l recently got my own horse back in February of this year, and l got my tack for her in march. l have not cleaned my saddle or bridle since l got them, but l know l should have been... l did not really notice anything too worn out about my saddle or bridle until today, when l was changing my bit. I've been around horses and riding my entire life but l must admit l know nothing about cleaning tack.

I am sure l would be able to get something at a normal horse supplies/tack store, but l do not know what to look for. Also, can you use just a sponge or washcloth or would it come with a special cloth?

l feel stupid for asking this because l feel like l should know, but don't.. lol

Ah yes, the saddle is just an all purpose english saddle, in case that makes a difference.

Thanks in advance :)

Just some leather conditioner is all l use. and maybe some leather oil.if ur saddle is a synthetic then just whipe it clean with wet cloth

Go to your local feed or tack store or online. Get a good leather cleaner and/or conditioner (some products claim to do both). Get an old, soft toothbrush for fine work and a small sponge or soft rag (even and old T-shirt) for the saddle. Follow the label instructions and knock yourself out!

Saddle soap and a good leather oil or balm. Any sponge or soft cloth will do - it does not have to be anything special.
Lay a towel on the floor and use warm water ( not cold) get comfy - it is not a 2 minute job.
Here is a video with step by step instructions for you.
http://videojug.com/film/how-to-strip-clean-horse-tack

Enjoy.

Get some Lexol. It is the best for leather cleaning/shining.

get some leather wipes.easy to use

just a simple sponge and some saddle soap

LOL do not feel stupid. l was like that when l got my first horse & it was not that long ago. Prior to that I'd never really owned my own tack, & although l had helped clean tack & stuff l had to go through this whole learning process too.

Here is what l found l needed, really.
Leather Cleaner
Leather Conditioner
A pack of wash cloths (my favourite r terry cloth ''bar cloths'' which u can buy 12 in a pack for $4)
A sponge
An old toothbrush
A small bucket for water

A sponge or washcloth left at the barn for every-day cleaning of the bit -- also good for washing out horse noses. Another cloth for occasional light cleaning & conditioning of leather (like if we got rained on).

For a real proper cleaning, a sponge or cloth for the leather cleaner & a quart-sized bucket for water. l sometimes need to use an old soft toothbrush to get into the crevices like where the D-rings sit on our english saddles. l like to use Lexol Leather Cleaner, but we also have some fancy Passier brand leather cleaner that came with a saddle. They work the same, as far as l can tell. l use the same cloth, after rinsing it really good, to then apply conditioner. Again, Lexol Conditioner. Then a new, clean, dry cloth for wiping the excess conditioner off & ''buffing'' everything up. l had to use a separate cloth for silver cleaner for our western silver.

If you're doing it at home, make sure to protect ur stuff by laying down an old towel or something. Some leather (especially the less expensive stuff) will leach dye when being cleaned.