How to Keep Your Riding Gear Looking New

From the moment you step into the stable to the final stride in the arena, what you wear speaks volumes. Every piece—from your tailored breeches and high-performance tops to that crystal-studded browband or those handcrafted leather boots—is an investment not only in fashion, but in functionality, durability, and confidence in the saddle.

But even the finest gear won't last forever without the right care. Sweat, dust, UV exposure, and daily wear can take their toll, dulling finishes, weakening fabrics, and reducing the lifespan of your favorite items. That’s why proper maintenance is essential—not just to preserve appearance, but to ensure your gear continues to perform and protect as intended.

Whether you're a competitive rider or a weekend enthusiast, keeping your wardrobe and tack in pristine condition is part of the pride of horsemanship. In this guide, we’ll show you how to protect and prolong your equestrian essentials—so you can ride with elegance, confidence, and polish every time you mount up.

 

 

1. Clean Immediately After Use

Daily maintenance may seem simple, but it’s one of the most powerful habits for preserving your riding gear. Dirt, sweat, moisture, and horse hair are more than just messy—they can break down stitching, stain fabrics, and cause leather to crack or mildew over time. That’s why a quick, consistent cleaning routine after each ride makes all the difference.

• Wipe down leather gear—including boots, bridles, reins, and saddles—with a soft, damp cloth to remove surface grime and sweat residue. For tougher buildup, follow up with a mild leather cleaner.

• Brush off your breeches, jackets, and tops with a lint brush or soft fabric glove to clear away dust, horse hair, and loose dirt before it sets into the fibers.

• Hang damp or sweaty items—such as base layers, saddle pads, and gloves—in a well-ventilated area to air dry naturally. Avoid tossing them into gear bags, where trapped moisture can lead to unpleasant odors or mold.

 

This simple post-ride ritual helps prevent damage and keeps your wardrobe looking polished and performance-ready. Just a few extra minutes can preserve both the beauty and longevity of your most-loved pieces.

2. Wash with Care

Proper washing is essential to maintaining the fit, feel, and function of your riding apparel. While it may be tempting to toss everything in the wash after a long day at the stables, equestrian gear—especially high-performance fabrics and embellished pieces—requires a gentler approach to stay in top form.

• Always use cold water and a delicate cycle when machine washing items like breeches, performance tops, and riding shirts. This prevents shrinkage and preserves the integrity of technical fabrics engineered for breathability and stretch.

• Turn garments inside out before washing to protect screen prints, embroidered logos, decorative stitching, and hardware from abrasion or fading.

• Choose a mild, eco-conscious detergent that's free from bleach, optical brighteners, or fabric softeners. These harsh additives can break down fabric fibers, reduce moisture-wicking properties, and cause skin irritation during wear.

• Never tumble dry your riding apparel. High heat can damage elastic fibers and distort garment shape. Instead, lay flat or hang dry in a shaded, ventilated space to preserve structure and color vibrancy.

• For delicate or embellished items, such as crystal-accented saddle pads, show jackets, or velvet trims, hand washing in cool water is often the safest choice. Use a gentle cleanser and lightly blot—never wring or scrub.

 

With thoughtful laundering, your gear will maintain its performance edge and luxurious look, ride after ride. At My Horse Hub, we design with durability in mind—but proper care ensures your favorite pieces endure both time and terrain.

 

 

3. Store Smart

When it comes to caring for your riding gear, how you store it matters just as much as how you clean it. Proper storage not only maintains your gear’s structure and appearance—it also extends its longevity, protects it from environmental damage, and ensures it’s always ready for your next ride.

• Hang jackets, show shirts, and competition coats on padded or wide wooden hangers to preserve their tailored shape and prevent shoulder dimpling. Avoid wire hangers, which can distort fabric over time.

• Store your riding boots upright using boot trees or rolled towels to help maintain their silhouette and prevent creasing at the ankles. For long-term storage, add cedar inserts to wick away moisture and deter odors or insects.

• Lay saddle pads flat whenever possible, especially those with embroidery, crystals, or structured quilting. Folding can cause creases that weaken stitching and reduce their polished appearance in the ring.

• Use breathable gear bags or fabric garment covers for storage and transport. These protect against dust, dirt, and fading from UV rays while allowing air circulation—crucial for preventing mildew or musty odors. For travel, opt for structured boot bags, helmet carriers, and bridle cases lined with soft fabric to cushion delicate pieces.

 

A well-organized tack room or wardrobe doesn’t just look elegant—it makes everyday riding more enjoyable and keeps your luxury gear looking as refined as the day you bought it.

4. Condition Leather Regularly

Your leather gear is more than just equipment—it's a symbol of timeless equestrian craftsmanship. Whether it's a finely tooled bridle, a pair of polished dress boots, or a perfectly balanced saddle, proper leather care is essential to preserve its strength, beauty, and performance.

Leather is a natural material that needs regular nourishment to stay supple and resilient. Without it, exposure to sweat, dirt, and the elements can cause it to dry out, crack, or become stiff—shortening its lifespan and diminishing its refined look.

• Wipe leather clean after every ride using a damp cloth or leather-safe wipe to remove surface grime and sweat, which can degrade the material over time.

• Apply a high-quality leather conditioner weekly, massaging it gently into the surface with a soft cloth or sponge. This helps maintain flexibility and keeps the leather rich in texture and tone.

• Use leather balm or oil sparingly, especially on high-contact areas. Over-conditioning can clog pores and weaken stitching. Always spot test new products on a discreet area before applying more broadly.

• Store leather items in temperate, dry environments—avoid extremes like damp tack rooms or direct heat sources, which can warp or desiccate the leather. Use breathable covers or cloth bags to shield pieces from dust without trapping moisture.

• For those embracing vegan leather alternatives, maintenance is refreshingly simple. Most high-end vegan materials can be cleaned with just water and a microfiber cloth, though it’s best to follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer to preserve the finish and feel.

 

At My Horse Hub, we believe leather goods deserve the same level of care and respect as the horses they’re made to serve. With a little attention and the right products, your leather gear will age gracefully—gaining character, not wear.

5. Handle Crystal & Embellished Pieces Gently

Crystals, rhinestones, metallic trims, and embroidery add an undeniable touch of glamour to equestrian gear—but they also call for a gentler touch. These stunning embellishments may dazzle in the arena or at a show, but without the proper care, they can become dull, damaged, or dislodged. Preserving their brilliance means treating them with the same precision you bring to your ride.

• Clean gently with a soft, dry brush or microfiber cloth to remove dust and residue without disturbing delicate stones or snagging threads. Avoid water or sprays, as moisture can loosen adhesives and compromise metallic finishes.

• Never soak or scrub decorative elements like browbands, show shirts, or embellished saddle pads. Even gentle detergents can dull crystals or weaken stitching around intricate trims.

• Store these luxury pieces separately and securely, using padded cases, soft cloth pouches, or compartments lined with fleece. This helps prevent scratching, bending, or snagging when packed for travel or stored in your tack room.

 

For competition gear, consider designating specific storage options that keep your most ornate pieces protected and ready for the ring. A well-cared-for browband or crystal-accented show shirt can turn heads season after season.

At My Horse Hub, our embellished accessories are crafted with exceptional quality and longevity in mind—but a little mindful maintenance ensures their beauty lasts ride after ride, and show after show.

 

 

6. Refresh & Rotate

Even the most meticulously maintained gear experiences natural wear over time. To preserve both the look and performance of your riding essentials, it’s important to build a rotation system into your routine. Think of it as wardrobe wellness—where each piece gets the time it needs to rest, recover, and remain ride-ready.

• Keep multiple pairs of breeches, shirts, and base layers in your wardrobe. Rotating between them not only prevents excessive washing—which can break down fabric fibers—but also allows each item time to breathe and regain its shape between wears.

• Alternate your saddle pads and boots as well. Pads need time to dry and decompress after absorbing sweat and pressure during rides, while boots benefit from rest to preserve their structure and lining.

• Regularly inspect your gear for signs of fatigue: worn stitching, faded material, overstretched elastic, or thinning leather. Replace items not only for aesthetics, but for safety and performance, especially when it comes to tack or footwear that supports your ride.

 

By refreshing your gear regularly and rotating your go-to pieces, you’ll extend the lifespan of your investment—and ensure you're always stepping into the ring in style and with confidence.

At My Horse Hub, we design every item with endurance in mind—but smart use is the secret to making your gear truly last.

Keep It Luxe. Keep It Lasting.

Great equestrian gear is more than just functional—it’s a reflection of your discipline, your passion, and your personal style. With the right care, your wardrobe won’t just survive the rigors of daily rides and show days—it will continue to shine, support, and inspire with every stride.

By building mindful maintenance into your routine—cleaning consistently, storing smartly, conditioning thoughtfully, and rotating wisely—you’re not just preserving garments and tack. You’re honoring the investment you’ve made in quality, performance, and elegance.

So go ahead: treat your riding wardrobe with the same dedication you bring to every ride. With a little extra attention, your breeches stay crisp, your leather stays supple, and your crystal accents stay dazzling—ensuring that every ride feels like your best one yet.