English Tack
Western Tack
Caring for your tack is ESSENTIAL if you want it to last. It also makes it comfier for you and the horse. The more you clean and condition it, the more supple the leather will become. If you only clean your tack once in while or it got rather dirty after use, then you'll want to use saddle soap (I recommend Fiebing's Glycerin Saddle Soap Bar) with a barely damp rag or sponge, then a leather conditioner (I recommend Effax Lederbalsam or Leather Therapy, but don't use Leather Therapy on black tack because it can lighten it a bit). Ideally, should clean your tack everyday. Then, you can just wipe it down with a slightly damp cloth and a little conditioner. Then shows are no big deal, either. If your tack has silver, polish it regularly! You may want to polish the metal for an extra shine, but if you decide to polish the bit, ONLY polish the parts that don't directly touch or go into the mouth. Give your leather boots the same care and attention, and they'll last for years. If they are black leather, use a leather blackening from time to time, but only on the front, back, and outside of the boot. If it gets on the inner part (what touches the horse and saddle), it'll rub off onto your pads and tack. Also, treat your boots with leather water-proofer. It's worth it. Finally, to keep an eye on the stitches, about once a month I'll take a toothpick and scrub the crud off of every stitch. It makes the tack look new again as well as help the stitches keep from rotting off.
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