What Should You Know About Treating Leather -Equestrian
Leather Items Equestrian Style
I cannot stress the importance of having the right equipment when horseback riding. Leather boots and gloves are the most used leather items. Riders wear boots to give more grip/traction, and it adds another layer of protection to their feet in case a horse steps on their foot. Leather gloves help protect the hands from rubbing and grinding on the reins, protect the hands of the rider from any harsh weather, and helps improve grip.
Saddle and bridles are amongst the most common items on a horse for riding. Saddles are designed to keep the rider’s weight off the front of the horse. The saddle sits on the back of a horse and helps the rider sit on top comfortably.
Communication between the rider and horse is how the relationship flourishes. Bridles are a pivotal component to facilitate the communication. A bridle goes on the base of the head, around the ears, and partially on the snout. A bridle helps communicate which direction the rider wants to go.
With the proper care and treatment riding boots can last up to 10 years, leather gloves can last 2 years. An adequately treated saddle could last anywhere between 20-25 years, while a bridle, when adequately treated, can last for ten or more years.
Dirt, Sand, Mud, Rain, and Sweat
Leather is a natural product, and like human skin, it will need to be cleaned regularly. Cleaned skin/leather will last longer, look better, and be more robust. Well cared for leather can last a very long time and even be passed down through generations. Without treatment, the lifespan of a leather item will not be nearly as long.
When dirt, sand, mud, rain, and sweat get into the leather fibers, they will penetrate deep into the fibers and damage the leather. Once damage occurs, it is irreversible. Cracking happens when leather becomes too dry. When cracking starts, it will become visible on the leather piece and ruin the structural integrity and look.
When investing in horse riding equipment, you want the equipment to last as long as it possibly can. An average new high-quality bridle can cost between $100-$500, and a new high-quality saddle is north of $500. These are expensive investments that cannot be replaced quickly and cost-effectively. It is crucial to treat the leather before issues arise so you are not spending a fortune to replace it.
Mad Cow Leather Cream
Mad Cow’s leather cream is engineered to bring moisture back to the leather and protect it from the elements. With the equipment being exposed to dirt, sand, mud, rain, sweat, and sometimes harsh weather, the cream is perfect for protection. For $8.95, it is worth it to protect your expensive equestrian sets.
Before using our products, make sure to clean off any visible dirt or dust with a little bit of soap and water. Always use a lint-free cloth to leave behind a clean foundation. If dirt, dust, or other contaminants are not wiped off, when you massage the cream into the leather, you can be massaging debris into the leather. The leather cream will penetrate deep into the leather, moisturizing the fibers and forming a layer of protection. The leather cream will restore some of the original color to the leather.
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The Mad Cow leather cream is an all-natural and non-toxic product. Our non-toxic product will not irritate the horse when it touches their skin. This makes it the perfect leather treatment for leather that touches animals or humans. With natural leather, why use things that are not also all-natural?
No one wants to replace their expensive leather equipment before they need to. Instead of replacing your items, just treat your leather with Mad Cow’s leather cream.