Leather Saddle Treatment

A good-quality leather saddle can last for decades if cared for properly, and you can extend the life of lesser-quality saddles through good cleaning and storage practices. Saddle care applies to all types of leather saddles, no matter the discipline the saddle is used for. Synthetic saddles, however, require a slightly different method of care.

  1. Cleaning

    • There are two methods of cleaning tack: using soap and using plain water. Many people choose to use a tack cleaner such as a glycerine soap to clean saddles. Apply the soap using a damp sponge or rag. The soap can help clean the saddle by removing sweat and dirt. Some resources, such as the "United States Pony Club Manual of Horsemanship/D Level," insist wiping tack with plain water is just as effective, and less likely to weaken the leather.

    Moisturizing

    • Leather is essentially skin, and even after being treated, leather has a moisture level of about 25 percent. You remove a little bit of the saddle's moisture every time you clean it. Like your skin, water alone can be especially drying, so saddles need an application of leather conditioner. Some people choose to use saddle oil, but too much oil can rot your saddle's stitching and possibly even weaken your saddle's tree, according to saddler Jochen Schleese.

    Storage

    • Inappropriate storage can destroy your saddle. You want a storage area that has a dry atmosphere so the leather will not develop mold or mildew. Place the saddle on a saddle rack, and one that will support the underside of the whole saddle is best. Don't use an area that gives animals access to your tack--you want to keep animals from chewing on the saddle.

    Repairs

    • Examine your saddle every time you prepare to place it on your horse. A saddler can rework loose stitching and nails. If not repaired, your saddle's parts can start coming off, which will further weaken the saddle. Billets, the straps your horse's girth attaches to, also can come loose or stretch over time, increasing the likelihood that the billets will break.

    How to Clean

    • You should clean your saddle after every ride, and take the stirrup leathers off your saddle once a week to get to the hard-to-reach places. If you choose to use soap on your saddle to clean it, wipe the soap off the saddle afterwards so the soap does not have an opportunity to start wearing down the leather fibers. Whether using soap or plain water, be sure to not saturate the sponge or rag with water. Squeeze out as much water as possible when you rinse the sponge or rag. Apply a leather conditioner after you finish cleaning.