Lily´s tips for autumn & winter tack care

Braving the Elements – Protecting Leather Horse Tack in Autumn and Winter

Hi! I'm Lily Linnen, the Rapide intern, and I wanted to share some of my favorite tips and tricks for keeping leather horse tack in top shape during autumn and winter.

These seasons can be really tough on leather—autumn’s damp weather and winter’s cold can make even the best leather stiff, cracked, or dull. But with the right care routine and the right products, you can keep your tack looking great and feeling soft all season long.

Here's how I tackle it.

🍂 Autumn: Getting Your Leather Tack Ready for the Season

Autumn is the perfect time to prep your leather tack for the harsher months ahead. I think of this season as "conditioning and protection" season. Even if your tack looks fine, a little prep now will save headaches later.

Start Clean: I always begin with Rapide Saddle Soap. It removes dirt, grime, and old polish, leaving a clean surface for treatments to really sink in. For bridles, girths, or saddles, I like to spend extra time on areas that rub or crease most—they tend to get the dirtiest.

Hydration is Key: I use Rapide Leather Cream to keep leather soft. Applying cream after cleaning locks in moisture and prevents stiffness as the air cools down. Especially for lighter leather pieces because it absorbs quickly without leaving a residue.

Extra TLC for Details: Seams, stitching, folds, and corners are often overlooked, but they wear out first. I use Rapide Leather Conditioner in these areas for extra protection. This small step makes a big difference over the season.

Autumn prep might take a little time, but when done right, your leather tack is ready to face the elements without suffering from dryness or cracks 

❄️ Winter: Fighting the Cold

Winter is when leather tack really gets tested. Freezing outdoor temperatures can dry out leather quickly, leading to cracks, stiffness, and color fading. My winter routine focuses on nourishment and protection:

Regular Cleaning: Even if your tack doesn't look dirty, dust and grit can cause wear over time. I continue using Rapide Saddle Soap on bridles, saddles, and girths to keep surfaces ready to absorb conditioners.

Deep Conditioning: For deeper hydration, I rely on Rapide Leather Gel or Rapide Leather Oil. They penetrate the leather, restoring essential oils lost to the cold. Rapide Leather Oil is especially useful on heavier leather items like saddles because it keeps them soft without feeling greasy.

Extra Layer of Protection: After conditioning, I apply Rapide Leather Balm. It adds a protective layer, keeping the leather supple and shiny. For heavily used items, I sometimes follow up with Rapide Leather Cream for added resilience.

Spot Care for Damage: Winter can be rough, and scuffs or scratches are inevitable. I use Rapide Leather Repair Cream for small scratches or marks. It blends in easily and prevents damage from spreading.

🧵 My Personal Tips and Tricks

Over the seasons, I've learned a few small tricks that really help:

Always clean before conditioning. Leather won’t absorb oils or creams properly if it’s dirty.

Rotate products. Using a combination of gel, cream, and balm ensures deep hydration, surface protection, and flexibility.

Focus on problem areas. Corners, seams, folds, and the parts that bend most often will show wear first. A little extra care there pays off.

Don’t overdo it. Leather can get saturated if you apply too much product. A thin, even layer is enough.

🧵 Final Thoughts

For me, autumn and winter are the times when leather tack needs the most love. It's easy to ignore care routines when things still look fine, but taking a little extra time makes all the difference. By cleaning, nourishing, and protecting your leather regularly—and using the right Rapide products—you can help your tack not only survive the seasons but come out looking even better than before.