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Post by Shelly on Aug 21, 2014 5:00:20 GMT
Hi there, I just recently purchased myself a new/used english saddle (Childeric). I'm just wondering what everyone's cleaning routine/recommended product. The seat was in excellent condition until well.. I sweat lol. slightly embarrassing but now i can't get rid of the dark spot on my seat. I just got this saddle so I'm kinda well freaking out. LOL Last thing I want to do is ruin my saddle.
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Lipizzan
Junior Member
Europe, Croatia
Posts: 2,572 
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Post by Lipizzan on Aug 21, 2014 6:57:07 GMT
I use linseed oil for cleaning my leather tack.  |
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Post by horselover4life on Aug 21, 2014 10:00:49 GMT
Glycerine bar saddle soap, hot {as hot as you can stand} water, sponge and elbow grease.
Damp not wet sponge, lather, apply elbow grease {rub}, repeat as necessary.
Rinse with clear water on a damp sponge to remove any extra dirt and soap residue.
Let it air dry well in shade not sunlight.
I use only pure neatsfoot oil on my leather...thin and sparingly applied only as needed.
Let soak in, wipe off any excess{there shouldn't be any actually} and buff to a shine.
The sweat marks...no one sees it but you. Once astride it is invisible.
Most saddles show "wear" mark of two to them...don't worry about it.
Just clean/wipe your tack after use if really nasty...let it dry in a shaded ventilated area and it will be fine.
Seriously, look at saddles of those who ride often...they have tush marks and leg marks too.
Read a can of Mink Oil..it is a preservative and waterproofer... not sure if it can help with your situation.
I know on my leather boots, they darkened a slight bit when first applied but they have never gotten the leather wet since no matter how soaked the ground was.
Use this if you do very sparingly...it goes a long way!!
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Post by horselover4life on Aug 21, 2014 10:07:29 GMT
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Post by Shelly on Aug 21, 2014 15:09:17 GMT
So I've scrubbed the "poop" out of it with glycerin spap, the marks are still there so i think i might just try and taken my leather so it blends more. Just need to oil it and go from there. I am definitely considering buying a cover lol. My poor saddle. definitely looks used now!   |
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Post by horselover4life on Aug 21, 2014 15:15:58 GMT
OK...can't see your pictures, nor do I get a linking address to the photos.... Now I see the pictures.....
Try a photobucket account I use {free} or limit your size to 300x {computer should fill in appropriate size}
If what you were alluding to is to darken your saddle...like dying the leather use extreme caution. Not all tanning processes allow re-dying or shade changes. You could end up making it worse instead of better........
So...to me your saddle is so new in appearance it hasn't darkened at all. Leave it alone and ride, ride and ride some more.
You still have the sheen on the leather of newness.
Ride in it for a month then look and evaluate what it needs if anything.
You will not keep your saddle in pristine "New" looking condition if you use it only if it sits on a saddle stand and looks "pretty"...
Not a knee rub, stirrup leather rub on the flap...you need to break it in some before going crazy...
jmo.
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mistersmom
Junior Member
Abita Springs, LA
Posts: 3,749
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Post by mistersmom on Aug 21, 2014 15:38:37 GMT
I agree with HL4L - it barely looks broken in to me. It's hard to see the marks that come with riding in our saddles after spending so much money on a new one. But like HL4L said, the only way to keep it looking pristine is to not ride in it. It's natural for the seat area where you sit to change from use, as well as the flaps and straps and everything else.
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Post by horselady on Aug 21, 2014 19:46:33 GMT
I agree with what has been said already, just ride and not worry about the color. perhaps just wear cotton pants, and use a cover for the saddle.
i have one just like that and it has the same marks on it.
it is a great saddle
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nhg
Junior Member
Posts: 2,429
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Post by nhg on Aug 27, 2014 18:29:42 GMT
I think it's beautiful. Your butt will cover the marks anyway.
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Post by Shelly on Aug 27, 2014 18:31:56 GMT
Yea I think i rubbed the finish coat out with my butt while riding lol, Its not as smooth in that spot versus the lighter area on the saddle. I'm still torn that it's like that but not much I can do to change it.
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Post by horselover4life on Aug 27, 2014 21:59:53 GMT
Actually Shelly, I think with use your entire saddle will darken to that color you find objectionable.
The difference is you did it in a quick heavy ride time with sweating ...
You didn't damage the leather.
You probably actually started the break-in process to speed up.
If it really distresses you to look at it...try finding "Tanners Leather Oil". Difficult to find, nearly impossible but some places still have it on the shelf.
It would darker, soften and expedite the break-in period..cover those marks you have.
Pure Neatsfoot Oil will also do the same thing over time and with riding in the saddle it will also occur.
What ever you do don't soak the leather with any commercially made product...very lightly, sparingly applied, allowed to soak in, wipe away the excess, buff and use it before doing it again.
Any product used in excess can actually destroy the leather fibers and quality...and rot the stitching!!
I used the Neatsfoot Oil on my sons western show saddle. It was a very light shade when we bought it...with time and patience, lots of patience I have his saddle now a medium dark color that looks to me a richness and patina of the leather that is really pretty to look at.
jmo.....
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