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To retain the good looks and condition of your new saddle or bridle it is most important to clean and nourish the leather, this is not at all time consuming if done on a regular basis. By following our simple recommendations in the proceeding paragraphs you will achieve a beautiful looking, long lasting saddle you can be proud of whether your hacking out or showing at the very top level of competition. |
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1. It is always important to make sure the saddle is free from dirt, sweat and dust. This can be achieved by using a priority brand of leather cleaner or by making a very weak solution of soft soap (dish washing liquid). First brush the saddle all over to remove dirt and dust (figure 1a). |
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figure 1a. |
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Using a sponge or damp cloth wipe all parts of the saddle paying particular attention to removing sweat residue from the panels. (figure 1b - 1c) |
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figure 1b. |
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figure 1c |
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2. After the saddle has dried naturally then it is time to nourish the leather with either a saddle cream or oil depending on the type of leather used in your saddle. |
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2A. On waxed finished leathers (cowhide) where the leather has been dressed with a combination of tallow, oils and waxes a saddle cream is recommended. This is to be applied on the outer part of the saddle which is the grain of the leather. For the under part of the saddle flaps and skirts (this is called the flesh) a damp cloth that has been soak with a good quality saddle oil can painted over these areas this will help to keep the leather supple especially in very dry climates. (figure 2a1 - 2a2) |
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figure 2a1 |
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figure 2a2 |
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2B. On oil based leather such as our water buffalo and some of our soft tanned bull hides then saddle oil is the appropriate product to use. We recommend using a two inch paint or barbecue brush for ease of operation. (figure 2b1) This makes the task very simple and takes no time at all. Simply paint a coating on the outer side of the saddle and the underside of the flaps and skirts (figure 2b2). |
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figure 2b1 |
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figure 2b2 |
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2C. The care of the seat of the saddle is carried out exactly the same except with our water buffalo leather seats which a have a Nubuck surface for extra grip. The nap of the leather ( suede effect) can be maintained with the use of a hard bristled suede brush. The seat will lose some of its suede effect because of the very natures of riding which i.e. the friction of riders seat to the saddle seat. Oil can be applied to the Nubuck seat but this will make it smoother and lose some of its grip (figure 2c1). |
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figure 2c1 |
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3. The sweat flaps are a particular part of the saddle that are prone to wear. The sweat of the horse and the friction of the billets lying on top of the sweat flap all contribute to this. It is important to keep the under part of the sweat flap (closest to the horses back) clean of sweat and apply either cream or oil to keep this part supple. On the upper part of the sweat flap we suggest that you oil this surface for the best results. |
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4. Care of the billets cannot be stressed enough. This is one of the few parts of a riding saddle that can cause safety problems if not looked after. We use only the finest Claytons rawhide for our billets, this has one of the strongest tensile strengths of any leather on the market however never leave anything to chance. Make sure that you oil the billets (figure 4a) on a regular basis and check for wear cuts or cracking around the holes (figure 4b). Equally important is to check the stitching on a regular basis also (figure 4c). This care section should also be applied to your stirrup leathers. |
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figure 4a |
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figure 4b |
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figure4c |
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5. The panels are the most important part of the saddle for the comfort and performance of your horse. By keeping the panels in good condition you will help to alleviate discomfort associated with hard and lumpy panels. Always keep the panels clean from sweat and oil or cream them to keep them supple. On our serge lined panels you do not get the problem of the leather drying out and getting hard and brittle but you can get them dirty or sweat soaked. We recommend that you wash the panels with a good brand of wool detergent just the same as you use for your own woolen pullovers and sweaters (figure 5a - 5b). |
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figure 5a |
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figure 5a |
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