Leather Horse Tack Spring Check List

 

Spring Time Check of your Leather Horse Tack

It is official! Punxsutawney Phil declares early spring is coming!!! So get out that leather tack it is time to do a “spring check”!

Before you start your spring horse rides, a serious inspection of your tack, cleaning, oiling and conditioning of your tack is necessary. This springtime check is essential to keep your tack in good working order for the safety of both rider and horse. Not to mention increasing the longevity of the leather

First Step-

Take everything apart and inspect all your tack, including your saddle for wear. Especially at all areas ( picture 1 below) were your tack folds around the bits, buckles and saddle riggings. This is where there will be the most wear and stress. You need to replace any parts cracked or stretched. Chancing it is not worth the safety risk. Take your time; your piece of mind is worth it.

Second Step -

Clean all your horse tack and saddle with lots of water and glycerin saddle soap. Don't be afraid to get your tack wet. You have to get all the dirt and sweat out.

Third Step -

Hang it all to dry. Before it is completely dry, oil with a good quality neetsfoot oil. The drying process will help suck the oil into the leather

This "spring check" is a great habit to get into, not only for adults, but for children too. Teaching your children the importance of good quality AMERICAN MADE leather tack and proper care will insure the safety of both your child and horse. It will also give you a sense of pride and confidence in your saddle and equipment.

Buckaroo Leather prides itself on the AMERICAN MADE quality leather we use from Hermann Oak Leather to manufacture all of our western leather horse tack.

As mentioned above, cleaning is important, but checking the durability of your horse tack is vital. Unlike imported tack that has no integrity, a quality leather horse tack will be more durable and much less likely to crack making it safer! One of the ways to stop the wear on your saddles billets, are Wear Leathers!

One of Buckaroo Leather's innovations are the Wear Leathers (see below) on all our offside billets. The wear leather stops your saddle rigging dee rings from wear into the billets, which can cause a stress point!!

Our family has been dedicated for 30 years in serving the 
Western Horseman the safest most durable 
Quality American made leather horse tack....... Buckaroo John Brand Buckaroo Leather, The Brand to Demand 
Visit Our Unique Store Today  
Buckaroo Leather Shopping Site

Frank Bell's Springtime Horse Check...

 

Frank Bell is a natural horse trainer and horse whisperer. His gentle solutions to training your horse are a wonderful method to make both you and your horse one.

Frank's journey with horses has evolved over the past two decades. When Frank comes from a perspective of genuine caring for the animal, and the horse understands that, you can accomplish amazing things. The symmetry of two living creatures interacting so each becomes a whole, is truly magical.

Frank's vision is to share this philosophy with mankind on every level as horses and humans heal each other and ultimately realize their full potential.

Whatever equine discipline you choose, English or Western riding, it will be greatly enhanced when you understand the theory, technique, and timing of this remarkable horse training system. 

"My mission is to help horses and humans on all levels become more grounded in a world that is ever more rapidly heading in the opposite direction."- Frank Bell

In Frank's new newsletter he gives some great springtime advice for horses-

          A few points about horses and springtime 

Be sure your horses continue to have unlimited access to ample water. Tank heaters are good insurance against colic and dehydration

Remember that one day can be warm, even balmy. . . the next full blown winter yet again. Continue to provide shelter from the elements

Do your horse’s feet need attention?

Spring worming and vaccinations are a good idea.  This is also a good time to have a thorough dental exam performed on your horse and take corrective action as necessary.  Deterioration in health and body condition of older horses can often be traced to improper dental care so they should receive particular attention.

Horses can handle cold and they can handle wet, but not both at the same time. If you live in such conditions, shelter is important. When it is cold horses need to eat hay to stay warm. Unlimited grass hay is optimum

Stallions and geldings develop beans that obstruct urination. Learn how to check for this condition

Tuning up your tack makes for a great winter/spring project. Clean your blankets, pads, girths, and tack.  Do a close inspection of worn leather parts and replace if in question. Both you and your horses will be real happy about this come spring
 
Warm-up in the spring is of utmost importance as horses can be quite frisky especially if not ridden for an extended period. 

Saddling up and climbing right on is not recommended. My safety system,  is the focus of my Discover the Horse You Never Knew DVD and Gentle Solutions Book. This logical sequence of exercises puts you in charge and that leadership follows into the saddle as the horse’s energy is used constructively and brains and feet connect. 

Feel what the horse is telling you on the ground and in the saddle. Are you on the same page? Is your horse well? Are you in a good place to ride and what is your plan? The more time we spend THINKING ahead of riding, the greater our accomplishments.

Frank invites your challenges and questions at: info@horsewhisperer.com

Be sure to join Frank Bell's Gentle Solutions Group on Facebook 

and follow Frank Bell on facebook and be sure to sign up for Frank Bell's newsletter.

Our family has been dedicated for 30 years in serving the 
Western Horseman the safest most durable 
Quality American made leather horse tack....... Buckaroo John Brand
Buckaroo Leather, The Brand to Demand 
Visit Our Unique Store Today 
Buckaroo Leather Shopping Site