VAQUERO RAWHIDE CREAM® - was developed for a market that has long been neglected - the need for a reliable rawhide dressing that restores and protects the integrity of rawhide tack. Protects rawhide from water, wear and sun.
Although originally created to clean and condition rawhide, our customers have discovered that Vaquero Rawhide Cream is also ideal for: saddle strings,motorcycle leathers, tooled leather, English and Paso Fino saddles, brief cases, exotic leather boots and kangaroo.
Vaquero Rawhide Cream is still handmade, by the Holes family, with the original 1976 recipe of second-generation, expert saddle maker Gerald Ray Holes. Second-Generation Saddle Maker Gerald Ray Holes created Rawhide Cream in the 1970's to clean, soften and preserve rawhide reins, bosals, reatas, hondos and other rawhide buckaroo gear.
Leather lovers have found a growing list of uses for this refined, light leather and rawhide dressing. It's perfect to clean, preserve and condition rawhide tack, saddle strings, Western, English and Paso Fino saddles, car seats, brief cases, purses, and exotic leather boots.
Cleaning Rawhide Reins with Vaquero Rawhide Cream®
- Use a soft brush to remove buildup of dirt, dried sweat, hair, etc.
- Lather on a light coat Vaquero Rawhide Cream® with a little warm water. (Water temperature: if you can put your hand in the water, it's safe for cleaning rawhide, up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit.)
- Don't immerse the rawhide in water.
- Where the rawhide braid crosses, use a soft brush (toothbrushes and nail brushes work well) to scrub out the dirt.
- Rinse off with warm water.
- Wipe dry with a towel.
- Hang reins and let rawhide air dry in the shade.Do not dry rawhide in the sun or with direct heat.
Conditioning with Vaquero Rawhide Cream®
- After rawhide is dry, apply a light coat of Vaquero Rawhide Cream® with a soft cloth, sheepskin swatch or your hand. Note: using your hand to apply Vaquero Rawhide Cream® works well. The warmth of your hand helps distribute and penetrate the rawhide cream.
Really, Really Important: It's best to use a light coat of Vaquero Rawhide Cream® and add more later, if needed. It's not possible to tell how much of this rich dressing is being absorbed until the next day.
- Let reins hang straight overnight.
- Next day: Work in any excess conditioner with your hands, then buff with a soft, clean cloth or sheep skin swatch to remove any conditioner that isn't absorbed into rawhide.
- Apply more light coats of Vaquero Rawhide Cream until reins are the softness you want.
Everyday Maintenance of Rawhide Reins
Nothing will get rawhide reins perfectly clean. However, you can help prevent or slow the dirt! After each ride, gently wipe off the buildup of dirt/sweat/hair/etc. with a soft cloth.
If there is visible dirt and sweat, you can use warm water and a light lather of Vaquero Rawhide Cream® to clean - just be sure to let the rawhide slowly dry out of the sun after cleaning.
Apply a light coat of Vaquero Rawhide Cream® after cleaning to replenish and condition the rawhide.
