Saddle Cleaning and Conditioning

If you care for your saddle correctly, it can last forever.  Most people know that it's a good idea to take care of their tack, but it might not be immediately obvious what proper care is.  Here are the basics on cleaning and conditioning your saddle.  Combine them with good handling and storage practices, and your saddle will stay with you for a lifetime.

Whether it's synthetic or leather, your saddle will need regular cleaning and conditioning.  Saddles that see more use will require more frequent conditioning and cleaning.  Leather saddles are durable, but require care to stay strong and supple.  Dryness, sweat, and dirt will cause your leather saddle to harden and crack.

Synthetic saddles are often said to be easier to clean, but this isn't always the case.  The way the saddle is made will have a lot to do with ease of cleaning.  Better quality saddles are much easier to clean, and some inexpensive synthetic saddles just aren't able to bounce back from getting dirty or from extensive cleaning.

Saddles you use every day should be cleaned and conditioned once every two to three months.  Saddles that are used less frequently can be cleaned and conditioned a few times a year.  Just remember that if you do this job more often, it's less annoying and unpleasant.  Incorporate good care of your saddle into your routine, and you'll find it much less of a problem.

Cleaning and Conditioning Products

Soap - For a soap, avoid liquid types.  They add too much moisture to your saddle.  Try a paste type saddle soap or a glycerine bar soap and tack sponges.  Synthetic saddle cleaners are also useful.

Oiling - The traditional material for this is pure neatsfoot oil, from the hooves of cattle.  Avoid synthetic or adulterated neatsfoot oils, which can damage your tack.

Conditioners - Look for a quality leather cream to condition your tack with.

Rawhide Cream - Rawhide must also be conditioned.  There are specialty products out there to help clean, preserve, and soften it.

To Clean Your Leather Saddle

First, place your saddle on its stand, then remove all attachments, including the breast collar, cinches and stirrups.  Wipe the saddle down with a dry cloth to remove dirt and dust.  Choose a glycerin gel or bar soap, or a yellow saddle soap paste to clean the saddle, creating a thick lather with as little water as possible and a sponge.

You should wash the whole saddle and its leather attachments.  Make sure to carefully work every section, cleaning both sides.  Areas that come into contact with your horse will need special attention, as will areas where the flesh side of leather faces outward.  Consider using stiff brushes here, and a smaller, softer brush for tight areas and tooling.

Use a small amount of warm water and a rag or sponge to remove all the soap.  Then allow your saddle to dry in a place with little moisture, but don't leave it near direct heat or in the sun.

Condition your saddle using conditioning cream or oil.  Oil your saddle only once or twice a year, and never when it's dirty.  Never oil the flesh side of the leather or any rawhide - just the smooth side.  Apply it evenly to avoid spotting, and use the smallest amount you can to get good coverage.  Then, let the saddle rest for an hour, wipe off excess oil or conditioner and buff the saddle.