How do I care for and maintain synthetic tack?

Synthetic tack — saddles, bridles, halters, and other equipment made from synthetic materials rather than leather — has become increasingly common because of its lower initial cost, reduced maintenance requirements, and resistance to moisture. Understanding how to care for synthetic tack correctly maintains its function and appearance, while neglecting it — or attempting to care for it the same way as leather — can cause deterioration. The primary care requirement for most synthetic tack is regular cleaning to remove the sweat, dirt, and skin oils that accumulate during use. Unlike leather, synthetic materials do not absorb and benefit from oil-based conditioners, and applying leather conditioner to synthetic tack typically does nothing beneficial and may leave a residue that attracts dirt. Most synthetic saddles and equipment clean effectively with mild soap and water — a small amount of dish soap or a specifically formulated synthetic tack cleaner applied with a damp cloth removes accumulated grime without degrading the material. Rinse synthetic tack thoroughly after cleaning to remove soap residue, which can cause skin irritation in horses if it remains on surfaces that contact the horse. Allow synthetic equipment to dry completely before storage, because moisture trapped against synthetic materials can promote mildew growth. Inspect synthetic tack regularly for wear, cracking in areas of flex, and degradation of stitching or hardware. Synthetic materials can become brittle with age and UV exposure, and the first signs of this degradation appear in the areas of greatest flex. A piece of synthetic tack showing brittleness or cracking in high-flex areas should be retired from use before it fails under loading.