new leather saddle care

Gottahavehorses · 12-30-2005, 02:48 PM

Ok gang, I finally ordered my saddle. I am sooo excited & can't wait until it comes! I did end up ordering from payless saddles only after speaking to several other customers who were more than satisfied. So, cross your fingers for me please. I'll let ya know when it arrives. Until then I have a question...Since it is leather & I am new to leather saddles, are there any hints you have to help break the saddle in? I know about sticking a pipe thru the stirrups, done that with my cordura & it worked great. Do I need to treat it before riding, etc? Don't mean to ask stupid questions, but I have no idea about real leather care. I simply wipe my cordura & it is ready for the next ride. Thanks for any tips!!

Rebecca · 12-30-2005, 11:49 PM

Some people oil a new saddle to soften certain parts
to make the saddle feel more comfortable to the rider.

http://www.dailyequine.com/saddlemaintenance.asp

May the joy and wonder of a new saddle stay with you a good long while.

Rebecca

appygurl · 12-30-2005, 11:54 PM

Just treat it well lol. Im not really sure what to tell you on breaking in the saddle, I guess just ride in it quite a bit

, sorry im not to much help. Congrats on the saddle!

Gottahavehorses · 12-31-2005, 10:45 AM

Thanks guys! I can't wait to get it and start breaking it in. I am trying to talk hubby into letting me leave it out in the living room. I got a new wagon wheel for Christmas & stayed up late staining it & hung it on the living room wall. So, a saddle under it would be a nice touch. Don't ya think!!

stormy · 12-31-2005, 11:30 AM

I like Neetsfoot oil real well for softening new leather. Some can be very stiff. You'll be amazed at how much oil the leather will soak in. The 100% oli is better than the compound. Also if you get the saddle dirty and use the saddle soap then make sure you follow up with the oil. The saddle soaps tend to dry out the leathers and you have to reoil them. Wouldnt hurt to reoil a couple times per year for lasting leathers.
Also be sure to pull your stirrup leathers thru that are under your fenders. Lot of peole forget that they need oil too.

Ride safely!

Saddlebred27 · 01-01-2006, 10:41 AM

When I got my new saddle I rode in it for a month and then cleaned and conditioned it.....so since then I've been cleaning it every month unless it gets really dirty for some reason

Rebecca · 01-01-2006, 07:13 PM

Each time my husband, or son won a saddle
we "decorated" the house with it.
Eventually they would break down, and actually use their prize.

I think a new saddle is a very interesting center piece.
And scent of a new saddle is great too.

allison · 01-01-2006, 07:44 PM

You can use baby powder under the fenders of the saddle to keep it from squeeking. Congrats on your new purchase! Leather saddles will last you years and years.

12-30-2005, 02:48 PM
Gottahavehorses Weanling Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Northeast TN Posts: 315	new leather saddle care Ok gang, I finally ordered my saddle. I am sooo excited & can't wait until it comes! I did end up ordering from payless saddles only after speaking to several other customers who were more than satisfied. So, cross your fingers for me please. I'll let ya know when it arrives. Until then I have a question...Since it is leather & I am new to leather saddles, are there any hints you have to help break the saddle in? I know about sticking a pipe thru the stirrups, done that with my cordura & it worked great. Do I need to treat it before riding, etc? Don't mean to ask stupid questions, but I have no idea about real leather care. I simply wipe my cordura & it is ready for the next ride. Thanks for any tips!!

12-30-2005, 11:49 PM
Rebecca Greenbroke Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: East Texas Posts: 3,351	Some people oil a new saddle to soften certain parts to make the saddle feel more comfortable to the rider. http://www.dailyequine.com/saddlemaintenance.asp May the joy and wonder of a new saddle stay with you a good long while. Rebecca

12-30-2005, 11:54 PM
appygurl Coming two Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Illinois Posts: 1,820	Just treat it well lol. Im not really sure what to tell you on breaking in the saddle, I guess just ride in it quite a bit , sorry im not to much help. Congrats on the saddle! __________________ Appaloosa--brains, looks, and temperment all in one

12-31-2005, 10:45 AM
Gottahavehorses Weanling Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Northeast TN Posts: 315	Thanks guys! I can't wait to get it and start breaking it in. I am trying to talk hubby into letting me leave it out in the living room. I got a new wagon wheel for Christmas & stayed up late staining it & hung it on the living room wall. So, a saddle under it would be a nice touch. Don't ya think!!

12-31-2005, 11:30 AM
stormy Long Yearling Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Northwest Lower Michigan Posts: 1,068	New Leather saddle care I like Neetsfoot oil real well for softening new leather. Some can be very stiff. You'll be amazed at how much oil the leather will soak in. The 100% oli is better than the compound. Also if you get the saddle dirty and use the saddle soap then make sure you follow up with the oil. The saddle soaps tend to dry out the leathers and you have to reoil them. Wouldnt hurt to reoil a couple times per year for lasting leathers. Also be sure to pull your stirrup leathers thru that are under your fenders. Lot of peole forget that they need oil too. Ride safely! __________________ Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

01-01-2006, 10:41 AM
Saddlebred27 Halter broke Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Lynchburg, VA Posts: 184	When I got my new saddle I rode in it for a month and then cleaned and conditioned it.....so since then I've been cleaning it every month unless it gets really dirty for some reason

01-01-2006, 07:13 PM
Rebecca Greenbroke Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: East Texas Posts: 3,351	Each time my husband, or son won a saddle we "decorated" the house with it. Eventually they would break down, and actually use their prize. I think a new saddle is a very interesting center piece. And scent of a new saddle is great too.

01-01-2006, 07:44 PM
allison Started Join Date: May 2005 Location: Kenosha, WI. Posts: 2,225	You can use baby powder under the fenders of the saddle to keep it from squeeking. Congrats on your new purchase! Leather saddles will last you years and years. __________________ Horses & Horsepower www.freewebs.com/mustangali_/ "...just like computers refuse to understand how I'm feeling today"