CHAPTER XXIX 



THE CARE OF THE HARNESS* 



Under ordinary conditions, when harness and leather equip- 

 ment is constantly exposed to the varying conditions of weather 

 and because of its value and its rapid deterioration under neg- 

 lect, conscientious care is necessary to insure its long life and 

 serviceability. 



For the proper care of all leather equipment, two agents are 

 necessary — one for cleaning and one for oiling. The cleaning 

 agent is castile soap ; the oiling agents are Neatsf oot oil or har- 

 ness soap. The castile soap is a commercial article containing 

 about three per cent of lye, which is necessary to give it the 

 required cleaning power. Its action, however, is merely to free 

 the leather from dirt, sweat and other matter which accumulates 

 in the surface pores or the leather. 



Neatsfoot oil has been used for many years, and from experi- 

 ence has been found to be the most satisfactory for oiling the 

 leather ; it penetrates the pores and saturates the fibres, making 

 them pliable and elastic. Dry leather is brittle ; leather oiled too 

 much will soil everything it comes in contact with, and also it 

 accmnulates dirt. The condition to be desired is just enough oil 

 in the leather to make it soft and pliable Avithout so much that it 

 will exude. All animal oils and fats, and most vegetable oils 

 may be used with good results. Mineral oils should never be 

 used for this purpose. 



In washing with an alkaline soap, it is impossible to prevent 

 the removal of the surface oil. This tends to leave the surface 

 hard and dry and liable to crack. It is difficult to replace this 

 surface oil without applying an excess, so it has been found 

 necessary to have a different kind of soap. There are various 

 kinds of saddle or harness soaps, most of which contain more or 

 less neutral oil which replaces the surface oil removed in 

 washing. 



Cleaning with saddle soap. — All leather equipment must first 

 be wiped off daily or as often as used, with a dampened cloth 

 to remove the mud, dust, etc. It is never cleaned by holding it 

 in water or under a hydrant. Daily wiping Avill do much to 



* Courtesy of the Dakota-Farmer. 



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