How to Make Crystal Horse Tack
Whether for a show, trail ride, rodeo or parade, having crystal horse tack can dress up your horse. It is easy to make this glamorous addition to your tack. Crystal horse tack is very durable, especially leather. Because crystals are similar to glass, they can scratch, chip or easily break, and cleaning is done with a very soft, slightly damp cloth, or with water and a soft toothbrush.
Crystal designs work better with wider straps, but slimmer ones can be used. If the tack you will be working with is used, make sure it is clean and in good condition.
- Clean the leather tack that you will be decorating with a leather cleaner.
- Wipe the tack with a damp cloth, once it is clean. This removes any residue which might keep the crystals from adhering.
- Allow it to completely dry.
- Decide on the design. Try a variety of designs on paper to see how they will look.
- Decide what colors you will use. More colors may be found through Internet retailers than local stores.
- Purchase craft glue specifically for the purpose of adhering leather and metal. Other glues may work initially, but they will not hold up over time.
- Place the crystals on the tack according to the design.
- Look carefully at the overall effect so that you know it is what you want.
- Apply a small amount of glue to the back of a crystal.
- Replace it in position on the tack. Use a toothpick to remove excess glue that seeps out around the edges. Be sure to do this before the glue dries.
- Repeat the previous two steps for each crystal.
- Hang the tack to dry. This will take a few days.