As the days get longer and temperatures rise, spring is the perfect time to deep clean your gear, organize the tack room, and prepare for the warmer months ahead. A thorough spring clean not only helps extend the life of your equipment but can also ensure your horse’s comfort while wearing their blankets and tack. Here’s our Insider’s guide to freshening up your tack room to help you stay organized and prepared for the season ahead.
Tack - Deep Clean
Winter riding can take a toll on saddles, bridles, brushing boots etc. Regular maintenance keeps your tack in top condition and prevents costly repairs.
Deep Clean Leather Tack
- Disassemble your tack: Take your bridle apart, removing the bit, undo buckles, reins and flash to allow for all parts to be thoroughly cleaned. For your saddle remove girth and stirrup leathers to allow for a thorough cleaning.
- Remove dirt and grime: Use a damp sponge/cloth to wipe away sweat, dust and dirt buildup. Follow this with using a gentle leather cleaner.
- Condition the leather: Applying a leather conditioner can keep leather soft and prevent cracking.
- Polish metal fittings: Using a metal cleaner or a simple baking soda paste on stirrup irons and buckles can help restore shine.
- Inspect for wear and tear: Check stitching, billets, and buckles for signs of weakening and address any necessary repairs. Areas that require attention can be restored by master saddlers to help prolong the longevity of your tack.
Refresh Saddle Pads & Girths
- Using a moderate bristle brush can help remove loose hairs, dirt and grim from stitch lines in saddle pads or girth straps.
- Check the washing instructions on your saddle pads before washing. Aloga Jumping Saddle Pads can be washed in an industrial or domestic washing machine at 30 degrees.
- Hang to dry in a well-ventilated area to prevent mildew. Aloga products can not be tumbled-dried or left on direct heat sources.
- Inspect girths for signs of wear and replace if necessary.
Grooming Supplies Overhaul
- Wash brushes with mild soap and warm water to remove debris.
- Disinfect curry combs, hoof picks, and mane brushes using a mild disinfectant.
- Now is a good time to clean grooming bags or containers as they tend to end up full of loose hair and grim. Allow containers to dry fully before returning your brushes to their original home.
- Remove any empty product containers or bottles and dispose of them based on their individual instructions.
Stable & Tack Room Organization
A clean and well-organized stable makes daily tasks more efficient and enjoyable.
Declutter Your Tack Room
- Sort through old gear, donating or disposing of items you no longer use.
- Use clear storage bags or boxes to neatly store seasonal items like winter blankets.
- Dust down surfaces but beware of spiders!
- Label bags or storage boxes for easy identification of blankets, leg wraps, and other essentials.
Clean & Disinfect Stable Areas
- Remove cobwebs, dust, and dirt from walls and ceilings.
- Scrub water buckets and feeders to prevent bacteria buildup.
- Remove all old, used bedding
- If you want to do a proper deep clean lift rubber matting that might be in use. Dirt and grim builds up, becoming trapped and clings to smells over time.
- Use an equine-safe disinfectant to spray down stall walls, floors, and mats. Let it sit for the recommended time before rinsing. Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach that may irritate your horse’s respiratory system.
- Keep windows and doors open during and after disinfecting to ensure proper airflow and drying.
- When the stable area is fully dry reintroduce fresh bedding and your newly cleaned rubber mats.
Prepare Pastures & Paddocks
- Remove fallen branches, rocks, and other debris from turnout areas.
- Check fencing for loose boards or broken electric tape and repair them.
- Rotate grazing areas to promote healthy pasture growth.
Blankets & Seasonal Gear Storage
As winter blankets come off, proper cleaning and storage will help them last longer.
Wash & Repair Blankets
- Using a stiff bristle brush heavy, dried in dirt & mud can be removed.
- Inspect for tears and repair minor damages before storing.
- If you wish to fully wash your blankets Aloga blankets can be washed professionally or else in a domestic or industrial machine with mild detergent at 30 degrees.
- Allow blankets to air dry fully. Never tumble dry or place your Aloga products on a direct heat source.
- If needed, applying a waterproofing spray can help maintain waterproof protection overtime.
Store Blankets Properly
- Fold blankets neatly and place them in clear storage bags or boxes.
- Store in a dry, rodent-proof location to prevent damage.
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Label by weight and size for easy selection next season.
Spring cleaning is a refreshing way to start the season on the right hoof! With the right tools and Aloga products, you can ensure a well-maintained, organized tack room, and happy, healthy horse. Take the time now to declutter, clean, and prepare so you can enjoy the riding season ahead hassle-free.