OVERVIEW:
In the winter I take some of my limited downtime to clean my tack. This winter especially because I am working to sell off my brown tack after switching to all black. Although I’m selling it I still make sure to take care of it so the next person can appreciate it. This week I am here to show you a product I began using for my tack care ritual that I am incredibly impressed by.
I can’t tell you how many leather care products I have or have had in my possession over the years. I’ve received it with every saddle I have bought, I receive them in subscription boxes. I clean my tack twice a year so they pile up after some time. This product came with my most recent saddle(s). Admittedly I meant to clean my sales tack with a different product but accidentally grabbed this instead. As I cleaned I became more and more impressed by it.
I present you Rapide Leather Gel; recommended by Fairfax Saddlery
When I bought each saddle I received a 200mL bottle of this leather gel. I’m happy I have two because I went through 3/4 of it going through all of my old tack. I’m even happier to know that this gel is available at my local tack stores. What a tremendous product.
The leather gel is simple in contents…made of an emulsion of mineral oils, water, carnauba wax (vegetable), and beeswax. It’s 3-in-1 formula is designed to clean, condition, and waterproof.
I have to say it appears to do exactly that. I had a black ANKY dressage bridle sitting in the other room collecting dust. It is supple but it was drying out and looking dull. Using the Rapide gel just one time brought life back to the bridle. I thought it was done for but it appears to be completely renewed. I’ve owned it for 10 years and haven’t taken great care of it; it wasn’t overused but it wasn’t cleaned every year either (I told you it lived in my trailer, right?). The Rapide Leather Gel brought that back to life too! It looks used but in great shape and it’s clean, supple, and shiny.
PROS:
- Affordable, this 200mL size retails currently for about $16.95 at Cheshire Horse or even $25 for the 450mL jar from Advanced Saddle Fit!
- Easy to use, use a clean cloth and go to work!
- A little goes a long way. I don’t use a ton on each piece of tack, even when they are dry and thirsty.
- Smells great. It is not overpowering but leaves a subtle aroma
CONS
- Y
Alternatives:
- Effax
- Lexol
- Horseman’s One Step
- Fiebing’s 4-Way Leather Care
- Sterling Essentials
Final Word:
I have tried quite a few leather care products and they are all fine. Everyone probably has their favorites. Ask anyone on Facebook and you’ll get 30 different answers. They are among the most popular type of item in subscription boxes and also commonly found in free goodie bags. This Rapide Leather Gel was the first one that I liked enough to show Zac and mention what a great job it was doing for my tack.
Thanks to my climate in the northeast I don’t have to be quite as neurotic about keeping my leather items conditioned as drier climates might require. As I mentioned previously I usually do a full clean on my tack one or two times per year. Occasionally I’ll wipe down my tack between cleanings.
I am so glad I tried the Rapide Leather Gel. I was given a bottle with each of my Fairfax saddles last year and I am extremely happy with its performance.
If you’re looking to get some for yourself, shop small business! Here are a few retailers that stock it.
One final note: I love Tack Saver mitts for my leather cleaning needs I have a few now, and they make the process much easier and more enjoyable. I reviewed them a while ago but you can find out more at The Sunday Review: Tack Saver Mitt.
The Green Horseman 
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