, zip it up, and run your cycle as normal!