Vaquero Rawhide Cream Cleans and Conditions Rawhide

VAQUERO RAWHIDE CREAM®

Even though it's our newest leather care product, Vaquero Rawhide Cream has been a top seller worldwide for 49 years. It is currently recognized as the most specified and premier care product for rawhide.

Vaquero Rawhide Cream was developed to serve a long-neglected need: a reliable dressing made specifically for rawhide tack. Unlike finished leather, rawhide requires special care to maintain its strength and flexibility. Without proper treatment, it can dry out, become brittle, or weaken when exposed to moisture and sun.

Formulated specifically for rawhide, Vaquero Rawhide Cream restores and protects the natural integrity of rawhide gear. It helps guard against water, wear, and sun while preserving the durability and character that rawhide tack is known for.

Second-Generation Saddle Maker Gerald Ray Holes created Vaquero Rawhide Cream in the 1970s to clean, soften and preserve rawhide reins, bosals, reatas, hondos, and other rawhide buckaroo gear.

 

Additional Uses

Originally created to clean and condition rawhide, our customers have discovered Vaquero Rawhide Cream is also ideal for exotic leathers you wish to condition with a lighter dressing than Saddle Butter. Light leather, English and Paso Fino saddles, briefcases, and exotic leather boots and bags all benefit from Vaquero Rawhide Cream's application. 

Vaquero Rawhide Cream is still handmade by the Holes family with the original 1976 recipe of second-generation expert saddle maker Gerald Ray Holes.

Available 11 oz. jars and by the Gallon

Cleaning Rawhide with Vaquero Rawhide Cream

 

STEP 1: Hand-clean the rawhide. Use a soft brush to remove buildup of dirt, dried sweat, hair, etc.

STEP 2: Clean with Vaquero Rawhide Cream. 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 braids cross, use a soft brush (toothbrush or nail brush) to work out the dirt. Rinse off with warm water.

STEP 3: Dry the rawhide. Wipe dry with a towel. Hang and let rawhide air dry in the shade. Do not dry rawhide in the sun or with direct heat.

Conditioning with Vaquero Rawhide Cream

STEP 1: After rawhide is dry, apply a light coat of Vaquero Rawhide Cream with a soft cloth, sheep skin swatch, or with your hand. Using your hand to apply Vaquero Rawhide Cream works well. The warmth of your hand helps distribute and penetrate the rawhide cream.

EXTREMELY 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.

STEP 2: Let rawhide dry overnight in a cool, dry place. 

STEP 3: Work in any excess conditioner with your hands, then buff with a soft, clean cloth or sheep skin swatch to remove any conditioner that hasn't absorbed into rawhide. Apply more light coats of Vaquero Rawhide Cream until rawhide is at the softness level desired. 

Everyday Maintenance of Rawhide

It's hard to keep rawhide perfectly clean, but practicing good daily maintenance goes a long way. 

• After each ride, gently wipe off the buildup of dirt/sweat/hair/etc. with a soft cloth. 
• Apply a light coat of Vaquero Rawhide Cream® after cleaning to replenish and condition the rawhide.

What People are Saying about Vaquero Rawhide Cream

"I am frequently asked what I use to keep my equipment in good condition. Ray Holes products have been my go-to for many years.

The Saddle Butter is great on saddles, bridles, and any other leather equipment. The Vaquero Rawhide Cream is the only thing I use on my romal reins & hackamores."

Al Dunning