Welcome to Ciara Mullens Turnout Series Episode 8+
Follow Ciara’s tips and tricks throughout the series right here, episode 8+ available below.
As the showing season begins, attention to detail becomes everything and in this special series in association with The Irish Field, Ciara Mullen (@itsagroomslife) shares her expert horse grooming and turnout tips to help you stand out in the ring. Sponsored by Carr & Day & Martin, this series is your go-to guide for building that polished, professional finish from the ground up. In Episode 8: leather Care Made Simple, we focus on keeping your tack clean, conditioned, and organised before competition day.
Read episode 1-7 of the Showing Turn Out Series blog with Ciara Mullen and the Irish Field here: Episode 1-7
Episode 8: Leather Care Made Simple
Keeping your tack clean, conditioned, and organised is an essential part of horse care, especially throughout the busy show season. Ciara shares her routine for maintaining tack all year round to ensure it stays in top condition and always looks show ready.
Winter Tack Storage
At the end of the season, all tack is thoroughly stripped down, cleaned, and treated with Neatsfoot oil before being carefully stored away in a tack box for the winter months. This helps protect the leather and prevents it from drying out while in storage.
Preparing for Show Season
When spring arrives and show season begins, the tack is taken out of storage, stripped apart, cleaned, and re-oiled before being hung neatly on the wall, ready for use.
Post-Schooling Routine
After every schooling session, Ciara recommends using Belvoir Tack Mitts to quickly remove dirt, sweat, and grease from your tack. Once cleaned, tack should always be hung up properly to help maintain its shape and condition.
After a Show Day
Following a busy show day, Ciara advises keeping used tack separate from freshly cleaned tack. Hanging it in a designated area makes it easy to identify what still needs attention the next day.
Rather than rushing after a long day at a show, Ciara prefers to clean her bridles and saddles the following day when there are fewer horses to exercise and more time to focus on the details.
Ciara’s Tack Cleaning Steps
Step 1: Belvoir Step 1 Tack Cleaner Spray
Start by using the cleaner spray to remove sweat, grease, and everyday dirt from the leather.
Step 2: Belvoir Step 2 Tack Conditioner Spray
Next, apply the conditioner spray to nourish the leather, protect it, and add a glossy shine.
✨Top Tip: Once everything is cleaned and conditioned, Ciara recommends labelling tack to avoid any confusion between equipment.
Saddle Cleaning Steps After Storage
When tack has been stored away for a long period, it’s important to provide extra care and hydration before use.
Use the mitt to thoroughly wipe down the saddle, making sure to reach every area and remove any dust or residue.
After cleaning, use an intensive conditioner to rehydrate the leather fibres and restore suppleness after storage.
Ciara loves this product because it leaves a fantastic shine while also helping to remove scuff marks caused by riding boots.
✨Top Tip: Apply a small amount to the noseband just before entering the ring for a high gloss show finish.
If you prefer a more natural matte finish, this is an excellent alternative. It nourishes and conditions the leather without adding excessive shine.
✨Top Tip: Ciara likes to use this on the saddle seat as it provides extra grip and stability while riding.
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