We recently picked up a new Crates saddle (found on Craig’s list) and it came to mind that there is a lot of confusing information available about breaking in a new saddle.
Have you heard some of these things:
- - Oil the saddle using baby oil
- Oil the saddle using extra virgin olive oil
- Oil the saddle using light vegetable oil
- Don’t use oil, use saddle soap
- Never use oil (because it will make your saddle stink)
- Use XYZ product
- Soak your saddle (ride in a rain shower, or dunk the saddle in water) and ride it until dry
Saddle Care
As a result of normal use in riding, a leather saddle is exposed to variations in moisture and temperature. When not is use, the saddle is most likely stored for long periods of time in a tack room or stable where temperature and moisture are not monitored as closely as in a home with people present.
The life and quality of any piece of leather is directly affected by the care given to the leather. If neglected, leather WILL deteriorate, becoming moldy or hard and brittle, thus weakened in tensile strength. Let common sense dictate the care of your saddle or piece of tack.
Obviously, depending on the frequency and conditions of use, any saddle should be thoroughly cleaned and oiled at least four time per year. The saddle should be thoroughly cleaned and oiled more often where there are extremes in humidity, temperature, and moisture. Never store any leather item in a non-porous contain such as plastic bags. If leather is soaked with water, let it dry naturally and slowly, never force-dry (blow dry or use a fan). When cleaning, work to get the sweat out as salts are present with natural animal or human sweat.
DO:
- Thoroughly clean the leather with the best leather cleaner or saddle soap available to you.
- Oil the leather with the best leather oil available
* Note * - There are dozens of products on the market claiming to be the best for leather. We are not tanners or chemists, so we do not specifically endorse products. A quality saddle shop can help in recommending specific products.
DO NOT:
- Don't use caustic chemical penetrating cleaners claiming to penetrate to the core of the leather.
- Do not use "greases" or anything that may clog the pore of the leather.
- Do not use alcohol, mineral spirits, mink oil, or lacquer thinners.
Finally, common sense also dictates that you should closely inspect your saddle each time you ride. Check for tears, elongated holes in tie straps, worn parts, and rusted hardware. Replace worn parts as quickly as possible. A little prevention can save potential problems. Take care of your saddle by providing good care and maintenance and it will take care of you for many years to come.
We hope this helps when it comes time for you to get a new saddle (or even maintaining an old one).