Summer rides can be beautiful, but they’re also tough on your tack, especially your leather headstall. Between sweat, dust, sun exposure, and improper storage, your headstall can quickly go from polished to parched. The intense heat and frequent use during the warmer months can dry out the leather, cause cracking, and lead to uncomfortable rides for your horse.
Keeping your headstall clean and sweat-free isn't just about appearances—it’s about maintaining the quality, comfort, and performance of your gear. In this guide, we’ll show you how to protect your headstall from summer damage with easy maintenance tips, cleaning routines, and proper storage practices. Whether you're on daily trail rides or prepping for weekend shows, these tips will help extend the life of your tack and keep your horse comfortable all summer long.
Let's start this blog with this short description
Why Cleaning Is Important
Leather is a natural material that breathes and responds to its environment. It absorbs sweat, dust, moisture, and even chemicals from the atmosphere. Over time, these elements can weaken leather fibers, causing stiffness, discoloration, and cracks. A neglected tack set could compromise your horse's comfort and your ride quality.
By cleaning and storing your tack set properly:
-
Extend the life of your leather tack set
-
Keep the leather soft and flexible
-
Preserve its rich, polished appearance
-
Enhance both comfort and safety every time you ride
Treat your leather gear with care, and it’ll serve you well for years, whether you’re riding daily trails or prepping for a weekend show.
Read: What’s the Difference Between Western Headstall vs. Bridle?
Essential Supplies You’ll Need
Before you start, gather the following tools:
-
Soft-bristled tack brush or sponge
-
Clean lint-free cloths or towels
-
Glycerin saddle soap or pH-balanced leather cleaner
-
Leather conditioner or oil
-
Toothbrush (for hard-to-reach areas)
-
Water bucket with lukewarm water
Note: Avoid using harsh detergents, alcohol-based cleaners, or excessive water as they can damage the leather's natural oils.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Clean Your Leather Headstall and Stay Sweat-Free in Summer
Step 1: Disassemble the Tack Set
Start by gently removing the headstall from your horse. Unbuckle and separate any removable parts, like conchos or decorative hardware. This makes it easier to reach every surface and ensures a thorough clean.
Step 2: Remove Loose Dirt and Hair
Use a soft-bristle brush or dry cloth to wipe away dirt, mud, or horsehair. Focus on areas around buckles, tooling patterns, and stitched edges. These places collect the most grime.
Step 3: Clean the Leather Surface
Wet a soft sponge with warm water and wring it out. Apply a small amount of glycerin soap or leather cleaner onto the sponge. Rub the leather gently in circular motions around the browband and cheekpiece areas. Avoid soaking the leather—use only a damp sponge. Use a toothbrush for engraved or tooled details and tight corners.
Step 4: Wipe Off Excess Moisture
Once you've cleaned every section, use a dry towel to wipe away any soap residue and excess moisture. Never leave the leather tack wet for long periods, as this can lead to mildew or stiffness.
Step 5: Let It Air Dry Naturally
Place the headstall on a clean, dry towel or hang it in a shaded area to dry naturally. Avoid direct sunlight, heaters, or blow dryers, as high heat can shrink or damage leather.
How to Condition Your Leather Tack
Conditioning your leather headstall is just as important as cleaning it. It restores the natural oils, improves flexibility, and prevents cracking.
Step 1: Choose the Right Conditioner
Select the best quality leather conditioner or oil specifically designed for equestrian leather gear use. Look for products that are made from natural ingredients like beeswax, lanolin, or neatsfoot oil, which nourish and soften the leather without weakening it. Avoid conditioners with harsh chemicals, as they can dry out or crack the leather over time. If your tack is made of premium leather like Argentina cowhide, use a conditioner that protects both the finish and the tooling. Apply it regularly, especially after cleaning, to maintain flexibility, extend the life of your tack, and keep it looking new for every ride. Avoid petroleum-based conditioners, which can clog pores and reduce leather's breathability.
Step 2: Apply Conditioner Evenly
Use a soft cloth or your fingertips to apply a small amount of conditioner. Massage it into the leather using circular motions. Focus on high-stress areas like the browband, billet ends, and where buckles bend the leather.
Don't over-apply—too much conditioner can attract dust and leave the tack sticky.
Step 3: Let It Absorb
Let the conditioner soak into the leather for a few hours or overnight. Wipe off any excess with a clean cloth. Your leather tack should now feel supple, soft, and hydrated.
Caring for Conchos, Buckles, and Hardware
Metal parts like buckles and conchos need care, too. Dirt or rust buildup can ruin the overall appeal and function of your tack set.
-
Use a damp cloth or soft toothbrush to clean buckles.
-
For tarnished hardware, use a small amount of metal polish (ensure it doesn’t touch the leather).
-
Dry and buff with a clean cloth for a sparkling finish.
If your tack set features engraved or antique copper or brass, be extra gentle. These finishes can wear off with harsh scrubbing.
How to Store Your Leather Headstall and Breast Collar Properly
Storing your tack set correctly is just as important as cleaning. Improper storage leads to mold, mildew, dryness, and permanent creasing.
Do’s for Proper Storage
-
Hang properly: Use a tack rack or padded hook to hang the headstall and breast collar naturally without bending.
-
Use breathable covers: If you’re storing long-term, cover the tack with a cotton cloth or breathable fabric—not plastic—to avoid moisture buildup.
-
Keep away from direct sunlight: UV rays fade and weaken leather.
-
Maintain stable temperature and humidity: Ideal storage is a cool, dry, and well-ventilated room.
-
Use moisture absorbers: Silica gel packs or cedar chips can help control humidity.
Don’ts for Storage
-
Don’t store in plastic bags.
-
Don’t fold or crease your tack tightly.
-
Don’t keep tack in damp, unclean, or pest-prone areas.
Pro Tips to Extend the Life of Your Headstall to Become Sweat-Free in Summers
-
Inspect stitching and hardware after every cleaning to catch early signs of wear or damage.
-
Never let sweat or water dry on the tack—wipe it down and clean it after each ride to prevent buildup and cracking.
-
Rotate between multiple tack sets if you ride frequently to minimize stress and wear on a single headstall.
-
Store your tack away from oils, chemicals, or paint fumes, as they can degrade the leather and compromise its durability.
Taking a few extra minutes after each ride to clean and care for your headstall can go a long way in preserving its condition and performance. Regular maintenance not only prevents sweat buildup and leather damage but also ensures your tack remains safe, comfortable, and long-lasting, even through the hottest summer rides. A clean, conditioned, and properly stored leather headstall can last for many years and continue to perform beautifully, ride after ride. Keeping your headstall clean and sweat-free in summer also benefits your horse’s comfort. With proper care, your headstall will not only boost your performance but also maintain its durability .
