Storing Horse Tack and Equestrian Equipment in Storage Units in E14
With over 3.2 million riders, horse-riding is a very popular sport and leisure activity in the UK. What’s more, the country is well-known for its strong equestrian heritage. From top-class showjumping to hacking around the countryside, horses are loved by many. This means there’s a lot of people with horse tack, equestrian clothing and other pieces of equipment that need storing away in storage units in E14 now that competition season is over.
It’s no secret that, horses are a big responsibility, and a lot of expensive gear is required. This is why it’s crucial to store your horse tack with proper care to ensure it remains in good condition for the long-term.
Saddles, Bridles and Other Leathers
When it comes to leather, prevention is always better than cure. It’s important to deep clean your saddle prior to putting it into storage units in E14 to ensure it doesn’t crack or dry out. Firstly, you need to use warm water to remove any dirt and sweat. Then dry it and apply saddle soap, finishing off with conditioner. For some extra protection over the winter, you should use neatsfoot oil to keep your tack in good condition and prevent mould growth.
The process above also applies to bridles, but these need to be disassembled first to assess for any damage or misshape.
Stirrups, Buckles and Other Metals
You should clean your stirrups and any buckles with metal cleaner to prevent rust developing over time. The metal bit is also prone to collecting feed material, so this needs to be cleaned with boiling water and vinegar to remove any stubborn stains. If blemishes persist, then you can use a toothbrush and toothpaste.
Blankets, Saddle Pads and Other Materials
The first step is to remove as much hair as possible from these items prior to putting them into the wash to prevent clogging the machine. Then, saddle pads can be placed in a mild detergent and soaked overnight to remove any stains. Use a brush to scrub out any leftover marks before putting them in the washing machine or rinsing until the detergent is completely removed. Always remember to follow the care instructions when washing any blankets or saddle pads.
Storage Advice
If you’re storing leathers in storage units in E14, then you want to avoid using air-tight containers or plastic covers that trap the leather’s natural moisture inside, as this could lead to condensation. Alternatively, store saddles on standing racks with a custom cover, or use a sealed saddle bag with the zip left slightly open.
Bridles should be stored away disassembled to prevent metal corrosion and leather cracking. However, they shouldn’t be rolled or twisted to avoid reshaping. They should also be stored flat, wrapped in a breathable cloth and placed in a ventilated box.
To keep your horse tack and container fresh over the next few months, using a natural pest and odour repellent can help to alleviate any stagnant smells. Lavender, peppermint oil, cayenne pepper, and cloves are all great options!
Contact Us
If you have excess equestrian equipment or are looking to store away some tack until next competition season, then give our storage experts a call on 020 7515 1300. Alternatively, you can click here to get in touch and find out more about our storage units in E14 for horse tack. We look forward to hearing from you!