A Winter Weather Handbook For Storing Your Leather Tack

There’s no denying that winter is fully upon us. For some, that means “hanging up” your tack for at least part (if not all) of the season. For others it means putting away the show tack and using different winter gear. And there are others who pack up and hit the road with horses and tack in tow for better weather and competition.

If you’re in either of the first two catagories, you’re probably going to need to store some leather this winter. There’s definitely a right and a wrong way to do it, so let’s get into the right way and talk about any topics of concern.

Disassemble Your Tack And Perform A Safety Check

It’s important to check your leather over for any signs of wear or damage. The best way to do that is to take it apart before you clean and condition it. Disassemble your bridle and remove your stirrups from your saddle. Place all leather items in a well lit, warm area where you can see well and are comfortable enough to take your time.

Disassembled leather bridle and leather stirrup leathers layed out on a mat ready for a safety check and a good cleaning.

Pay close attention to areas where metal and leather meet, and note any cracking, tearing or stretching. Any leather showing these signs needs to be repaired or tossed out; it’s no longer safe to use.

Also look closely at stitching and check to make sure it is intact and in good condition, especially on stirrup leathers, girths, billet straps and reins. Most loose or broken stitching can be easily repaired by a trusted leatherworker.

Once you’ve identitifed the pieces needing repair, set them aside and throw out any pieces that are unfixable and unsafe.

Now It’s Time For A Good Cleaning And Conditioning

Your tack should be well cleaned and conditioned before storage. Of course we recommend Healthy Leather Premium Leather Care as a one-step option. On the other hand, we know horse people. And we know everyone has their own way of doing things. Whatever your process is, we’re not here to “Yuck Your Yum”. If you have a proven and loved cleaning and conditioning routine, by all means…do it!

One of the biggest dangers to leather in winter storage is mold and mildew. Both feed on organic material like sweat, manure, dirt and excess oil deposits. Make sure you use a soft bristled brush where needed to really clean away any stubborn crusty dirt, sweat and sticky “jockeys”. They are magnets for mold.

After cleaning, it’s time to condition. But before doing so you need to consider your climate.

What’s My Climate?

If you’re lucky enough to have a climate controlled environment available for tack storage or live in the perfect area, that’s GREAT. The recommended temperature for storing leather is between 50-70 degrees F and humidity at 50-55%. Mold is apt to grow over 60% humidity.

While storing leather in non-climate controlled conditions isn’t ideal, it’s the reality for many of us, and there are plenty of steps you can take to protect your leather.

Depending on your humidity level, it’s relatively easy and afforable to set up a humidifier (for dry climates) or a de-humidifier (for humid climates) in your tack room or storage space. Affordable hydrothrermographs are available online and are accurate enough let you know if your tack storage space falls within the acceptable range. No need to spend hundreds of dollars on the fancy sort.

If you live in a humid climate, do not over condition your tack. Make sure all product is absorbed and wipe away any excess conditioner and oils. One option for controling the moisuture level if you are storing your tack in a tack trunk or locker is to include a handful of desiccant packs. Do not let them come in contact with your leather, and check occasionally to make sure they do not over dry your leather.

If you live in a dry climate, condition your tack well until it no longer absorbs additional conditioner or oil. Wipe away excess.

Cover It Or Wrap It And Pack It Up

Dust is full of dander and other organic materials that not only attract mold/mildew, but also work to break down the stitching on your leather tack. Your tack needs to be protected, but also able to BREATH. Bridle bags and saddle bags are perfect for storage, but pillow cases and sheets work in a pinch if needed. Even paper is a decent option for protecting leather against dust and scratches.

Once your leather is cleaned, conditioned and covered/wrapped, it’s ready to either be placed on a saddle rack (if it’s a saddle) or in your tack trunk, locker or other weatherproof container (if it’s a bridle). We recommend storing your bridle disassembled and laid out flat. Make sure airflow is able to move freely around your tack and leather is not stacked on top of leather.

Don’t Forget To Check It

If you’re storing in non-climate controlled conditions, you’re definitely going to want to check in on your leather goods from time to time. Once a month is plenty. You’ll be able to stop any damage in it’s tracks by using your eyes, nose and fingers to check in on the condition of your leather.

In humid climates, you’re checking for any mold/mildew growth and should re-clean if necessary. If you smell any moldy odor, assume it’s there.

In drier climates, check the suppleness and luster of your tack. If it feels or looks dry or stiff, re-condition your leather until it no longer absorbs your product.

Use your best judgement, and your tack will come out of storage ready for Spring.

Have any winter leather storage tips, tricks or advice to add? Let us know in the comments!