Tack is constantly exposed to environmental stress — even when stored indoors. The UK’s fluctuating climate, high humidity, and seasonal extremes can significantly impact leather integrity, stitching strength, and metal fittings.
Understanding how weather affects tack allows you to prevent avoidable deterioration, safety risks, and costly replacements.
Weather damage is gradual — and often invisible until failure occurs.
Why Leather Is Sensitive to Climate
Leather is a natural material made of collagen fibres and responds to:
- Humidity
- Temperature
- UV exposure
- Moisture cycles
- Airflow
When environmental balance shifts, leather fibres expand, contract, dry out, or weaken. Tack condition often reflects the storage environment.
1. Damp and High Humidity (Common in UK Autumn & Winter)
High moisture levels are the most common cause of tack damage.
Effects of Damp
- Mould growth
- Stitch rot
- Leather softening
- Metal corrosion
- Musty odour
Mould appears as white or green speckling and, if untreated, can:
- Weaken fibre structure
- Cause permanent staining
- Deteriorate stitching
Humidity above roughly 60% increases mould risk.
Prevention
- Ensure good ventilation
- Use a dehumidifier where possible
- Avoid storing tack against cold brick walls
- Clean and dry tack before storage
Moisture management is essential during winter.
2. Cold Temperatures
Cold alone does not damage leather — but cold combined with damp increases risk.
Effects
- Leather stiffening
- Reduced flexibility
- Increased risk of cracking when flexed
Allow stiff tack to warm gradually before use. Never force or bend cold leather aggressively.
3. Rapid Temperature Changes
Frequent shifts between warm tack rooms and cold outdoor environments cause expansion and contraction.
Repeated cycles weaken fibre bonds over time. Maintaining a stable storage temperature reduces stress on materials.
4. Heat and Direct Sunlight
Prolonged sun exposure can lead to:
- Drying
- Fading
- Cracking
- Hardening
UV rays degrade collagen fibres. Leather left in hot cars or direct sunlight can deteriorate quickly — avoid prolonged exposure.
5. Wet Riding Conditions
Rain exposure without proper drying leads to:
- Water absorption
- Fibre swelling
- Loss of natural oils
- Accelerated wear
After riding in wet conditions:
- Wipe tack down promptly
- Dry in a ventilated space
- Avoid radiators or direct heat
Rapid drying can cause cracking.
6. Sweat and Summer Heat
Hot weather increases:
- Sweat production
- Salt build-up
- Bacterial growth
Sweat left on leather draws out oils and weakens stitching. Daily wipe-downs are essential during heavy work.
7. Metal Hardware and Weather
Buckles, rings, and clips are vulnerable to:
- Rust
- Corrosion
- Surface pitting
Humidity and salt accelerate metal fatigue.
Check regularly for:
- Rough edges
- Rust spots
- Weakening rivets
Hardware failure directly affects safety.
8. Seasonal Maintenance Adjustments
Winter Routine
- Increase mould checks
- Improve airflow
- Clean tack more frequently
- Monitor stitching closely
Summer Routine
- Condition leather more often
- Avoid sun storage
- Remove sweat promptly
- Monitor dryness
Maintenance should adapt to seasonal conditions.
9. Signs Weather Has Affected Your Tack
Look for:
- Surface cracking
- Discolouration
- Stiffness
- Flaking
- Mould patches
- Loose stitching
- Rust on hardware
Early signs indicate environmental stress — act before damage becomes structural.
10. Storage Best Practices
To minimise weather impact:
- Store in a dry, ventilated room
- Use breathable covers
- Keep tack off external walls
- Avoid floor storage
- Maintain a consistent temperature
Proper storage is the best protection.
The Safety Perspective
Weather-related deterioration weakens critical areas such as:
- Stirrup leathers
- Billets
- Rein stitching
- Girth straps
Failure often occurs at stressed, weakened points. Environmental damage may be subtle but serious — regular inspection prevents accidents.
The Core Principle
Weather affects tack gradually. Moisture, heat, and temperature fluctuations are the primary threats.
Protect tack by:
- Controlling the storage environment
- Cleaning consistently
- Conditioning appropriately
- Inspecting regularly
Well-managed storage extends lifespan and maintains safety. Environmental awareness is part of professional tack care.
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Knowledge Hub: https://jsm-equestrian-supplies.co.uk/knowledge-hub/
Category: https://jsm-equestrian-supplies.co.uk/category/tack-knowledge/
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