Proper care extends the life of your equestrian equipment, also keeping you safe and your horse comfortable. Follow these simple steps to maintain your leather and sheepskin tack.
Leather Care Guide
Quality leather tack such as saddles, bridles, girths, reins etc. needs regular attention to stay strong, supple and safe.
After each use
Wipe off dust, sweat and debris with a soft, slightly damp cloth or sponge. This prevents buildup that can dry out and damage leather.
Deeper clean
Use a small amount of quality leather cleaner on a damp cloth to remove tougher grime.
Gently work the cleaner into the leather, paying attention to stitching and folds where dirt collects.
Wipe off residue with a clean cloth and let air dry naturally – avoid direct heat or sunlight.
Conditioning
Once the leather is clean and dry, apply a quality leather conditioner or balsam to nourish and re-hydrate the fibres.
Use a thin, even layer and allow it to absorb before buffing off any excess. Conditioning keeps leather soft, prevents cracking and improves durability.
Dry naturally. If the leather becomes wet, let it air dry at room temperature – never use direct heat or sunlight.
Store in a cool, dry place. Hanging or laying flat helps the leather maintain its shape.
General Tips
Condition leather every few weeks during heavy use, or monthly for regular use.
Avoid over-conditioning — too much product can attract dirt or make the leather overly soft.
Store leather tack in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and humidity.
Sheepskin Care Guide
After each ride, brush the sheepskin lightly — a soft sheepskin brush helps fluff fibres, remove debris and maintain natural softness. Use a damp cloth to wipe down the sheepskin to remove any mud, sweat or dirt.
Hand Wash (Preferred):
Use a mild wool wash designed for sheepskin or wool.
Gently hand wash in cold water.
Dry flat in the shade: Lay the girth flat to dry away from direct sunlight or heat sources — this helps the sheepskin retain its shape and softness.
Machine Wash
Place the girth in a linen wash bag to protect fibres.
Select a cold, slow wash cycle with a gentle wool wash.
Dry flat in the shade: Lay the girth flat to dry away from direct sunlight or heat sources — this helps the sheepskin retain its shape and softness.
Do Not
Soak or wash in warm water
Tumble dry
Use bleach, fabric softeners or strong detergents
General Gear Care Tips
Check regularly for wear: Inspect stitching, buckles and straps for signs of wear or damage. Early repairs can prevent bigger issues.
Store smartly: Keep all gear – leather, sheepskin and other fabrics – in a dry, ventilated space to avoid mould, rust and leather drying.
Avoid harsh chemicals: Household cleaners, bleach, and solvents can strip oils from leather and damage fabrics. Stick to products made for equestrian gear like Carr, Day & Martin leather care, proudly stocked by Belle.
