Spring is here, and with it comes longer rides, show season prep, and a much-needed reset for your tack room. If you’ve followed our guide on How to Properly Care for Your Tack this Winter, you’re in good shape. But still, after a long winter of fluctuating temperatures, dust, and moisture, your tack deserves a thorough once-over before you swing back into full riding mode.

Think of this as your spring cleaning checklist, but for the gear that keeps you and your horse performing at your best. A proper tack check isn’t just about appearances (although we all love that show-ready shine). It’s about safety, longevity, and protecting the investment you’ve made in your equipment. Let’s break down what to clean, what to condition, and what to replace this spring.

Start With a Full Tack Inspection

Before you even reach for a sponge, take time to inspect everything. Cleaning your tack regularly helps you catch small issues before they become expensive (or dangerous) problems. 

Lay out your tack piece by piece and look for:

  • Cracked or dry leather
  • Loose stitching or stretched holes
  • Rust or corrosion on hardware
  • Mold or mildew buildup (especially after winter storage)

If anything looks questionable, set it aside for repair or replacement (we’ll get to that).

What to Clean: Remove Winter Grime

Winter can leave behind a surprising amount of buildup like dust, sweat, and residue that quietly break down leather over time.

Deep Clean Leather Tack

Start with a quality leather cleaner to lift dirt without stripping natural oils. A product like Farnam’s Leather New is a great go-to, designed to penetrate deep into the leather and remove embedded grime while restoring suppleness. 

For heavily used tack:

  • Disassemble bridles and remove stirrup leathers
  • Use a damp sponge to remove surface dirt
  • Apply cleaner and work it into creases and stitching
  • Wipe away residue with a clean cloth

For a quicker option, all-in-one products like Absorbine’s Horseman’s One Step clean and condition in a single pass—perfect for busy barns or weekly maintenance. 

Don’t Forget the Details

Spring tack checks go beyond just leather:

  • Bits: Remove buildup to keep your horse comfortable
  • Stirrups & buckles: Clean off grime and check for rust
  • Girths & billets: Pay extra attention to sweat buildup

Metal hardware, in particular, can accumulate residue that leads to discomfort or corrosion if left unchecked.

What to Condition: Bring Leather Back to Life

Once your tack is clean and fully dry, conditioning is where the magic happens.

Leather loses moisture over time, especially in winter conditions, leading to stiffness and cracking. Conditioning restores flexibility, color, and durability.

Use the Right Conditioner

A high-quality conditioner replenishes oils and protects against future damage. Products like Belvoir Intensive Conditioner or Absorbine’s Leather Therapy Restorer are excellent choices to revive leather while preventing mold and mildew. 

Apply conditioner in light layers:

  • Use a sponge or soft cloth
  • Focus on stress points (billets, stirrup leathers, reins)
  • Allow time for absorption between coats

Pro tip: Less is more. Over-conditioning can attract dirt and even weaken stitching over time.

How Often Should You Condition?

It depends on your riding schedule and environment, but a good rule of thumb is every 4–8 weeks, or anytime leather feels dry.

Lexol Leather Conditioner Wipes can be a perfect go-to option to maintain soft leather in between your deep treatment sessions.

What to Replace: Safety First

Even the best cleaning routine can’t save worn-out tack. Spring is the perfect time to retire anything that could compromise safety.

Replace Immediately If You Notice:

  • Deep cracks in leather
  • Dry, brittle billets or reins
  • Broken or stretched stitching
  • Severely rusted hardware

These aren’t cosmetic issues; they’re potential failure points.

Consider Upgrading:

Spring is also a great time to upgrade items that may not be “broken” but aren’t performing their best:

Build Your Spring Tack Care Kit

Having the right tools on hand makes all the difference. A well-stocked tack cleaning kit saves time and ensures consistency in your routine.

Essentials to keep in your tack room:

  • Leather cleaner
  • Conditioner or balm
  • Tack sponges and soft cloths
  • Brushes for detailed cleaning

The Effax Leather Care Case offers all of these essentials in one complete kit for convenience.

Regular cleaning and conditioning aren’t just chores—they’re part of responsible horsemanship and help extend the life of your tack investment.

Ready for the Season Ahead

Whether you’re heading to your first show or just enjoying longer days in the saddle, a thorough spring tack check sets the tone for a successful riding season. Your tack, and your horse, will thank you for it. 

Ready to refresh your setup? Stock up on all your spring tack care essentials at FarmVet and get everything you need in one place to keep your gear performing all season long.Next on the list? Fly season preparation. Yes, it will be here before we know it. Get prepared ahead of time with our guide on Choosing the Right Fly Spray for your horse.