Caring for Tack & Equipment During Cold Winter Months

Winter can be hard on more than just animals — cold, moisture, and temperature changes can do real damage to your tack and equipment if it’s not cared for properly. A little extra attention during the winter months can save you money, extend the life of your gear, and keep everything safe and ready when you need it.

Here’s how we recommend caring for your tack and equipment when temperatures drop.

 

1. Keep Tack Clean & Dry

Moisture is the biggest enemy of leather during winter. Sweat, mud, snow, and condensation can all lead to cracking, stiffness, or mold if left untreated.

 

Winter tip: After every ride, wipe down leather with a dry or slightly damp cloth to remove dirt and sweat. Always allow tack to fully dry before storing — never put damp tack back on the rack.

2. Condition Leather More Frequently

Cold air dries leather out faster than you might realize. Leather that isn’t properly conditioned can become stiff, brittle, and prone to cracking.

 

What to do: Use a quality leather conditioner or oil every few weeks (or more often if your tack gets heavy use). Apply lightly and evenly — over-oiling can be just as damaging as neglect.

 

3. Store Tack in a Temperature-Stable Area

Extreme temperature swings can cause leather to expand and contract, weakening stitching and structure over time.

 

Best storage practices:

Store tack in a cool, dry place

• Avoid freezing barns or unheated tack rooms when possible
• Use breathable tack covers instead of plastic
• If you’re hauling during winter, don’t leave tack sitting in a cold trailer longer than necessary.

4. Watch for Mold & Mildew

Winter moisture plus limited airflow can create the perfect environment for mold — especially on saddles, bridles, and pads.

 

Check regularly: Inspect tack weekly for white or fuzzy spots, musty smells, or dampness. If mold appears, clean immediately with saddle soap and allow tack to dry completely before reconditioning.

5. Care for Pads, Blankets & Fabric Gear

Winter gear doesn’t just mean leather — saddle pads, blankets, and nylon equipment need attention too.

Helpful tips:

• Allow pads and blankets to fully dry between uses
• Wash according to manufacturer instructions
• Store clean and dry to prevent mildew
• Never stack damp pads or blankets — even in cold weather, mildew can still form.

6. Inspect Hardware & Stitching

Cold temperatures can make metal brittle and expose weak stitching.

 

Take time to:

• Check buckles, snaps, and rings for cracks or rust
• Inspect stitching for fraying or loose threads
• Replace worn parts before they fail
• Winter is a great time to repair or refresh tack while riding schedules slow down.

7. Be Patient With Cold Leather

Leather behaves differently in the cold. Stiff straps and billets can crack if forced.

 

Before tacking up: Let leather warm slightly and move gently. Never force frozen or stiff tack — it’s better to take a few extra minutes than risk damaging expensive equipment.

Final Thoughts

Caring for tack during winter doesn’t have to be complicated — consistency is key. A little extra cleaning, conditioning, and inspection goes a long way toward keeping your gear safe, functional, and ready for the seasons ahead.

At BS Tack & Supply, we believe good equipment deserves good care — no matter the weather.