How do you condition a saddle?

What can you use to condition a saddle?

Apply Leather Conditioner

Use a non-detergent leather conditioner, and make sure you don't over-apply. Using too much conditioner on your saddle can penetrate through to the padding or the tree which can cause damage over time.

How do you condition a new saddle?

The best way to break in a new saddle is to spend hours in it. Avoid using a heavy pad, ride for 20 to 30 minutes, then stop, get off, take the saddle off, and see if there are any hot spots on the horse's back, says Covey.

How do you oil and condition a saddle?

What is the best oil to use on saddles?

Neatsfoot oil, mink oil, or olive oil are excellent choices for oiling a saddle.

How to Condition and Reassemble a Saddle

How long does it take to break in a saddle?

It takes several months (or years) to really break them in, they just continue to get better with time and miles. I can ride a hundred miles and at the end of the day experience zero discomfort - good enough for me. Remember that the oil /cream displaces water otherwise absorbed by the leather.

What can I use instead of leather conditioner?

Mix one quart of warm water, one tablespoon of soap, and a couple drops of vinegar. Dip a cloth into the mixture, wringing it out so it's damp and not wet. Wipe down the entire surface of the leather furniture piece. Allow the leather to air-dry once finished.

What is the best saddle soap and conditioner?

Is it OK to use olive oil on leather?

Using olive oil on leather can restore colour and repair small scratches. This works on shoes, couches, chairs and other items. The process is the same as with wooden furniture, but just use straight olive oil – no lemon needed! Pour some oil onto a cloth and rub into the leather in a circular motion.

Is mineral oil good for saddles?

Just make sure whatever product you use does not contain modern synthetics, mineral oils or commonly used leather-treating chemicals which break down the natural fiber and slowly rot your leather goods. First, clean your saddle and tack with your favorite soap.

Can you use linseed oil on saddles?

Linseed oil is generally not a great choice for use on leather. In it's raw form, it can be heavy, a take a long time to thoroughly dry on the leather. It also might begin to degrade/rot who it's drying, which would begin to deteriorate the leather.

Can you use coconut oil on a saddle?

Can you use coconut oil on a saddle? Clean, sure, but not a full oil: it causes the fibers to break down more quickly. Coconut oil can go rancid when oxidized. … A lot of high quality leather starts off almost orange but will darken as you oil it and will become a really nice shade of dark brown.

Can you use Murphy's Oil Soap on saddles?

The truth is, a saddle does best when you keep it clean and well oiled. Never clean with harsh detergents or hot water. Natural soaps such as Murphys Oil Soap, liquid glycerin soaps or glycerin bars with lukewarm water are best.

How long does a horse saddle last?

A high-quality Western horse saddle can easily last 25 years, but you'll be lucky to get five good years from a cheap saddle. Saddles will start to show signs of aging and can be uncomfortable for horses relatively quickly when you don't take care of them.

How do you break in a new leather saddle?

There are many ways to speed up the breaking in period. The most common is to soak the saddle in hot water for 5 or 10 minutes, then take it out and rub lots of Mink Oil into the leather, on the top and bottom. After you've massaged the leather for 10 minutes, ride the saddle for a short ride, in an old pair of shorts.

Are Brooks saddles really that comfortable?

Is it comfortable? Surprisingly, it is comfortable because it is so hard. Instead of filling all your crevices with gel pads, which effectively give many more points of friction and cause saddle sores, the Brooks saddles are effectively a very stiff hammock hung from each end.

When should I use saddle oil?

Every time you worm your horses give all your tack and saddles a good look over and wipe them down with a light coat of oil. And when it comes to doing a complete washing and oiling, I recommend this once a year. This could be every time your coggins is due or at the end of your show season.

What's the difference between saddle soap and mink oil?

Saddle soap is a cleaning agent that conditions, and mink oil is specifically a leather conditioner. Mink oil helps more with weather resistance, but also significantly darkens leather, too. You can use both products on the same boot if you'd like.

Can you use baby oil on a saddle?

Always use products that are meant for leather – olive oil for salads, baby oil for babies! Saddles should be cleaned after every use, or at least wiped over with a slightly damp cloth.

How do you restore a dry leather saddle?

Combine 1 part of white vinegar into a container with 2 parts water. Dip a clean rag and toothbrush into the mixture and clean the saddle. Let your saddle air-dry, and then wash it with non-glycerine saddle soap. Then, treat your saddle with balsam or dressing to make it supple.