How to Fix a Slippery Saddle Seat

A slippery saddle seat can be a terror to ride in, especially if your horse is difficult to ride. Certain leathers, such as smooth leathers, are more slippery than others, and older saddles can be especially slippery. Newer saddles usually come in "oiled" leathers that have a stick to them. There are several methods you can use to make your saddle less of a problem.

Things You'll Need

  • Saddle soap
  • Sponge
  • Leather conditioner or saddle oil
  • Towel
  • Sticky spray
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Instructions

    • 1

      Clean your saddle seat by wiping off dirt and sweat with a damp towel, then applying saddle soap with a damp sponge. Wipe off the saddle soap with another damp towel.

    • 2

      Use another sponge, a dry one this time, to apply leather conditioner or oil. The leather used on saddle seats is a finished leather, which doesn't accept oil well, so you may need to apply a couple of thin coats to get the oil or conditioner to soak through.

    • 3

      Repeat after two or three days, and stop repeating when your saddle seems to be stickier. You don't want to over-oil or condition your saddle, as this can start to rot the stitching.

    • 4

      Spray the sticky spray to your saddle and the inside of your pants before you mount. This is a temporary fix until your saddle isn't as slippery.

    • 5

      Ride in your saddle as often as possible. Riding helps make the seat leather become rougher and stickier over time.