Seasonal Tack Care: Clean Smarter, Protect Better

Tack care isn’t one routine you can set and forget all year. Temperature, moisture, sweat levels and mud change across the seasons - so your cleaning and protection routine should change with them. 
Below is a practical, season-by-season approach to keep leather supple, stitching strong, and metalwork clean and rust-free - without overdoing it. 

The Year-Round Basics (Your Non-Negotiables)

No matter the time of year, these are the habits that protect your tack the most. 

After every ride

• Wipe sweat from leather contact points (especially girth areas)
• Give bits a quick clean, then rinse and dry thoroughly
• Check stitching, billets and keepers for early signs of wear 

For everyday cleaning, use a dedicated Leather Cleaner to lift sweat and grime without stripping the leather. 

Weekly (or more often when needed)

• Do a full clean, then apply a light layer of conditioning 

A good Leather Conditioner helps maintain softness and prevents cracking - just adjust how much you use depending on the season. 

Winter: Mud + Damp = Mould Risk

Winter is hard on tack because moisture settles into seams, stitching and padding - exactly where it’s slowest to dry. Left unmanaged, damp conditions can lead to mould and leather breakdown. 

Winter routine

• Let tack dry at room temperature (never on radiators or direct heat)
• Use breathable covers, not plastic, so moisture can escape
• Condition lightly but regularly to prevent leather drying out
• Add moisture absorbers in the tack room if damp is an issue 

A properly fitted Saddle Cover is ideal in winter because it protects from dust and knocks while still allowing airflow. 

Spring: Wet-Dry Swings and “Bloom”

Spring often brings alternating damp days and bright sunshine - perfect conditions for mould bloom on leather, especially if tack is stored in a stuffy room. 

Spring routine

• Wipe down more frequently, even after “easy” rides
• Air tack weekly (open up the tack room if possible)
• Pay attention to girths and stitching where sweat and moisture collect

If you’re trying to keep your space under control (and stop damp gear building up), Tack Room Organisers can make a big difference.
For quick wipe-downs between full cleans, keep Leather Wipes / Quick Clean Products in your grooming kit or tack room.

Summer: Sweat, Salt, and Over-Drying

Summer sweat is salty, and salt breaks leather down fast. At the same time, heat can dry leather out - especially if you over-clean or over-oil.

Summer routine

•  Wipe salt residue off after every ride
• Clean more often, but condition less heavily
• Keep tack out of direct sun (cars and trailers can cook leather quickly) 

Having the right kit makes after-ride wipe-downs faster - stock up on Grooming Tools so you’re not tempted to skip it. 
When you do condition, choose something lighter - like a balm style Leather Conditioner - so you protect the leather without making it tacky or over-soft.

Autumn: Mud Returns + Prep for Winter

Autumn is the reset season. Mud starts creeping back in, and it’s the best time to deep clean, inspect properly, and sort small issues before winter magnifies them.

Autumn routine

• Deep clean everything and inspect for wear
• Replace worn straps and stretched holes before winter work ramps up
• Set up tack room humidity control early if your storage runs damp

If you spot anything tired now, it’s worth swapping it before the worst weather hits - especially Girths & Straps. A simple check kit helps you catch issues early!