Downpours can happen unexpectedly, and whether you’re in the show ring, in the middle of a lesson, or out on the trails, you may find yourself unable to keep your tack from getting wet. Did you get caught in the rain? Don’t worry – here’s what to do to save your tack.

1.       Stay Calm

First off, don’t panic. With proper care, your tack can be restored. You do have to act immediately, though – leaving your tack to dry on its own will result in brittle, damaged leather.

2.       Minimize the Damage

Begin by wiping all of your tack down with a clean, dry towel. This is particularly important if your saddle has been soaked – absorb as much water with the towel as possible. Use multiple towels if you need, and continue the process until the towels no longer come away damp when you wipe them against your tack.

3.       Dry Your Tack Naturally

It may be tempting to try to dry your tack as quickly as possible, but doing so will only damage the leather. Instead, allow your tack to air dry in a place where it will be protected from the sun and any heating elements. Never try to use heat to speed up your tack’s drying time. Additionally, dry your tack in an area that has good air circulation and low humidity. It may be best to bring your tack home with you to dry and care for it, since many tack rooms are very humid.

If you’re drying out your saddle, then be sure to place it on a saddle rack that allows air to freely circulate along the saddle’s underside. Remove the stirrup leathers and stirrup irons and dry them separately. Be sure to place your saddle in a natural position on the saddle rack so that the leather doesn’t dry in a misshapen form. Leave your saddle uncovered to help it to continue drying.

4.       Clean and Condition

It is important to condition your tack before it dries completely. As your tack dries, thoroughly apply a quality leather conditioner. Then allow the tack to finish drying out. You may need to revisit your tack with the leather conditioner over the course of the next few days to help restore its suppleness.

If your tack gets soaked in the rain, all is not lost. You do need to move quickly and take proper care of your tack in this situation, but you should be able to restore it to its original condition.

Image Source: flickr.com/photos/australianshepherds/6135187960

Original Source: http://blog.classic-equine.com/2014/07/how-to-save-your-tack-from-the-rain/