What should I do if my horse's tack has gone hard after getting wet?

Read time: 3 minutes

Overview

If your horse's tack has gone hard after getting wet, the leather has probably dried out too quickly or needs cleaning and reconditioning. In many cases it can be brought back with careful routine care, but it's worth checking for cracking, stiffness in the stitching areas, or any deeper damage before you use it again.

Things To Check

1. Check whether the tack was soaked, left damp, or dried near a direct heat source such as a radiator or heater.

2. Look closely at the leather for cracking, flaking, deep creases, or areas that feel brittle rather than simply firm.

3. Check the stitching, billets, straps, reins, and buckles for any signs of weakness or stretching.

4. Feel whether the stiffness is across the whole item or only in one area, which can suggest uneven drying or uneven wear.

5. Look for mud, sweat, salt marks, or ingrained dirt that may have dried into the leather.

6. Check if the tack still sits and moves normally, without twisting, pinching, or feeling unusually rigid when handled.

7. Make sure any metal fittings are clean and free from rust or corrosion that may have affected nearby leather.

Common Causes

The most common reason is that the leather has dried too fast after getting wet, which can leave it feeling hard and less supple. Dirt, sweat and salt can also dry into the surface and make the tack feel stiff.

Less often, repeated soaking and drying can gradually strip natural oils from the leather. In some cases, old age, poor storage, or hidden wear can make tack feel hard even when it has been cleaned.

What To Do

Let the tack dry naturally at room temperature if it's still damp. Avoid placing it near a direct heat source, because that can make the leather harder and more brittle.

Once dry, wipe off any loose dirt with a clean, slightly damp cloth and let it dry again before applying a suitable leather conditioner in small amounts. Work gently and gradually rather than trying to soften it all at once.

If the tack is only mildly stiff, regular cleaning and sensible storage may help it stay more flexible. Keep it in a dry, airy place and avoid folding or hanging it in a way that creates sharp creases.

If the leather is cracked, split, or feels unsafe, stop using it until it has been checked by a qualified saddler or tack repair professional.

Products That May Help

Keeping leather tack clean and cared for is often easier with the right routine supplies. The arlo.® Leather & Tack Care collection may be useful if you're looking to support regular cleaning and conditioning at home.

Leather & Tack Care

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