Leather Care Tips - help your bridle to last

Leather is a natural product and as such will require regular care if it will continue to perform at its best. 

I only use best quality English bridle butt which is stuffed with a mixture of animal oils specially formulated for bridle work to retain its strength. High quality bridle leather *should* be stiff when new and will require a period of time of intense feeding in order to become supple. 

DO’s of Caring for your IR Bridles

• Clean regularly
  • Wipe down your bridle with a damp cloth after each use to remove sweat, dirt, and saliva.
  • Strip the bridle completely apart at least weekly or after heavy use and clean thoroughly. 
• Condition properly
  • Use a natural leather balm like IR Bridles Handmade Natural Leather Balm to keep the leather supple.
  • Apply leather balm before first use, after cleaning and when the leather feels dry or stiff. High quality English bridle leather should be stiff when new, many leather balm applications will create a strong and supple bridle. 
• Strip the bridle down for deep cleaning
  • Take the bridle apart at least weekly to clean and condition each piece thoroughly especially under buckles and inside billets which are the main wear points.
  • Check for wear or damage during reassembly, paying attention to any rubbed stitches or damage to the leather from chewing.
• Store correctly
  • Hang bridles on a wide hook or bridle rack in a cool, dry place. A damp environment will create mould and rot the leather and a hot dry environment will dry the leather out causing it to crack. 
  • Use a bridle bag or cover to protect from dust if storing for long periods and apply a good covering of leather balm before storing away.
• Test flexibility
  • Soften stiff pieces with leather balm before use to prevent breakage, particularly where the leather bends around the bit and noseband straps.

DON’Ts of Caring for your IR Bridles

1. Don’t soak in water
   • Excessive water can dry out and damage leather fibers. Wipe, don’t drench. Be aware when washing bits off to not also submerge the leather billet ends in the water at the same time.
2. Don’t use harsh cleaners
   • Avoid ammonia, alcohol-based products, or household cleaners that strip natural oils. I recommend using plain water only for cleaning and a natural leather balm for conditioning. 
3. Don’t use oil
   • Modern bridle leather has changed and the traditional neatsfoot oil has also changed, often including mineral oils in the ingredients. These oils will swell the fibres of the bridle leather and cause stretching and weakness. 
4. Don’t skip inspections
   • Regularly check stitching, buckles, and straps for wear.
5. Don’t store damp or dirty
   • Storing a dirty or wet bridle can lead to mold, mildew, or leather rot.
6. Don’t expose to extreme conditions
   • Avoid leaving your bridle in direct sunlight, inside a hot car, freezing temperatures, or near heaters.