{"id":6101,"date":"2016-04-22T14:40:02","date_gmt":"2016-04-22T04:40:02","guid":{"rendered":"\/?p=6101"},"modified":"2026-04-22T22:36:59","modified_gmt":"2026-04-22T12:36:59","slug":"care-leather-bridle-saddle","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/naturalhorseworld.com\/stage\/care-leather-bridle-saddle\/","title":{"rendered":"How to care for your leather bridle and saddle"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Oakwood<\/a>
Oakwood leather care products are the best for all your tack maintenance.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

There are three basic products that help to maintain leather tack in good order. \u00a0 These are saddle soap, cream\u00a0conditioner and\u00a0oil.
\nI recommend Oakwood\u00a0products because every saddler and leather worker I’ve asked, say they are the best. I’ve also used them personally and am very happy with the results.<\/p>\n

The following leather care\u00a0instructions\u00a0are by Rick Allen – the Mobile Saddler<\/p>\n

Regular Maintenance for Leather<\/h4>\n

The three main enemies of leather are Water, Heat and Neglect.<\/p>\n

Water, particularly if it is hot, melts and removes natural fats and waxes. Whilst heat dries it out. Neglect will cause a deterioration of leather and stitching which can lead to breakage under strain and a constant risk to the safety of the rider.<\/p>\n

There is no set time period for cleaning a saddle, bridle or any other leather tack. It is simply a matter of learning to recognise the visual signs when treatment is needed by the feel of the leather, the conditions under which it has been used and how often.<\/p>\n

There are, however, a number of do\u2019s and don\u2019ts that must be understood if leather tack is to be maintained in a sound and safe condition. These are:<\/p>\n

\u2022 Avoid excessive oiling, particularly saddles. Too frequent oiling opens up the pores in the leather to the extent that the leather becomes dull, lifeless and unattractive in appearance. Over oiling girth points can cause serious stretching, weakness and breakage. An over oiled saddle may become uncomfortable because of stretching and excess oil will spoil the rider\u2019s clothes.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Never use mineral oils on leather.<\/p>\n

\u2022 When a saddle or other leather tack has been cleaned, never force dry it in front of the radiator or another heat source. Force drying will make the leather fibres hard and brittle. Restoration to its original condition is almost impossible.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Do not leave it out in the sun for prolonged periods.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Regularly check all saddle stitching particularly where girth straps are attached to the saddle, buckles, point pockets and any other stitching that holds the saddle together. Examine the stirrup bars for movement caused by stretching.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Never oil chrome leather girth points and avoid excessive oiling of vegetable tanned leather.<\/p>\n

\"Care
Care for your leather tack and it will last for many years, and stay safe.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Other Saddlery & Tack<\/h4>\n

All other tack should be cleaned thoroughly with saddle soap first.<\/p>\n

Bridles:<\/strong> As discussed earlier, take them apart\u00a0and either cream the grain, oil the flesh or use wax on both instead.<\/p>\n

Reins:<\/strong> Lightly oil flesh side, and cream or wax the grain. Be aware they may become slippery when wet. Cotton or rubber gripped reins may be washed.<\/p>\n

Surcingles:<\/strong> Cream the grain side, oil the flesh or use wax on both instead.<\/p>\n

Girths (Leather)<\/strong>: Cream or wax. Don\u2019t oil them as they may stretch.<\/p>\n

Girths (Synthetic):<\/strong> Wash by hand or place in a tied pillowcase in the washing machine.\u00a0Be sure to lightly oil the buckles after they have dried.<\/p>\n

Halters\/Nosebands:<\/strong>\u00a0Use cream and oil. Be aware\u00a0of chrome padding on nosebands \u2013 use cream or wax only on chrome leather.<\/p>\n

Stirrup leathers:<\/strong> Cream or wax. Oil may cause stretching (I usually only oil when new or really stiff).<\/p>\n

Breastplates,\/Martingales:<\/strong> Cream or wax; oil if really stiff. Be aware of padding, which is usually chrome \u2013 don\u2019t oil!<\/p>\n

Leather Saddlebags:<\/strong> Cream or wax only.<\/p>\n

Saddlecloths:<\/strong> Wash by hand, lay on a flat surface, scrub using mild detergent, hose off and hang over a rail to dry. Do not put in the washing machine or tumble dryer, as this will disturb the stuffing and may cause it to bunch.<\/p>\n

Rope Halters and \u00a0Lead Ropes:<\/strong> These can be placed inside a pillowcase and put in the washing machine. Be sure to lightly oil the fittings after they have dried.<\/p>\n

If you’d like to learn\u00a0more about caring for tack and saddlery, Rick\u00a0has a book on Saddlery Care & Maintenance\u00a0you can download for under $9.<\/p>\n

The Natural Horse World Store now stocks Oakwood leather care products –\u00a0we recommend them for all leather LightRider Bitless bridles.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

There are three basic products that help to maintain leather tack in good order. \u00a0 These are saddle soap, cream\u00a0conditioner and\u00a0oil. I recommend Oakwood\u00a0products because every saddler and leather worker I’ve asked, say they are the best. I’ve also used them personally and am very happy with the results. The 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