Buying a good tack set is a smart investment for your horse. But without regular maintenance, even the best tack can deteriorate over time. Cleaning your tack set regularly is a good habit, as it helps ensure your gear stays in good condition season after season. Good storage habits protect your investment and can extend the life of your tack by keeping it free from dust and dirt.
Keeping your tack in good condition isn’t just about cleaning it after each ride. How and where you store it play a big role in how long it lasts and how well it performs. Tack is an investment, and with proper care, it can remain safe, functional, and looking sharp for years.
Proper storage helps prevent issues like cracking, mold, rust, and warping. It also reduces wear and tear caused by temperature swings, humidity, and dust. Seasonal changes can be especially hard on tack—heat can dry out leather, cold can make it brittle, and moisture can lead to mold or mildew. Taking a few extra steps before putting your tack away, especially for long periods, can make a big difference in how well it holds up over time.
Understand the Season Effect
Leather is a natural material, which means it responds to the environment. The Tack that’s exposed to seasonal changes without proper care can become stiff, cracked, moldy, or discolored. Understanding how each season affects your tack helps you adjust your storage and maintenance routine accordingly.
Monsoon or Humid Seasons
In humid or rainy seasons, like the monsoon, moisture levels in the air rise. Leather is porous, so it naturally absorbs moisture. This can lead to mold and mildew forming on saddles, bridles, and pads—especially if they’re stored in a closed or poorly ventilated area. Tack might start to feel sticky or look cloudy, and mold can break down the fibers of the leather over time. Ventilation is key during this season, along with regular checks and occasional wiping with a dry cloth.
Dry or Summer Seasons
In dry climates or seasons, leather can lose moisture. This causes it to dry out and become brittle. Without conditioning, the leather may develop small cracks, especially in areas that bend or stretch often, like girth straps or stirrup leathers. To keep leather supple in dry weather, regular conditioning is essential. Choose a good leather conditioner and apply it in light layers so the leather stays soft but not greasy.
Cold or Winter Seasons
In winter, especially in areas where tack is exposed to snow or slush, salt and moisture can damage the leather. Cold temperatures also make leather stiff, and if you flex or bend it while it’s cold and dry, it can crack. If your tack is used outdoors in winter, make sure it’s dried and cleaned thoroughly before storing. Indoors, try to maintain a moderate temperature in your tack room to avoid extreme cold.
Hot or Summer Seasons
Warm weather is generally less harsh on leather, but high temperatures can still do damage. If tack is stored in a hot area—like a closed trailer or a metal tack box in direct sun—it can dry out fast. Heat also causes dyes and finishes to fade or discolor over time. It’s best to store tack in shaded, ventilated areas during hot months and use covers that allow airflow. Avoid airtight containers or plastic wraps, which can trap heat and moisture.
Clean Before You Store
Before storing any tack, give it a thorough cleaning. Dirt, sweat, and hair left on leather can cause it to break down over time. Metal parts can rust, and synthetic materials can become stiff or discolored.
Use cleaners designed for the specific material. For leather, choose a quality leather cleaner and follow up with a conditioner to keep it supple. Avoid over-conditioning, as this can clog the pores of the leather and attract dust. For metal parts like bits or buckles, scrub gently with water and dry thoroughly. You can apply a light coat of oil to help prevent rust. Synthetic tack should be rinsed or wiped clean, then left to dry fully before being stored.
No matter the material, always make sure your tack is completely dry before putting it away. Moisture trapped in leather or padding can lead to mold, mildew, and long-term damage.
Choose the Right Location
Storing your tack in the right location is just as important as keeping it clean. A poor storage environment can lead to mold, mildew, cracking, warping, or fading—especially with leather. By selecting an ideal space, you can significantly extend the life and performance of your tack.
Here’s what to look for when choosing the best storage location:
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Cool, Dry, and Well-Ventilated – Airflow is essential. A tack room with windows, vents, a fan, or even a dehumidifier helps prevent the buildup of moisture and stale air that encourages mold and mildew growth.
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Out of Direct Sunlight – Prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause leather to dry out, fade, and become brittle over time.
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Away from Damp or Musty Areas – Avoid basements or concrete-floored sheds where humidity tends to linger. These spaces can damage leather and promote rust on metal fittings.
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Stable Temperatures – Fluctuations in heat and cold are hard on tack. Leather can crack in high heat or stiffen and warp in cold conditions.
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Ideal Climate Control – Aim for a consistent indoor temperature between 10°C and 25°C (50°F to 77°F) and relative humidity around 40–60%. These conditions help preserve the structure and flexibility of your tack.
In short, a clean, climate-controlled, and ventilated tack room is one of the best investments you can make in maintaining your gear. Proper storage helps your equipment stay in top condition and ready for your next ride.
Store Saddles Properly
Saddles are one of the most expensive and essential pieces of tack, and how you store them plays a big role in preserving their shape, condition, and long-term fit for your horse.
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Use a Sturdy Saddle Rack – Choose a rack that supports the full length of the saddle bars to maintain the saddle’s natural structure. Avoid placing saddles on narrow poles, sharp hooks, or anything that creates pressure points, as this can lead to warping or leave permanent indentations in the leather or tree.
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Protect from Dust and Light – Cover your saddle with a breathable material like cotton or canvas. Avoid plastic covers, which trap moisture and can lead to mold or mildew, especially in humid environments.
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Encourage Airflow – For long-term storage, occasionally lift the saddle skirts to allow air to circulate underneath. This helps prevent mustiness and protects the leather from softening or becoming sticky over time.
Western Saddle Collection
Hang Headstalls and Breast Collar with Care
Headstalls and breast collars need careful storage to keep the leather in good shape and prevent unnecessary wear. How you hang these pieces can make a big difference in how long they last and how well they perform.
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Use Proper Hooks or Hangers – Hang headstalls on bridle hooks or wide, rounded hangers that follow the natural curve of the leather. This helps prevent sharp bends or creases that can lead to cracking over time. Avoid using nails or narrow pegs, which can leave pressure marks or distort the shape.
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Keep Breast Collars Supported – Drape breast collars in a way that supports their full length, rather than letting them dangle by one strap. This prevents stretching and helps the leather keep its form.
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Avoid Tight Wrapping – If you need to coil any straps, do so loosely. Tightly wrapped leather can become stiff or develop cracks at stress points.
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Keep Everything Off the Ground – Dirt, dust, and rodents can damage leather if the gear is left too low. Hanging your tack properly also makes it easier to access and keeps your storage space organized.
Thoughtful storage protects the flexibility, appearance, and longevity of your headstall and breast collar, so they’re always ready when you are.
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Protect Saddle Pads and Blankets
Saddle pads and blankets take on a lot of sweat, hair, and dirt with every ride, so proper cleaning and storage are essential to prevent odor, mildew, and fabric breakdown.
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Clean Before Storing – Always brush off hair and loose debris after use. Wash or rinse the pads regularly, especially after heavy sweating. Even if they appear clean, trapped sweat can lead to mildew and unpleasant smells if not removed.
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Dry Thoroughly – Never store pads or blankets while they’re damp. Hang them in a well-ventilated area until completely dry. Storing wet or even slightly damp gear can quickly lead to mold and fabric damage.
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Use Breathable Storage Options – For long-term storage, opt for open shelves, blanket racks, or breathable bins. Avoid airtight containers unless the pads are bone dry and the container allows for some airflow. Trapped moisture is one of the biggest risks to fabric tack items.
With just a little extra care, your saddle pads and blankets will stay fresh, functional, and ready for the next ride.
Keep Metal Hardware Rust-Free
Bits, buckles, stirrups, and other metal components are all vulnerable to rust, especially if exposed to moisture or high humidity. Taking a few simple precautions can keep these items in top shape and extend their usable life.
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Dry Thoroughly Before Storage – Always make sure metal hardware is completely dry before putting it away. Even small amounts of moisture can lead to surface rust over time.
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Apply Light Protection – For added rust prevention, apply a thin coat of oil, such as mineral oil or WD-40 (for non-food contact parts). Be sure to wipe off any excess before using the item again.
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Choose the Right Storage Spot – Avoid damp areas like unsealed barns or basements. Hang bits, stirrups, and other hardware on open hooks or racks in a dry, well-ventilated space. Airtight containers can also work if the items are dry before sealing.
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Combat Humidity – If you live in a humid region, consider using moisture-absorbing packets (like silica gel) or a small dehumidifier in your tack room to help control moisture levels.
Proper care of metal tack parts helps prevent rust, protects finishes, and ensures your gear is always safe and ready to use.
Don’t Skip Routine Maintenance
Even when tack is stored correctly, it still needs regular attention. Long-term storage doesn’t mean you can set it and forget it—routine checks are key to keeping everything in top condition.
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Inspect Monthly – Make it a habit to check your stored tack at least once a month. Look for early signs of mold, mildew, pest damage, or excessive dryness—especially in hidden spots like under flaps, inside saddle skirts, or along stitching. Catching issues early prevents costly repairs later.
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Condition when Needed – If any leather feels dry, stiff, or dull, apply a light coat of conditioner or oil right away. Don’t wait for it to crack—dry leather is an early warning sign that it needs moisture. Always choose products specifically designed for the type of leather you’re treating.
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Keep Air Moving – Reorganize your tack room or storage area now and then to improve airflow. Avoid packing items too tightly, and rotate pieces occasionally so all sides get some exposure to fresh air. This simple step helps prevent mold and extends the life of your tack.
A little maintenance goes a long way. With regular checks and minor adjustments, you can keep your gear in excellent shape and ready for use whenever you need it.
Choose MOUSM
If you find a Western tack set collection, MOUSM is a great place to visit for. Here, you'll find a wide range of equestrian products, including headstalls, breast collars, wither and spur straps, bronc halters, saddles, saddle pads, bosals, as well as home décor and fashion accessories etc. Every piece is crafted from genuine Argentine cowhide leather and meticulously handmade by skilled artisans. Each design showcases exceptional craftsmanship, featuring intricate hand tooling, striking acid wash finishes, and eye-catching stonework.
Equipped with premium-quality studs, sparkling stones, and elegant conchos, these products are built to offer both durability and long-lasting performance. Their sturdy construction ensures they can handle the rigors of Western riding while maintaining their stylish appeal.
Perfect for Western riding, rodeo events, equestrian shows, and everyday wear, MOUSM pieces not only complement your gear with confidence but also add a distinctive and fashionable flair to your collection. Whether you’re in the arena or on the trail, these accessories combine functionality with stunning design, reflecting your passion for riding and your appreciation for quality craftsmanship. Shop Once! and Grab Amazing Deals and Discounts
