Caring for Rawhide

Rawhide

Rawhide tack can be created from a range of animal hides, including kangaroo, calf, cow, goat and horse. The availability of more perceived exotic hides such as Kangaroo have become more commonly used in North America. Its combination with calf/cow hide creates some beautiful, braided rawhide tack, combining tonal and textural differences.

Goat rawhide, although similar to kangaroo in terms of its tensile strength and durability and its ability to be cut very thinly, is less used in North America. Although based on its all-round performance, it’s a choice hide for intricate braiding. However, it is fair to say if all tack is maintained and the braiding and hide is of significant quality, they should last for many years, and there are many examples on the market of both fantastic and poor products made from all of these hides.

Maintaining your rawhide

Maintaining your rawhide tack is paramount if you want to maintain the integrity of the braiding and hide. The following applies to both kangaroo, goat and calf (Latigo) leather. It is important to understand that rawhide should not be treated in the same way as leather due to the fact it is literally in its natural state, unlike leather which has been exposed to the tanning process. Rawhide is more durable and resilient to sweat (salt) than leather.

The only product which should be applied to any of our rawhide bosal or tack is a rawhide cream, to clean and preserve. Do not use any oil based leather treatments which will soften the rawhide, Ray Hols Vaquero Cream gives great performance and ease of application.

When cleaning use three clean, soft cotton cloths. Firstly, use the cream to loosen the dirt on the bosal by gently massaging the cream into the rawhide. Next with the second cloth remove the dirt and then finally re-apply the rawhide cream using the third cloth. 

Rubbing the final dressing in with your hands is also an option as it will be more readily absorbed as your hands warm the cream. However, this option will inevitably use more dressing. The bosal will tend to become dirtier on the inside of the nose button and lower part of the cheeks where the horse makes regular contact. Ideally the bosal should be hung at room temperature, excessive dampness or heat on a regular basis without treatment will compromise the braiding.

If your hackamore becomes very wet, it is best to let it dry naturally at room temperature (warm). Remove the mecate and hang in long lengths to air dry. Wipe your bosal with a soft cloth and invert the bosal suspending it by the heel knot with a piece of non-coloured thread e.g. dental floss or white cotton and leave to dry. Be careful if hanging on a nail or suspending with dyed thread as this can incur some staining through rust or leaching of the dye into the rawhide. The applies to all rawhide tack, whether you’re dealing with a full rawhide headstall, a part rawhide, a rawhide hanger, romal reins or a quirt (hang vertically and allow to air dry at room temperature).

Rawhide tack can be used in any climate if looked after properly. Riding in the UK, a country that has four distinct seasons, three of which can often include a significant amount of rainfall, I can confidently say that the exemplary quality of braiding and hide used in our Hackamore tack, if cleaned and nourished as and when required, will provide a product that you will be able to cherish for years to come!