Riding in the wet Irish winter can take a toll on your leather tack, and with the light nights and better weather on its way, April is the best time to carry out an overhaul of your equipment ready for a safe year in the saddle for you and your horse.

I spoke to saddler and harness maker and curator of the Museum Of The Master Saddler, Robert H. Steinke, about the best way to spring clean your leather tack for the season ahead, whether you’re driving, jumping or hacking.