How do you choose between leather grease, balm and leather oil?
Each piece of tack has its own needs depending on its thickness, tanning and exposure to rubbing. The right care depends on the condition of the leather and on each manufacturer's recommendations:
- Nourish and protect: leather grease is applied to clean, dry leather to protect it against moisture and drying out, following the instructions on the label.
- Moisturise and add a sheen: a wax-enriched leather balm, such as BATES balm or a Leovet balm, nourishes without leaving a sticky residue on saddles and bridles.
- Soften deeply: a fluid, penetrating leather oil suits a new or very stiff piece, and should always be applied following the directions on the bottle.
Cleaning your tack: the essential role of saddle soap
Before applying leather grease or oil, cleaning first is a must. Your horse's sweat leaves salt behind that can clog the pores if the leather is conditioned without being washed. Several cleaning options are available to prepare your equestrian equipment:
- Glycerine bars and sprays: they remove sweat and dust without damaging the grain of the leather.
- Foams and quick-care products: handy at the yard for a quick wipe over the headcollar or bridle after work.
- Gentle creams and milks: formulated to lift out dirt while respecting the suppleness of the leather.
After cleaning, leave the tack to dry at room temperature, away from any source of heat, before applying your grease or oil.
Leading brands for leather care
To look after saddles, girths and boots, our range includes well-known names in the equestrian world. From traditional recipes to modern textures, each range meets a rider's needs:
- Traditional SAPO care: known for its original leather grease formula, the brand offers the famous SAPO leather grease and other SAPO leather products valued for their protective power.
- EFFAX technical range: a specialist in tack care, the brand shows its expertise through the essential Effax leather balm, cream soaps and protective care products.
- Specialist makers: you will also find products from Leovet, ONGUENT DU MARECHAL, CARR & DAY & MARTIN LTD, STASSEK, ERIC THOMAS, KERBL, BATES and EFFOL to complete the care of your equipment.