Even the highest quality leather can become brittle and prone to breaking over time without proper care. Here are some of the best leather care tips for saddlery, bridles, and other leather items:

1. Regular Cleaning

After each use, remove dust and dirt with a soft brush or dry cloth. To remove stubborn dirt, occasionally wipe the leather with a slightly damp cloth, ensuring not to use too much water, as leather can absorb water and become damaged.

2. Use Special Leather Cleaners

Use a mild soap or a special leather cleaner, applying it with a soft cloth or sponge and then wiping it off thoroughly. Avoid cleaners with strong chemicals or alcohol, as these can dry out and damage the leather.

3. Proper Drying

Allow the leather to dry naturally and avoid direct sunlight or heat sources like radiators, as these can dry out and make the leather brittle.

4. Regular Care with Leather Fat or Oil

Use leather fat or oil to keep the leather supple, applying a thin layer to the cleaned and dry leather, and working it in with a soft cloth or sponge. Be careful not to overdo it, as too frequent application can make the leather soft and spongy. Regular but moderate application is ideal.

5. Impregnation

Use special impregnation products to protect the leather from moisture and dirt. These products create a protective layer without sealing the leather.

6. Storage

Store your leather products in a dry, well-ventilated room, avoiding damp or extremely hot or cold environments. Keep saddles and bridles on suitable hangers to maintain their shape and prevent creases or folds.

7. Prevent Mold

Ensure adequate air circulation to prevent mold and regularly check the leather for signs of mold to clean it immediately if necessary. Treat mold-affected leather thoroughly with a special leather cleaner and allow it to dry well afterward.

8. Regular Inspection

Regularly check the seams and metal fittings for damage or wear. Repair or replace damaged parts in a timely manner to ensure the safety and functionality of the leather items.

9. Professional Care

For particularly valuable or heavily used leather items, it may be worthwhile to have them occasionally cleaned and maintained by a professional.

Best Tips for Cleaning Our Saddle Pads:

1. Regular Cleaning

After each use, remove dust and horsehair with a soft brush or a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to prevent dirt from embedding in the fibers. Shake out the saddle pad to remove loose dirt and hair before washing.

2. Gentle Hand Washing

To protect the delicate glitter surface, hand washing is the best method. Use lukewarm water and a mild detergent. Gently clean the cotton underside and the glitter top with your hands, avoiding vigorous rubbing to prevent damage to the glitter particles.

3. Machine Washing

If machine washing is necessary, use the gentle cycle and place the saddle pad in a large laundry bag for protection. Use a mild, color-safe detergent and avoid bleach and aggressive cleaning agents that could damage the fabric. Wash the saddle pad at a low temperature (30°C) to preserve the material.

4. Drying

Air dry the saddle pad to maintain its shape and materials. Hang it in a shady, well-ventilated area, avoiding direct sunlight. Do not use a tumble dryer, as the heat can damage the fabric.

5. Professional Cleaning

Another option for maintaining your saddle pad is to take it to a professional cleaner. Professional cleaning services have the experience and equipment to gently clean delicate materials like glitter fabric while removing deeply embedded dirt. This ensures thorough cleaning without compromising the structure or appearance of the saddle pad. Regular professional cleaning can also extend the lifespan of the saddle pad and keep it in optimal condition.

1. Regular Inspection and Cleaning

To extend the life of your browbands and maintain their appearance, gently remove hair after each use and clean off dust and dirt with a soft, dry cloth or brush. Handle the area around the crystals with particular care. Ensure no water or moisture gets in or around the crystals or metal fittings. Avoid using unsuitable cleaning agents, as they can damage the rhinestones and dull their shine. When removing the bridle, always move the horse's forelock aside first and remove the bridle gently. Regularly check the stone settings and gently press any open hooks closed if needed.

2. Storage

Store the browband or your bridle in a dry place and avoid damp environments and moisture to prevent rust on the crystal chains and fittings. When not in use store the browband in the provided dust bag and avoid direct sunlight or extreme temperatures.