How to Restore Old Leather Reigns

Horse owners and stable hands are masters of restoring used and antique equipment. The treatment is much the same as for new tack, but, you will need to double up treatments until the leather is restored, then clean it anew after every use. This gear is not delicate; it does not require the light touch that expensive leather clothing or auto interior needs. Rather, tack must be kept supple and strong. The first step is a moisturizing cleaner, like glycerin saddle soap, oil-based saddle soap, or Murphy's Oil Soap.

Things You'll Need

  • Saddle soap
  • Brush
  • Soft cloths
  • Oil, neatsfoot or mink
  • Lightweight leather (2 to 3 oz.) (optional)
  • Leather adhesive (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Brush off any dirt, then wipe off any more with a dampened cloth.

    • 2

      Work up a lather on a cake of saddle soap, or a bar of glycerin soap.

    • 3

      Soap the rein from one end to the other, working slowly, until you have soaped the whole rein. Turn it over and soap the other side.

    • 4

      Allow the reins to dry completely.

    • 5

      Inspect the rein for any side-to-side cracks, which you believe are large enough that the reins will break during use.

    • 6

      Cut a section of thin leather that is as wide as the rein, and about three inches long. Glue this patch over the crack with your leather adhesive, keeping the crack under the center of the leather. Allow the glue to dry completely.

    • 7

      Apply neatsfoot or mink oil to the reins, and repeat two to three times.

    • 8

      Blend any patches with shoe polish or leather dye to match the rein.