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Your saddle is an investment that should last for years with proper care and maintenance. Every time you ride, your saddle is exposed to dirt, sweat, and the elements. The more often you ride, the more frequently it will need to be cleaned. This guide will walk you through the process of cleaning your saddle, storing it, and how to know when it’s time to invest in a new one.
It’s a good idea to check with the saddle manufacturer to see what products they recommend using for leather cleaning and conditioning. By following the manufacturer’s guidelines, you should improve the longevity of your saddle.
Here are the items you will need to clean your saddle:
Some manufacturers make a combined leather cleaner and conditioner that you can use if recommended.
Regular cleaning is an important part of saddle care. Ideally, you should clean your saddle every time you use it. At a minimum, keep an eye on it for signs of accumulated dust and dirt, and make sure to clean it then. Here are five simple steps to thoroughly clean your saddle.
The first thing you should do is get your saddle prepared for cleaning. Unfasten buckles and remove fittings so you can access all parts of the saddle. Use a lightly-wet towel and remove dirt, dust, hair, mud, and anything else that may have collected on the saddle.
Using a damp sponge, apply a thin layer of saddle soap, glycerin soap, or leather cleaner to your saddle using a small, circular motion. Make sure you cover the entire leather area of your saddle while avoiding any suede areas. Include the undersides of the leather and between the flaps. This seals the pores and cleans the saddle.
If the saddle is very dirty and the sponge gets soiled, you may need to rinse and reapply several times. You want to continue rubbing a cleaner into your saddle and not the dirt.
Using a lightly-damp towel, wipe the saddle down to remove excess soap residue. Don’t forget to clean the crevices and folds where the residue can accumulate as leaving it on your saddle can damage it over time. If there’s a tight, hard-to-reach area, you can use a cotton swab.
Use a non-detergent leather conditioner, and make sure you don’t over-apply. Using too much conditioner on your saddle can penetrate through to the padding or the tree which can cause damage over time. Use leather conditioner sparingly and be sure to follow the directions on the label for guidance from the manufacturer.
Once the leather is taken care of, you want to then clean the metal fittings and wipe them with a dry cloth to remove any excess cleaner. If your saddle has silver buckles or trim, apply a quality silver polish making sure you don’t get any on the leather.
It is best to use and clean horse tack daily to maintain it. If you do need to store it for a period of time, make sure you thoroughly clean and moisturize it first. It's best to keep your saddle in a temperature-controlled environment as extreme heat and cold are detrimental to leather.
Cover your saddle in fabric or newspaper to enable the leather to breathe while keeping it free of dust and dirt. And be sure to check it occasionally for mildew. It’s a good idea to condition it regularly to make sure it doesn’t dry out. Also, leather can attract rodents when food is scarce, so be sure to secure your saddle in a safe place.
When you regularly clean your saddle, take the time to inspect it to make sure it’s wearing well. If you find the stitching is loosening or popping, it’s time to consider repairing or possibly replacing your saddle. Here are a few other things to look for:
Depending on the repair cost with a saddler and the age and state of your saddle, it may make more sense to replace your saddle than to repair it. You have the option to look for a new saddle, or if you are on a budget, you can look around to buy a used saddle.
When you clean your saddle correctly and regularly, it gives you the opportunity to inspect it for damage early to help save on costly repairs. Proper care, maintenance, and storage of your saddle will increase its longevity, providing for many years of enjoyable and safe riding with your horse.
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Jan Glenn
February 10, 2022
Excellent article! Clear and concise. I might add that, during this process, you may wish to turn this process into a tack cleaning party. Invite your horsey besties to bring their saddles and some pizza. Dig out a bottle or two of red and watch the original ‘National Velvet’ while cleaning! Makes the work easier?!? Faster!?! Definitely more fun.