Cleaning your horse tack

Keeping your tack well cleaned and in good condition will help it to last longer.  Here is what you need to know about cleaning your tack. 

Daily care

Try and clean your equipment after each ride, this will make it easier to do a deep clean when you have more time.Wipe off the bit with a clean cloth after every ride, keeping this clean will make it much more pleasant for your horse.Wipe down any part of tack that comes into contact with the horses’ body, to clean off any sweat or dirt.

Cleaning

·         Unbuckle all of the buckle on your bridle and wipe off any excess dirt. Use a damp sponge to work the glycerine soap into the leather, thoroughly clean the buckles and folds in the leather and wipe off any excess.

Conditioning

·         Work in a leather conditioner to your tack before it is fully dry and wipe off any excess and be sure not to use too much conditioner, as this can leave tack flimsy and keep it away from the stitching as this can rot away the thread.

      Mould and mildew

Leather left in moist conditions attracts mould and if you store your tack in damp conditions, it is only a matter of time before it starts to attract mould and mildew. You can tell if your leather has mould, as it will have a white/green powder substance on it. This needs to be treated, because if it is left for a long time it can cause serious damage. To clean mouldy leather use a mix of rubbing alcohol and water (Ratio 1:1), use a damp cloth and wipe down effected areas.  Follow this by conditioning and storing in a dry area. 

Storage

It is important for tack to be stored in a dry place, to keep it in the best condition possible. The Asgard tack storage box provides dry and secure storage for your tack. This tack storage box is made from strong weather proof (galvanised) steel, this solid construction helps to protect your tack from theft. It is incredibly tough, insurance approved by the Loss Prevention Certification Board to level 1 and fitted with a strong 5 point locking system and pick resistant locking mechanism, to keep thieves out! In addition there is a rain guard, which keeps strong wind and rain out and a unique ventilation system, which minimises condensation all help to keep the tack storage box moisture free. 

Winter Horse Riding

 Horse riding in the winter can be just as enjoyable as riding in the warmer months, as long as you are properly prepared.  Here are a few tips that will help you and your horse to get through the cold spell.

Dress appropriately

Make sure you wrap up warm and dress in layers. Select items that are warm and waterproof.

Slow down

Work at a slower pace as horses sometimes need time to adjust to the footing if they aren’t used to walking on frozen ground.

Choose a safe route- avoid hazards

A familiar path or route is best for winter riding, riders and horses are less likely to be surprised by unseen hazards. In winter weather conditions it is also safer to go riding with someone else.

Plan an extra cool down

More time will be needed for the horse to cool down after a ride, before returning to the stall.  Try a horse cooler to prevent chills until their perspiration dries.

Check your equipment

The cold weather can cause problems for riding equipment. The moisture as well as repeated freezing and thawing can harm components especially those made of leather or metal. Make sure you check and condition equipment regularly.

To keep your horse riding equipment in good condition during the winter make sure it is stored away correctly, away from moisture to prevent damage.  For protection from the bad weather and secure storage  Asgard have a secure Tack storage Box perfect for keeping your horse tack and equipment protected. This storage unit is fitted with an integral rain guard to keep strong wind and rain out and a unique ventilation system minuses condensation,  to help stored items stay in great condition.

Horse tack thefts on the rise

As you will know from our Shedforce twitter feed and the blog, we are constantly updating you with theft news. Everyday new stories are published regarding a variety of different thefts from garden, shed, bike, and motorcycle to fishing tackle theft.  However in the last couple of weeks more and more horse equipment and tack thefts have been in the news from different parts of the country.

In Leominster over a £1,000 worth of horse training equipment was stolen from a barn. Thieves gained access into the barn by cutting a padlock off a gate and another padlock off the barn door. It seems that theft was made all too easy for the thieves. Bedfordshire were hit by burglars, with more than £20,000 worth of Jewellery and horse tack being stolen over a series of properties. Derbyshire has also experienced tack theft from stables. Unfortunately break-ins and theft is on the rise and it doesn’t look like it is likely to change anytime soon.

With theft spread all over the country, it is really important that your valuables are locked up securely. As we have seen from the theft in Leominster a padlock isn’t as secure as you might think, they can be easily cut through with the right tools, if you want to keep thieves out, a more sophisticated locking mechanism will be needed. When locks, hinges and screws are exposed on the outside, thieves will find a way to get in.

A great way of keeping your horse tack and other equipment safe is with the Asgard tack storage box. This is a tough, strong secure metal unit and is perfect for keeping your equipment safe.  This is a versatile unit, compact in size making it great for a stable, barn or any area.

The unit has a range of features which keep thieves out, these include:

• A 5 point metal locking system, with a pick resistant lock
• Reinforced doors, hinges, panels and joints to prevent forced entry
• Can be screwed to a concrete base

The Asgard horse tack storage is also approved by the Loss prevention Certification Board, which may help to reduce insurance premiums. See here for the full range of features>

Customers have been very pleased with the unit

"Very heavy unit, very strong.  We have had it 1 month and already our horse has kicked it.  Still standing though"!

"We really like our unit.  It blends in so well with our stable area" 

If you are concerned with protecting your horse tack, the Asgard tack storage box an excellent choice.

Information from  Bedford today,  Hereford Times and Ripley and Heanor News