Why is leather care so important?
Leather clothing and accessories are not exactly cheap. The purchase of a good pair of leather riding boots should be worthwhile. The more you spend on something, the more you hope to be able to use the product for as long as possible.
Leather goods are not disposable. Whether saddle, bridle or leather halter – accessories made of leather were designed for long-term use. This should also be taken into account for reasons of animal welfare. Although the leather of many animal species is a waste product in meat production and therefore animals are rarely killed just for the leather, one should always keep this aspect in mind and treat the material leather with care and respect – this also includes conscientious care.
Leather has natural properties acquired through the manufacturing process, some of which no other synthetically produced material can match. It is durable, robust, water-repellent and yet breathable. If care is neglected, these unique properties are lost.
The use of leather in equestrian sports places very special demands on the natural product. Riding accessories and riding clothes made of leather are always exposed to the weather, are sometimes stored in difficult conditions (in the tack room) and usually cannot be protected from dirt and dust during use. These are all factors that can reduce the quality of leather in the long run. A care routine for leather goods is therefore indispensable as a rider.
What happens if you don’t care for leather?
Leather has proven itself as a robust material in many areas of our lives. To preserve its natural properties for as long as possible, regular care is a must. The most common leather damages can be avoided in this way.
But what actually damages leather goods the most?
Moisture: While leather has some water-repellent properties, it is not recommended for long-term use in humid environments. Leather absorbs the surrounding moisture and swells. If it dries again afterwards, it becomes hard and brittle. In the case of dyed leather goods, contact with water can lead to unsightly staining.
- Regularly applied leather care products (such as leather oils or leather balms) protect the material from moisture penetration.
Mould:
Even leather is not protected from mould. If it is stored incorrectly, the natural material is a perfect breeding ground for mould spores. Mould can be recognised by a whitish to yellowish coating. In the long run, mould damages the leather and roughens the surface.
- Mould should be removed as quickly as possible. This is best done with leather cleaner and vinegar essence, which also reliably kills the invisible spores.
- It is best not to let mould develop in the first place. Leather goods should be stored in a dry, well-ventilated and dark place. Airtight boxes or plastic bags are not suitable for storing leather; cloth bags are a good alternative to protect leather goods from dirt and mould..
Sweat:
Riding is clearly a sweaty sport – both for the horse and the rider. This is a real challenge for leather, as the tanning agents that keep the material intact are lost.
- Especially in equestrian sports, regular care with leather care sprays or leather care cloths should be used to remove sweat.
UV light:
Some types of leather are sensitive to light and tend to fade when exposed to long-term direct sunlight. This is especially true for leather goods used in equestrian sports, products made of suede.
- If possible, sensitive leather goods should be stored in a dark place. Many leather care products also come with UV protection.
Mechanical stress:
Whether bridles, saddles or riding boots – leather products are exposed to great stress in equestrian sports. Leather goods are constantly in motion during riding. Abrasion and buckling are the most frequent causes of damage to the leather in the form of wear and tear and breaks.
- Regular care (with leather oil and leather balms) keeps the leather supple and thus protects it from signs of wear and tear.
We now know what can happen if leather is not cared for properly. But what accessories do you need for care and what do you have to bear in mind? We explain step by step how to care for leather.