How to Restore a Cracked Harness

If you don't regularly clean and condition your leather tack, the leather may become cracked and dry. If left untreated, the harness may become unusable years earlier than it would if cared for correctly. If your leather horse harness is beginning to crack, you won't be able to reverse the damage you've done. However, by cleaning and conditioning the leather thoroughly and keeping the leather conditioned, you can minimize the damage that has been done and extend the useful lifespan of the harness.

Things You'll Need

  • Glycerine saddle soap
  • Leather conditioner
  • Pure neatsfoot oil, animal-based
  • Clean rags
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Instructions

    • 1

      Brush dirt and dust from the harness with a clean rag, then apply glycerin leather soap to the leather. Pay special attention to any areas that appear unusually cracked or dry. Completely clean the areas around the buckles and rings. Wipe off excess soap when the entire harness is clean.

    • 2

      Liberally apply pure neatsfoot oil to the leather. Neatsfoot oil can help restore cracked leather to suppleness.

    • 3

      Allow the neatsfoot oil to sit on the leather for several minutes in order to sink in, then wipe away the excess. Reapply neatsfoot oil as needed over the course of several days or weeks until the leather becomes supple again. It may take several applications to soften leather noticeably.