Leather reins as the fine connection between the rider's hand and the horse's mouth are essential for refined aids. Our leather reins are made from firm full-grain leather that becomes grippy and supple with use.
The leather reins for a snaffle bridle are 16 mm wide and joined in the centre with a buckle. The curb rein is 14 mm wide and stitched in the centre. The reins feature a buckle modelled on our Officer’s Bridle and are thus characteristic of Working Equitation.
Sheepskin care
Sheepskin products such as saddle pads, boots, or girths require specific care to maintain their function, appearance, and durability.
- Regular Cleaning: Sheepskin absorbs sweat, grease, and dirt during use. To avoid leather cracking and brittle wool, the products should be washed regularly – ideally with the re-fatting special detergent MELP, which protects both leather and wool.
- Preparation before washing: Before washing, all Velcro fasteners should be closed to avoid damage. Additionally, POLY-FLEX® and SADDLE-FIX® inserts must be removed. Saddle pads should be washed inside out to ensure the sheepskin side is cleaned optimally.
- Washing instructions: For the laundry itself, machine washing is preferred as it is more effective than hand washing. The products should be washed at a maximum of 30°C, preferably with the "Extra Water" option, and a normal spin cycle can be used. It is important to use only MELP as the detergent and to completely avoid fabric softeners and bleach.
- Drying: After washing, the sheepskin products should be removed from the machine immediately. They can be gently dried in the dryer at a maximum of 30 °C or hung in the shade outdoors. During drying, it is helpful to gently shape the product to maintain fit and appearance.
- Care of special products: Additional instructions apply to special products. For saddle girths, plastic inserts should be removed before washing. If the sheepskin is removable, the base girth is washed in a MATTES wash bag, while the sheepskin cover is cleaned separately in the same wash.
MATTES ensures that the lambskins are permanently washable right from the tanning process. With the right care, the products remain soft, functional, and visually high-quality for years – providing durable quality that impresses.
A detailed washing instruction can be found here:
The proper care of smooth leather
With the right care and a mindful approach, you can maintain the beauty and longevity of your smooth leather and enjoy your product for a long time. Smooth leather is a high-quality natural material that retains its characteristics through use and care — and with proper treatment, it comes into its own beautifully.
Change of optics
Even smooth leather can show slight changes over time: it may become softer, and the surface may slightly change in gloss or texture. This development is not necessarily a defect in quality, but can be an expression of the natural properties of the material.
Stain Formation & Protection
Smooth leather is also sensitive to liquids, grease, or dirt. To avoid unsightly stains or fading:
- Avoid direct contact with water, grease, or oily substances.
- After each use, a gentle cleaning is recommended to prevent residues like sweat or dust from penetrating the leather.
- Use suitable care products such as cleaners, conditioning balms, or leather oil to protect the leather from drying out and fading.
Cleaning & Care
- Daily cleaning: Remove coarse dirt with a soft brush or a clean cloth. Then wipe the leather with a special care cloth – this will eliminate dirt, sweat, and moisture before they cause damage.
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Regular care:
- After cleaning, apply a suitable care balm sparingly with a sponge or cloth.
- In case of heavier use, an intensive leather oil can be used that penetrates deeply into the leather and conditions it.
- Allow the care products to take effect and then polish the leather with a soft cloth to remove excess products and enhance the surface.
- Special Demands: Highly stressed areas such as belts or straps should be regularly inspected and maintained, as they can particularly suffer from friction or sweat.
Storage
The storage plays a crucial role:
- Store your smooth leather product in a dry, warm place with good ventilation so that moisture can escape optimally.
- Avoid direct sunlight and strong heat sources – these can dry out or fade the leather.
- Proper storage prevents mold formation and maintains the suppleness and stability of the leather.
A detailed care guide for smooth leather can be found here:
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