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Resolution #3 Keep Your Tack in Good Repair

© Lori Hall-McNary

You may think keeping your tack in good repair is a no brainier. After all, a broken headstall on the trail can mean the difference between a pleasant jaunt through the trees or a hell-bent for leather race for home.

Winter weather and shorten daylight leaves us less time to ride, so we may tempted to skip the crucial inspection of our gear in favor of more time in the saddle. We reason the equipment was fine last week before the big storm rolled in. Weather, rodents, and other people can wreck havoc on your equipment, play it safe and use the following three minute check-off list before saddling up.

Three minute pre-ride check:

Bridle: Check all Chicago screws for tightness. Look for weakness in the leather. Are your rein snaps closed properly? Buckles secured?

Saddle: Does the cinch buckle properly? Stirrups secured? Look for unusual wear on the fenders, cinch strap, girth billet. D-rings intact?

Breast collar: Check snaps, buckles and leather or nylon for wear and tear.

Saddle blanket: Check for burs, mold. Is the stitching secured?

Before the spring thaw schedule a good cleaning of your equipment. Equus Magazine January 1999 issue has an excellent article on cleaning your equipment and getting rid of mold on leather.

Need leather cleaner? Try Leather Mate http://www.Sonic.net/~mfortsch/mate.html or for Brand Names, Tannery and Lexol try Leather/Suede Cleaner at http://www.footcraftsman.com/cleaners.htm

Remember the neck you save could be your own. Keep your equipment in good repair.

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