Saddle & Leather Care: Clean and Condition for Long-Lasting Leather

Saddle & Leather Care: so your saddle lasts

A saddle is an investment, and leather bridles, reins and boots are in use every day. Sweat, dust and rain take their toll on the material, which becomes dry and brittle and can crack. Regular saddle & leather care keeps leather supple and hard-wearing. Well-kept tack is also safer, because you spot cracks and loose stitching earlier. Synthetic saddles and sheepskin need the right care too.

Clean first, then condition

The basic rule is: cleaning comes first. With saddle soap or a leather cleaner and a damp sponge, you remove sweat, dirt and old product residue. Glycerine soap cleans gently and conditions at the same time. Once the leather is dry again, apply leather oil, balm or cream thinly. Oil penetrates deeply and is good for very dry leather, while balm and wax care for the surface and make it more water-repellent.

How often and with what

For everyday use, it is enough to give the saddle and bridle a quick wipe after riding. A thorough clean and condition makes sense every few weeks depending on use, and straight away after a ride in the rain. Oil new leather before its first use so that it becomes softer. For synthetic saddles there are special cleaners, and sheepskin is washed with a detergent that restores natural oils. Test new products on an inconspicuous area, as some leather darkens.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use too much leather oil?
Yes, too much oil makes leather soft and floppy and can weaken the stitching. An oily saddle also attracts dust and rubs off on your breeches. So apply oil thinly and in a targeted way, especially to areas that look dry.

What should I do if my saddle goes mouldy?
Wipe off the mould outdoors with a damp cloth and saddle soap and let the saddle dry in an airy, not too warm place. Then condition the leather again. To stop it happening again, store your saddle and bridle in a dry, well-ventilated place.

How do I clean the saddle flaps and underside properly?
A particularly large amount of sweat collects on the underside and the saddle flaps. Clean these areas after riding with a damp sponge and saddle soap. Apply conditioner sparingly to the seat and knee rolls so that you do not slip.