Leather Care - Gear up for Winter
Your Essential Leather Care Guide from #TeamClean
Show season’s wrapped. Winter hunting and eventing are knocking. School holidays are here. And your tack is probably sitting there quietly judging you.
Now’s the time to get everything cleaned, conditioned, and ready to go, whether you’re packing away your show gear or giving your hunting kit a proper once-over. At The Cleanest Horse, we believe looking after your gear is the key to keeping it in top condition. Look after it properly, and it will last.
Why Leather Care Is Non-Negotiable
Your tack goes through a lot: sweat, dirt, mud, sun, and rain. Leather is a natural material and needs care and nourishment to stay strong, supple, and safe.
Safety first. Dry, neglected leather cracks, and when it fails it is never at a convenient time. Anyone got a spare stirrup leather? It always happens… just as you’re due in the ring. (Incidentally — we do. You can find them here.)
Longevity. Sweat and dirt are corrosive. Clean it properly and condition it regularly, and your gear will last years, not just seasons.
Investment protection. Quality tack is not cheap - we know, please don’t tell our husbands. But when it is cared for properly it will last a lifetime and continue to look the part.
The Simple 3-Step System
You do not need a complicated routine. Stick to this:
- Clean. Remove dirt, sweat, and grime, especially from stitching and creases.
- Condition. Restore oils and keep leather soft and flexible.
- Protect. Add a nourishing layer for durability and weather resistance.
Simple, repeatable, and effective.
Carr + Day + Martin – The System That Works
If you want a system that consistently delivers, this is it. Carr + Day + Martin is a staple in stables worldwide for a reason. It is a straightforward, step-by-step approach that removes the guesswork from leather care.
What we rate:
- Easy two-step process.
- Properly lifts grime rather than spreading it around.
- Restores leather without overcomplicating things.
- Delivers consistent results every time.
The go-to line-up includes Belvoir Tack Cleaner Step 1 to lift dirt, sweat, and grease, followed by Belvoir Tack Conditioner Step 2 to restore and soften leather. The Belvoir Tack Conditioner Bar is a great option for regular use, while the Belvoir Leather Balsam is ideal for deeper conditioning, particularly on saddles or drier leather. Tack cleaning sponges make the job easier, especially on bridles. The most user friendly of the range would have to be the Tack cleaning mitts, these were an absolute godsend on the wet, muddy weekends away when you needed a quick clean between classes.
This is a reliable, no-fuss system and the one we keep coming back to.
Other Options We Rate
ECOHORSE Leather Magic, made in New Zealand, offers a natural cleaner and conditioner option and is a solid everyday choice.
Hydrophane remains a tried and true classic, with glycerine saddle soap and leather dressing oil that work well for deeper conditioning, particularly on new or harder leather.
Real Talk from #TeamClean
If your tack is dry, dull, cracking, or just looking average, that is not just how it is. It simply needs the right system.
Once you have that sorted, tack cleaning becomes quick, straightforward, and genuinely satisfying.
Ready to Get Started?
Shop the full leather care range here
Final Word
Winter is hard on gear, but a small amount of effort now will save a lot later. Clean it, condition it, and keep it right. Your gear will last longer, perform better, and continue to look the part.