HOW TO CLEAN SADDLES AND TACK

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=70 BGCOLOR="#996600" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="12700700dwnqph.png"> <div> <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Arial" ><B>PIKES PEAK SADDLERY, INC.</B></FONT><B>     |     </B><A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="PIKES PEAK SADDLERY, INC."><U><B>home</B></U></A></div> <div> <B>HOW TO CLEAN SADDLES AND TACK</B></div> <div> </div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" width=150 BGCOLOR="#CC9966" TEXT="#080000" background="128c0c00dkesoe.png"> <div> <A HREF="id125.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="FAQ"><U><B>BACK TO FAQ</B></U></A></div> </td> <td valign="top" height=410 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000"> <bR> <div> THE CARE AND FEEDING OF SADDLES AND TACK</div> <bR> <div>      To protect your investment in your saddles and tack, periodic cleaning and conditioning is required.  The frequency will depend upon how the saddle is used - the more use - the more cleaning is needed.  One clear time is when a saddle and tack have been out in the rain.  Water will wash out the natural oils in the leather and make it dry and brittle.  Also, our winter climate will cause dry rot to set in.  As a minimum, saddles and tack should be cleaned and conditioned at least twice a year.  To clean saddles and tack, several steps are needed.</div> <bR> <div>      First, your tack needs to be taken apart.  Bits should be taken off headstalls and reins, etc.  On english saddles, the stirrup leathers and girth need to be removed.  For, western saddles remove the girth, rear flank, stirrups, etc.  Once this has been done, brush off any loose dirt with a rag or soft brush.</div> <bR> <div>      Second, using saddle soap, a sponge, and warm water work up a good lather.  Pay extra attention to the fenders, leathers, and stirrups.  These items collect the most dirt and sweat and need to be cleaned on both sides.  On saddles that have a heavy buildup leave on the saddle soap lather to soften the dirt.  NOTE:  Do not soap a suede seat, use a suede brush.</div> <bR> <div>      Third, rinse the soap off the leather.  Do not be afraid to rinse well.  If you leave some saddle soap on the leather, it will lead to dirt buildup.  Sometimes, when the buildup is heavy 2 or 3 cleanings may be needed.  In deep tooling a toothpick can be used to help lift out the dirt.</div> <bR> <div>      Fourth, after the saddle has dried, overnight is best, the leather needs to be conditioned.  For western saddles I suggest pure neatsfoot oil ( <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#BF0000" FACE="Arial" >Cauton: most oils will darken the leather. </FONT>) or a leather conditionier.  -- Apply a light application -- Be sure to oil the underside of the seat, rear jockeys, and fenders.  Also, be sure to pull the stirrup leathers down and oil where they fit over the bars.  On very dry leather several light applications are better than one heavy application.  For english saddles I suggest a leather dressing.</div> <bR> <div>      Fifth,  after the oil or dressing has penetrated the leather, use a soft cloth to polish the leather.  For your bridle, reins, etc. the same rules apply.</div> <bR> <div>      Once you have cleaned and conditioned your tack, it must be stored properly.  Bridles, halters, etc. should be hung on a bridle rack that simulates a horses head.  A nail or hook will cause the leather to bend sharply and weaken the leather.  Saddles should be stored on racks with good air circulation.  Western saddles should have a wooden dowel inserted in the stirrups to keep the twist in the stirrup leathers.  Also, some type of dust cover will help keep your saddle clean.</div> <bR> <div>      So, with the proper care and feeding of your saddles and tack you will be able to enjoy them for a great deal of time.  May you always have a good ride.        </div> <bR> <div> Bob Brenner   Saddler</div> </td> </tr></table></body>