Store your horse tack set properly during summer to prevent heat damage. Extreme heat can quickly dry out and crack the leather, cause warping, and lead to mildew. To avoid these issues, always keep your tack in a cool, dry place during hot days.
When summer temperatures rise, it not only affects your horse also your horse's tack suffers from the temperature rise. Excessive heat and humidity can cause real damage to your western tack set. Leather can dry out, crack, or warp; synthetic materials may weaken or fade; and metal parts can even rust or become dangerously hot to the touch.
That’s why proper storage during the hot months isn’t just a good habit but also it’s essential. With a little care and the right setup, you can protect your investment, keep your tack comfortable for your horse, and make sure it lasts for years to come.
In this blog, we learn about how you protect your horse tack set from heat damage and store it properly:
Understanding Heat Damage on Leather and Metal Hardware
Leather:
A durable and long-lasting material, but high-heat weather can damage your leather tack if it’s not stored the right way. Leather can dry out in the heat, making it stiff and easy to crack. When leather loses its natural oils, it becomes weak and doesn’t last as long. Heat and moisture together can also cause mold and mildew to grow, especially if your tack is kept in a place with poor airflow. Humidity can make things even worse. When leather is stored in a warm, damp place, it can grow mold or mildew. These not only smell bad and look unpleasant, but they also break down the leather and shorten its lifespan. Cleaning off mold takes extra time and care, and if it spreads, it can affect other tack stored nearby.
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Metal:
Parts on your tack, like buckles, stirrups, rings, and bit hardware, can also suffer in hot and humid weather. If metal stays wet or is exposed to sweaty tack that isn’t cleaned, it can rust over time. Rust weakens the metal and makes it look old and dirty. Also, metal that sits in direct sunlight for too long can get very hot and might even burn your horse or your hands.
Choose The Right Storage Location
Where you store your tack during hot weather can make a big difference in how long it lasts and how well it performs. Heat, sunlight, and moisture can all cause serious damage if your gear isn’t stored properly. That’s why it’s important to choose a storage space that offers protection from these elements.
Keep it cool and dry
Try to store your tack in a room or area where the temperature stays steady and doesn’t get too hot. Leather is especially sensitive to heat and can dry out, crack, or warp if left in a warm place for too long. Moisture in the air can also lead to mold and mildew, so it’s important that the area stays dry. Ideally, the storage area should feel comfortable for you, not hot, sticky, or damp.
Avoid direct sunlight
Never store your tack in a place where it gets direct sunlight, like near a window or in a sunny corner of a barn. Sunlight can cause leather and synthetic materials to fade, dry out, and lose their strength. Over time, UV rays can make tack stiff, brittle, and unsafe to use. If your only storage option has windows, consider using curtains or tack covers to block the light.
Make sure there is good airflow
Ventilation helps keep the air moving, which prevents moisture from sitting on your tack and causing mold or mildew. Rooms with fans, windows, or vents that allow air to circulate are much better than closed-off spaces. Even just cracking a window or using a small fan can help a lot in reducing humidity and keeping your tack fresh.
Avoid garages, sheds, or trailers with changing temperatures
Some people store their tack in metal sheds, garages, or horse trailers when not in use. These places often heat up quickly during the day and cool down fast at night. This constant temperature change causes leather to expand and contract, which leads to cracks and wear. Humidity levels can also rise and fall, creating the perfect conditions for rust and mold.
If possible, use a dedicated tack room
A tack room that stays clean, shaded, and well-ventilated is ideal. If you don’t have one, try to create a space inside your barn or home where the temperature and humidity are easier to control. Simple things like placing a thermometer and humidity gauge in the room can help you monitor the environment.
Preparing Your Tack for Storage
Before putting your tack away, especially during hot summer months, it's important to make sure it’s clean, dry, and well-conditioned. Proper prep helps prevent heat damage and keeps your gear in good shape for longer.
Clean thoroughly
Always start by removing any dirt, sweat, or hair from your tack after use. If these are left on the leather, they can trap moisture and speed up wear.
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Use a soft cloth or sponge to wipe down all surfaces.
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Choose the right cleaner depending on the material—use a gentle leather cleaner for leather tack, and a mild soap or synthetic-safe cleaner for non-leather parts.
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Pay extra attention to areas where sweat builds up, like under the saddle and along the reins.
Condition leather
Once your leather tack is clean and dry, apply a good-quality leather conditioner.
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Conditioning replaces the natural oils that leather loses in heat and use.
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It keeps the leather soft, flexible, and less likely to crack or stiffen.
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Be sure to follow the product instructions and use only what’s needed—too much conditioner can leave a sticky surface.
Dry completely before storing
Never store tack that is damp. Even small amounts of moisture can lead to mildew, mold, or rust.
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Let your tack air-dry in a shaded, well-ventilated area before putting it away.
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Make sure saddle pads and girths are also clean and dry.
Proper Storage Techniques
How you store your tack is just as important as where you store it. Using the right storage tools and coverings will help your gear stay in good condition, even in warm weather.
Use tack hooks, saddle stands, and bridle racks
These storage tools help your tack keep its shape.
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Hang bridles and reins on proper hooks to avoid tangles or creases.
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Use a sturdy saddle stand to support the saddle evenly and prevent warping.
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Avoid hanging tack from nails or rough surfaces that could cause pressure points or stretch the leather.
Cover with breathable material
To protect your tack from dust, sunlight, and bugs, cover it while in storage.
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Use cotton sheets, saddle covers, or tack blankets made from breathable fabric.
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Avoid using plastic, which can trap moisture and cause mold to grow.
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Make sure the cover fits loosely and allows air to move around the tack.
Avoid stacking heavy items
Do not pile saddle pads, boxes, or other gear on top of saddles or bridles.
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Too much pressure can bend the leather or cause dents in padding.
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Store heavier items separately and keep tack organized to prevent damage from shifting or rubbing.
Climate-Controlled Tack Rooms
Why temperature control matters
Keeping your tack in a space where the temperature and humidity stay steady is one of the best ways to prevent damage. In a climate-controlled tack room, the air stays cool and dry, which helps protect leather from cracking and keeps mold and mildew from forming. It also helps prevent rust on metal parts and fading of synthetic materials.
Tack stored in stable conditions lasts longer, looks better, and stays more comfortable for your horse. You’ll also spend less time on cleaning, conditioning, or fixing damaged gear.
What if you don’t have a climate-controlled room?
If you don’t have a dedicated tack room with climate control, there are still ways to improve your setup:
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Insulate the space using foam panels or weather-stripping to help block out heat and moisture.
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Add a fan or small dehumidifier to keep the air moving and reduce dampness.
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Use curtains or shade cloths to block sunlight from windows or open sides of barns.
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Elevate tack off the ground to avoid contact with cool or damp floors.
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Monitor the temperature and humidity using basic gauges so you know when conditions change.
These small steps can go a long way in keeping your tack protected during summer.
Regular Maintenance Checks
Even with good storage, it’s important to check your tack regularly, especially during the hot and humid months.
Look for signs of damage
Check your tack often for any of the following:
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Cracks in the leather
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Mold or mildew spots
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Stiff or dried-out areas
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Rust on metal buckles or fittings
Catching these problems early can save your tack from further damage and keep it safe for use.
Recondition if needed
If the leather feels dry or stiff, clean it gently and apply a good-quality leather conditioner. This brings back moisture and keeps the leather flexible. For mold or mildew, clean the area with a leather-safe cleaner and let it dry completely before storing again.
Rotate your tack
If you own more than one set of tack, try to rotate their use. This allows each set to rest and prevents too much wear on one piece of equipment. Rotating tack also gives you more time to spot and fix any issues.
