Leather Tips
Contact Jane direct at (778) 230-4752 or through the Contact page.
Why should we condition leather?
We wear it, sit on it and place it on horses. It is used as clothing, furniture, auto upholstery, tack, footwear, luggage, etc.
It is exposed to the outside elements, UV rays and is subject to spills, sweat, dirt and salt. Well maintained leather can be 100+ years old and look lustrous and supple or newer but neglected leather can be dry, cracked and aged before its time. Cared for leather lasts longer and can keep equestrians safer. For ultimate protection, regular conditioning of your leather offers resistance to drying, cracking, mold and UV ray damage; thus, not only making it look lustrous but adding a longer life to it.
You can be your leather’s best friend by:
The #1 enemy of leather is MOLD! How to keep it at bay:
Once mold spores are on leather, it is impossible to kill all of the mold spores!
Regular cleaning and conditioning keeps the mold spores in check. Whether in the rain, from sweat or spills, leather can become wet. If your leather gets wet, how it is allowed to dry is important. Letting it sit in the sunlight exposes it to the UV rays, thus risking drying and cracking.
The best course of action is to wipe it down with a microfiber cloth after use.
Storage:
For the best environment, leather needs a moderate temperature and low humidity.
A dehumidifier is a great aid in preventing leather from forming mildew; however, for tack in barns, most people are loath to allow electrical appliances to run unattended.
Try filling a bucket with charcoal briquettes to leave in your tack room. Charcoal has moisture-absorbing properties.
Even without a heater, insulation keeps the indoor environment more constant. Tight doorways and wall-to-ceiling fit will prevent invasion by dirt, bugs and rodents, all of which can be damaging to leather.
n insulated wood floor is warmer and more flexible. Wood flooring should be durable, easy to sweep and treated with a sealer.
For Equestrians:
Your dollar investment in tack and equipment can equal or exceed the value of your horse.
Tack that is kept dry, clean and in good working order is ready when you need it, and more comfortable for the horse and rider. It lasts longer, is safer during regular work and especially during stress, and has a first-rate appearance.
From the standpoint of economics, taking care of any leather items, not only tack, just makes sense.
We wear it, sit on it and place it on horses. It is used as clothing, furniture, auto upholstery, tack, footwear, luggage, etc.
It is exposed to the outside elements, UV rays and is subject to spills, sweat, dirt and salt. Well maintained leather can be 100+ years old and look lustrous and supple or newer but neglected leather can be dry, cracked and aged before its time. Cared for leather lasts longer and can keep equestrians safer. For ultimate protection, regular conditioning of your leather offers resistance to drying, cracking, mold and UV ray damage; thus, not only making it look lustrous but adding a longer life to it.
You can be your leather’s best friend by:
- Aiding in its longevity.
- Enhancing its lustrous beauty, giving you pride of ownership.
- Reducing the prospect of costly leather repair or replacement.
- Alleviate the risk of tack failure for horses and riders.
- Promoting its resale value.
The #1 enemy of leather is MOLD! How to keep it at bay:
Once mold spores are on leather, it is impossible to kill all of the mold spores!
Regular cleaning and conditioning keeps the mold spores in check. Whether in the rain, from sweat or spills, leather can become wet. If your leather gets wet, how it is allowed to dry is important. Letting it sit in the sunlight exposes it to the UV rays, thus risking drying and cracking.
The best course of action is to wipe it down with a microfiber cloth after use.
Storage:
For the best environment, leather needs a moderate temperature and low humidity.
A dehumidifier is a great aid in preventing leather from forming mildew; however, for tack in barns, most people are loath to allow electrical appliances to run unattended.
Try filling a bucket with charcoal briquettes to leave in your tack room. Charcoal has moisture-absorbing properties.
Even without a heater, insulation keeps the indoor environment more constant. Tight doorways and wall-to-ceiling fit will prevent invasion by dirt, bugs and rodents, all of which can be damaging to leather.
n insulated wood floor is warmer and more flexible. Wood flooring should be durable, easy to sweep and treated with a sealer.
For Equestrians:
Your dollar investment in tack and equipment can equal or exceed the value of your horse.
Tack that is kept dry, clean and in good working order is ready when you need it, and more comfortable for the horse and rider. It lasts longer, is safer during regular work and especially during stress, and has a first-rate appearance.
From the standpoint of economics, taking care of any leather items, not only tack, just makes sense.