Bailey Saddlery was created 40 years ago by Don Bailey, and has remained a family business with Todd Bailey of Penhold, Alberta now creating halters, headstalls, saddles, chaps and other leather items. The company puts its products to the test on a daily basis since Todd and his daughters train and show horses, competing with Quarter Horses and Paints.
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Todd Bailey demonstrates how to care for leather at his Mane Event booth.
Photo: Heather Grovet
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Bailey Saddlery also sells its own brand of leather soaps and conditioners, and gives this for advice when it comes to leather care.
"The best way to clean leather is to wash it with liquid glycerin saddle soap. You can also use mild dish detergent such as Ivory with warm water. Allow the water to soak in and scrub it until the leather is clean. Dab the leather dry with a cloth and then allow it to completely dry at room temperature, away from direct sunlight. Once the leather is perfectly dry, wipe on Bailey's leather oil. You will see the leather soak up the oil and take on that rich warm texture that looks so expensive."
Light oil tack is currently very popular, and must be treated somewhat differently. Most oils will darken leather. Bailey's leather oil is formulated to not darken leather, but Todd recommends that clients test a sample patch in an inconspicuous location to be certain the finish will be desirable. Light oil tack will also darken with sunlight, so light-coloured tack should be kept covered when not in use, and moisture should be avoided unless absolutely essential.