Our Services

Hi, I’m Lottie Stephen – the face behind Lottie’s Tack Cleaning! I’m a horse lover through and through, and I spend most of my time with my best friend, JB, who I compete in dressage with (and have plenty of fun with too!).

I’ve always known that my heart belongs around horses, so I decided to combine that passion with something that helps both riders and their horses: keeping tack clean, conditioned, and ready for use. Tack is an investment, and it deserves the same level of care and attention as our horses themselves – that’s where I come in.

When you choose me, you’re not just getting your tack cleaned – you’re trusting someone who treats every piece of leather as if it were her own. I pride myself on working hard to ensure your tack is sparkling, safe, and well looked after.

What I Use

I only use high-quality products that are kind to your tack and designed to keep it in the best condition:

NAF Leather Saddle Soap

NAF Sheer Luxe Leather Balsam

Henry James Tack Cleaning Sponges

Lincoln Classic Neatsfoot Oil (for selected leather only, eg. New oil-tanned leather)

My Cleaning Process

Every piece of tack is carefully cleaned and conditioned with attention to detail:

Fill a bucket with warm water.

Note down all fitting adjustments (e.g. cheekpiece holes) so everything goes back exactly as it was.

Separate the leather pieces for a thorough clean.

Place all metal parts into warm water to soak briefly, then scrub clean.

Gently scrub and clean each leather part with saddle soap.

Allow leather to dry before conditioning with balsam.

Buff the leather for a polished finish.

Your tack will be returned not just clean, but nourished and ready for use.

Why Tack Cleaning Matters

Life gets busy, and finding the time to deep-clean tack can be hard – that’s where I’m here to help. Clean tack isn’t just about appearances; it’s essential for your horse’s wellbeing and your own safety. Regular cleaning helps with:

Horse welfare: Prevents bacteria and dirt build-up that can cause irritation or infections.

Safety: Cleaning allows for close inspection of stitching and leather to spot any wear before it becomes dangerous.

Longevity: Conditioning leather prevents cracking, drying, and premature wear.

Cost-saving: Tack is expensive – proper care extends its life, saving you money.

Presentation: Whether at a show or at home, clean tack looks smart and helps you feel confident.

How Often Should Tack Be Cleaned?

The frequency depends on how often you ride:

Daily riders: A deep clean at least once a month (ideally weekly), plus quick wipe-downs after each ride.

Bits: Should always be washed after every ride to stop bacteria build-up.

Occasional riders: A thorough clean every couple of months is usually enough, with regular checks in between.

No matter your schedule, I’m here to take the hassle off your hands and keep your tack in top condition.

✨ At Lottie’s Tack Cleaning, my goal is to give horse owners peace of mind knowing their tack is clean, safe, and cared for – leaving you more time to enjoy riding your horse.