By Pet & Rural Supply Co · Updated 4 November 2026
Give your saddle and bridle a clean surface, supple feel and polished finish with a simple two-step leather-care routine. Carr & Day & Martin designs Belvoir Step 1 to lift away sweat, grease and dirt, followed by Belvoir Step 2 to condition and protect the leather.
Cleaning and conditioning: what each step does
| Step | Purpose | How to apply |
|---|---|---|
| Step 1 Tack Cleaner | Removes dirt, sweat and grease | Spray onto the leather and wipe clean |
| Step 2 Tack Conditioner | Conditions, protects and adds shine | Apply to clean leather, rub in gently and polish once dry |
1. Prepare your saddle or bridle
For muddy tack, the manufacturer's care guide recommends gently removing mud with a soft brush or cloth first, taking care not to scratch the leather. Cleaning time is also an opportunity to inspect buckles, straps and stitching for wear.
Test your chosen product on a concealed area before treating the rest of the item. Both Belvoir Step 1 and Step 2 exclude aniline leather, untreated leather, suede and nubuck.
2. Clean away sweat and grease
Spray Belvoir Step 1 directly onto the leather, then wipe it clean. For ingrained grease, Carr & Day & Martin specifies leaving the cleaner in contact for five minutes before wiping.
If mould is present, the manufacturer says to discard the cloth away from leather items rather than reuse it. Its Step 1 formula is pH-neutral and designed to clean without drying out the leather or damaging stitching.
3. Condition the clean leather
Apply Belvoir Step 2 evenly, then gently work it into the leather with a cloth or sponge. Allow it to dry before buffing with a soft, dry cloth.
The glycerine-and-coconut-oil formula helps keep saddlery leather soft and supple. The manufacturer explains that glycerine seals the leather's pores to create a barrier against salt, dirt, grease and water, while leaving a glossy finish.
Get a neat finish without over-applying
Carr & Day & Martin recommends using the conditioner sparingly on new leather to avoid leaving a tacky film. Its general tack-care guide also advises letting thoroughly cleaned leather dry before conditioning. A light, even application followed by polishing gives suitable leather tack a smart finish.
Practical guidance based on Carr & Day & Martin's Belvoir product directions and leather-care guide.
Related horse guides
- Belvoir Step 2 Tack Conditioner: What to Check Before Buying
- Ezy Ride Western Tack: Comparing Leather, Buckstitch and Hardware
Explore tack & leather care or return to our horse knowledge base.
Product information sources
Manufacturer and supplier information checked 4 November 2026. The instructions supplied with the exact product take priority.