How to Restore Leather Bridles

Horse bridles that have been in storage with little maintenance will dry out and become hard and unmanageable. Restore the bridle with proper cleaning and conditioning. Leather, a porous material, collects dirt and sweat, so it needs to be cleaned and conditioned regularly. Proper maintenance keeps the bridle manageable and soft for an easier, more comfortable fit on the horse.

Things You'll Need

  • Soft brush
  • Sponge
  • Saddle soap
  • Lint-free cloths
  • Leather conditioner
  • Sheepskin
  • Chamois
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Instructions

    • 1

      Hang the bridle on a nail and straighten any kinks or twists in the leather.

    • 2

      Brush the rough side of the bridle thoroughly with a soft brush to loosen and remove any dirt that has built up in the fibers. Dirt and sweat in the pores of the leather can be difficult to remove.

    • 3

      Dip the sponge in warm water and squeeze out any excess water.

    • 4

      Rub the sponge in the saddle soap until a lather develops.

    • 5

      Wash the rough side of the leather bridle with the sponge. Rinse the sponge often and continue cleaning until the sponge pulls away no more dirt from the leather. Do not dip the leather into the water.

    • 6

      Dry excess wetness from the bridle with a lint-free cloth. Allow the leather to partially dry.

    • 7

      Work conditioner into the flesh side of the damp leather with another lint-free cloth. Set the bridle aside to dry. As the leather dries, the conditioner is absorbed into the pores, reviving the liveliness of the leather.

    • 8

      Rub a coating of saddle soap onto the bridle with a small piece of sheepskin. Buff the bridle to a shine with a chamois.

    • 9

      Clean and condition the newly restored bridle once a week.