[Fwd: CTR: Re: Skeeter's Tack Tips]

[Patrick Allen <jfhr@inetworld.net>]

Thought this might be of some interest to the list.
Evelyn

David Elliott wrote:

>  As promised here is the write-up on the tack tips.  Our new club secertary
> gave a detailed account in our club's minutes so I didn't have to write an
> acticle.  I just love her!  Also, threw in the tips he gave us on looking
> at used tack.
>
> Hope you fine these useful,
>
> Bonny and Splash
>
> Skeeter' Tips-
>
> Skeeter was introduced by Diana Dutton as our guest speaker for the
> evening.  He discussed cleaning and care of leather tack.  Clean before
> polishing! Skeeter prefers Murphy's oil soap or Ivory for cleaning. Leather
> mildews in heat, white vinegar diluted in water cuts the mildew. Don't ever
> use ammonia on leather. Use lambswool pelt with diluted oil soap.  Take
> saddle apart to clean thoroughly.  Soak bridle, stirrups, leathers 10-15
> minutes in bucket with oil soap and warm water. Wash underside first. Use
> elbow grease, rubbing firmly to remove old dirt grease and soap. Spray back
> of flaps where they lie on the horse with 409 spray cleaner. You may also
> use the spray on the entire saddle if it is really grimy.  Let 409 sit on
> leather, then follow with Murphy's oil soap. Let dry real good.  Suede knee
> rolls can be sprayed with 409 and scrubbed with wire bristle brush to
> remove dirt and raise nap.  Don't use a brass brush, it will turn the suede
> black. Let dry and brush again to buff. Medium grade sandpaper can also be
> used to raise nap on suede.  Tanner's Suede Cleaner works well on knee
> rolls and chaps.  Use 100% neatsfoot oil for oiling your saddle, not a
> neatsfoot compound. This neatsfoot oil can be applied 3-4 times a year. Use
> the oil warm to the touch. If used cold, it solidifies.  Use Lexol-nf the
> other times you oil to keep your leather soft but not greasy. If you saddle
> is old and the leather hard, you must oil while it is wet to soften the
> leather. This is the only time you want to oil while wet. Use 'Leather New;
> spray cleaner-polisher to underside and rub it in. After a trail ride, wash
> sweat off and coat with light layer Lexol-nf non-greasy oil, dry off with a
> towel and you could use your saddle again within 20 minutes.  After oiling,
> the saddle must be sealed with a Horseman's One Step or Saddle Butter.
> (Available at his store). If it is cold, warm the butter with a hairdryer
> while you rub it in to aid in sealing the leather.  At this point Skeeter
> went to Q&A period.  If tack has been sitting for a long time, put 100%
> neatsford oil on when you pull it out to use such as beginning of show
> season. Use caution when using neatsford oil with light color saddle, it
> will darken it. You may just want to use Lexol-nf. Saddles can be re-dyed
> but black is difficult- Black will bleed in definitely. English Bridle
> should be spray with 409, soak and rinse with clear water. Use a toothbrush
> for ribets and studs. Don't get any chemical on rubber reins or leave in
> sun. Rubber reins will turn gummy with chemicals or heat. Rinse your bit
> off good, to get off oil. Make sure it is smooth and there are no metal
> spurs on which your pony could cut his mouth. OUCH! SOS Pads are good to
> use on nickel bits. Silver Bridles- Clean silver first with Amway Silver
> polish then wash bridle with warm water.  Oil with Lexol-nf.  Skeeter's
> Tips for  Buying New & Used Saddle- Look at saddle spread out on floor,
> from behind. Is it straight? Check Panel underneath. Are they padded
> symmetrically?  Flex front to rear and laterally to see if the tree is
> broken.  The width of the tree will be imprinted on the flap, does it fit
> your horse?  Ride a new saddle on your horse for 20 hours without a saddle
> pad. This molds the saddle to your horse. 90% of the time dry spots are due
> to the pad, not the saddle.  Nylon fleece pads cause increased sweating and
> they slip they make the horse sore.  Wool pads are the best. Mohair girths
> are the best. Be wary of leather from India or Mexico it stretches
> terribly.  Crosby saddles are crap! (Skeeter said this, not me).
>
>