Keep Tack & Equipment Clean!

(Page 64) When you have as many equines as I do, keeping tack and equipment clean could be a real challenge, but with a few simple management practices, it isn’t as daunting as one might think. 1) Keep your tack room well organized so that everything can be returned to its own specific place after working with your equines. 2) Be sure to groom your animal well before putting on tack and equipment. 3) Check and repair any questionable or broken equipment right away, or do not return it to its designated location until it is addressed. 4) As you take off your tack, take a moment to rinse the bits and wipe down your bridles, saddles, harness and other equipment with a slightly damp cloth before putting it away. 5) Pay attention to the condition of the leather and if it needs a quick wipe with leather conditioner, then do it before you put the tack away. 6) Clean, condition and oil tack and equipment overall about every two-three months. 7) Wash saddle blankets and pads every time you use them to remove dirt and sweat, and to prevent bacteria growth and disintegration of the fabric. Some can go into a washer and/or dryer, others may need to be hosed and/or hung dry. 8) Keep brushes and equine grooming equipment separate from your tack and equipment to avoid additional and unnecessary dust and dirt inside of the tack room. 9) Clean your brushes after you use them each time and clean them all once every few months. 10) Clean the tack room itself and spray with fly spray weekly. Learn lots more about equine management and training on my website at www.luckythreeranch.com in the various sections under TRAINING and in the STORE.