by LaceyKnight | Dec 29, 2024 | Leather goods, Tack care
Your Envisioned Equestrian tack is more than just functional equipment—it’s a blend of craftsmanship, style, and utility. From luxurious leather to sparkling rhinestones, each piece deserves care to maintain its beauty and longevity. Follow this comprehensive guide to keep your tack looking as stunning as the day you brought it home.
1. Cleaning Real Leather Components
Leather is the heart of equestrian tack, prized for its durability and timeless appeal.
- Daily Care: After each ride, wipe down the leather with a damp, soft cloth to remove sweat and dirt.
- Deep Cleaning: Use a quality leather cleaner once a month. Apply with a sponge or cloth, gently working it into the surface.
- Conditioning: Restore the leather’s natural oils with a conditioner. Avoid over-conditioning, as it can soften the leather excessively.
- A brand we love: Effax. Give it a try. You won’t be disappointed!
Pro Tip: Keep leather out of direct sunlight and away from moisture to prevent cracking or mold growth.
2. Maintaining Vinyl and Fabric Elements
The vinyl fabrics and other materials add versatility and flair to your tack.
- Use a damp cloth and mild soap to clean these components. Avoid harsh cleaners that might strip colors or weaken the fabric.
- Let the tack air dry completely before storing.
- For fabrics, spot-clean with a gentle fabric cleaner and allow to dry thoroughly.
3. Preserving Rhinestones in Settings
Rhinestones are the sparkling highlight of your tack, so keeping them brilliant is essential.
- Dust rhinestones with a soft, dry toothbrush or microfiber cloth to remove debris.
- If needed, gently clean with a damp cloth—avoid soaking the rhinestones, as water can weaken the settings.
- Store tack in a cool, dry place to protect the stones from discoloration or loosening.
Pro Tip: Avoid exposing rhinestones to abrasive cleaners or oils, which can dull their shine.
4. Storing Your Tack Properly
Storage is as important as cleaning when it comes to prolonging the life of your tack.
- Use padded bridle bags or tack hooks in a well-ventilated tack room.
- Keep items away from direct heat or sunlight to preserve colors and materials.
- Check periodically for signs of wear and address any issues promptly to prevent further damage.
5. Regular Inspections and Repairs
Tack takes a lot of wear and tear, so regular inspections are key.
Look for:
- Loose rhinestones or rhinestone settings.
- Cracks in leather or stitching.
- Tears or frays in fabric elements.
When in doubt, consult a professional for repairs.
More Resources for Equestrian Care
- Explore our Bridle Collection for replacement pieces or new designs.
- Browse our Browbands for sparkling updates to your current setup.
Proper care of your Envisioned Equestrian tack ensures it stays as elegant and functional as ever. With routine cleaning, mindful storage, and timely repairs, your tack will serve you beautifully for years to come.
Looking for more equestrian tips and products? Visit our Blog for expert advice and inspiration, or shop the Full Collection to find your next favorite piece.
by LaceyKnight | Dec 15, 2024 | Bridle & Halter Fitting, Leather goods
It’s time for a change.
When it comes to bespoke equestrian gear, it’s nothing if it’s not about the fit.
Most of the people I meet have a browband that’s too small.
It lays across the forehead, but it’s tight and pulls the crown of the bridle forward toward the ears. When it comes to browbands, extra space is key.
What if it sticks out from your horse’s forehead?
Two things: You want it to stick out slightly.
More than an inch or so might be too big, but you want your browband to be on the roomy side.
Second, if your handmade crystal browband sticks out a little, all the better for placing his forelock under it so everyone can then see the crystals glistening and gleaming in the light.
Here’s the deal when it comes to finding the perfect fit:
Envisioned Equestrian handmade horse browbands are generally crafted on the 1/2 inch.
We prefer to go up in size to help people get a good fit.
If your cob is currently wearing a 15 and you think it’s great, we suggest ordering a 15.5 or even a 16.
For example: We recently fit a horse who was wearing a cob-sized browband and the owner felt it was good.
This was a Quarter Horse, so they were not terribly big.
By the time I left, they were comfortably fit in a 17″, which looked great and gave them TONS of room to get that bridle sitting well behind the ears.
This QH wound up with a WB size, but that’s just how it goes sometimes.
Our personal rule of thumb: always go up in size if you’re comfortable doing so. You’ll be surprised at how happy your horse will be with a little extra “headroom.”
Shop your favorite styles here and order the size you need today!
by LaceyKnight | Dec 7, 2024 | Gratitude, Horses, Leather goods
In The Beginning
Ever since I was about eight, I have been horse crazy. Before that, it was alligators and the duck-billed platypus.
Don’t ask me why.
Because my affinity had grown so strong, and there was a consistent lack of familial funds to pay for lessons, I decided to “volunteer” at the local barn.
Make no mistake—this is child labor at its finest, but nothing, especially OSHA and the law, could stop me.
My First Gig
I remember the barn owner and trainer, Mary, showing me to the school horse tack room.
In the center of the cherry wood-paneled room with dirty green carpet stood a heap of tack and bridle parts about three feet high.
“Get to work putting those bridles back together now that they’re clean.” She knew this was an insurmountable hill for me to climb, and I would likely fail.
I felt like there had been a miscommunication somewhere along the way, but I wasn’t about to let my lack of know-how thwart my first barn job.
Then, like a shining beacon of hope, high up on the wall, I spotted a single Collegiate Hunter bridle fully assembled.
I used that as my template, and I got to work.
Not only was this tack confusing and hard to work with, but it was all mixed together. I had to sort bridles while I was assembling them.
Triumph!
Sure, the odd figure 8 or standing martingale took me by surprise, but I finished that whole pile in about two hours.
She was stunned and taken aback to see my progress upon her return.
I looked at her hopefully, wishing to God and everything holy that she would utter those few sacred words to me, “Now, do you want to ride?” But alas, no such exchange took place. Instead, I got a pat on the shoulder and a “Nice job.”
I would frequent that barn for years, hanging over rails and watching everything the horses were doing and everything the people were doing with them.
Even after a short absence, I returned there as a young adult with my own horse and relished the memories that the old tack room still held.
If You Need a Hand
Since that day, I have happily assembled bridles, knowing wholeheartedly that they are where I got my start in horses.
That’s also probably why I try to offer folks the snaps on the browbands: I know what a pain it is to change a browband constantly.
But still, if you ever need someone to switch out your bit, I’m happy to do it for you and offer you service with a smile.
