by Billy Annis
First, remove the girth, rear flank, stirrups, etc. Once this has been done, brush off any loose dirt with a rag or soft brush. Second, using saddle soap, a sponge, and warm water work up a good lather. Pay extra attention to the fenders, leathers, and stirrups. These items collect the most dirt and sweat and need to be cleaned on both sides. On saddles that have a heavy buildup leave on the saddle soap lather to soften the dirt. Third, rinse the soap off the leather. Do not be afraid to rinse well. If you leave some saddle soap on the leather, it will lead to dirt buildup. Sometimes, when the buildup is heavy 2 or 3 cleanings may be needed. Fourth, make sure the Leather on the saddle is completely dry before you re-condition the leather. For western saddles I suggest you test a small portion of the saddle to see if the conditioner is going to change the color of the saddle.We all know how tight money is these days. Having horses is an expensive hobby and the cost can sometimes get overwhelming. Here are some great tips horse owners can follow to save money. The first thing to do is think about cutting back on your herd ...
Read moreAfter a two-week delay due to the severe rainstorms, the Land of the Sun Endurance Ride was held on Saturday, Feb. 6 at the Wickenburg Rodeo Grounds. Wickenburg resident Bob Lowe finished in first place for the 25-mile competition. Completing the ...
Read moreTHREE FORKS, Mont. – "Plug the holes!" I hear top hand Bill Haugland bellow to the other cowboys and the 20 guest riders. Photos by LYNN O'ROURKE HAYES/Special Contributor Horses head down Main Street in Three Forks, Mont., concluding a three-day ...
Read moreIn addition to that fragrant fertilizer they leave behind, horses leave a trail of money. Every winter during the buzz and fuss over the Tucson gem shows, Match Play golf, the Tucson Rodeo and baseball spring training, there's a temporary town of ...
Read more... specialty retailer and wholesale distributor of a broad product line including leather, leatherworking tools, buckles and adornments for belts, leather dyes and finishes, saddle and tack hardware, and do-it-yourself kits. The Company distributes ...
Read moreThird place goes to Scott Mayer of Hope Valley for his up close photo of a horse draped in saddle and tack during a summer trip to Calgary, Alberta, Canada in 2008. The image is rich in texture and caught the attention of the judges. Mayer took first ...
Read more... specialty retailer and wholesale distributor of a broad product line including leather, leatherworking tools, buckles and adornments for belts, leather dyes and finishes, saddle and tack hardware, and do-it-yourself kits. The Company distributes ...
Read moreTodd Hansen shows his Santa Barbara spoon spade bit, one of his favorites. When the light catches a prized bit made by Todd Hansen, its silverwork flashes a bold salute to bling. But the Billings-area bit and spur maker pays more careful attention to ...
Read moreSnelgrove argues that the county has taken the wrong tack for balancing its recession-bruised budget ... To saddle maxed-out families in Salt Lake County, who are at their limit of trying to make ends meet, is over the top. Salt Lake County needs to ...
Read moreWhen the light catches a prized bit made by Todd Hansen, its silverwork flashes a bold salute to bling. But the Billings-area bit and spur maker pays more careful attention to balance and proportion than looks. "The function has to work right first ...
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