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Saddle Care
INITIAL TREATMENT
A new saddle needs breaking in like a pair of boots. Special attention is needed from the start to take the squeak out and make the leather soft and pliable and the saddle comfortable to ride in. Oil rough out and smooth out leather in exactly the same way. Once you're sure that the saddle is the right size for you, oil the saddle.
Saddles need to be completely dry before oiling.
A liquid saddle dressing like Neatsfoot oil is ideal for a new saddle because it soaks into the leather very easily and it can be poured or squirted (with a kitchen squirt bottle) into hard to reach places. Pure vegetable oil or olive oil is also good.
We don't recommend bullock fat or mutton fat as it is very greasy and messy.
We have also seen disastrous results from people putting hot fat onto leather.
It cooks the leather. Oil the fenders more frequently, especially the backs, to protect from sweat.
Fenders also need to be pliable because of the constant movement.
Frequent oiling of the saddle when it is new will help to take the squeak out sooner and will shape it for a comfortable ride. You may need to oil a new saddle about three times over a few weeks.
WASHING
A used saddle may need to be washed before oiling.
Use warm baby temperature soapy water with a scrubbing brush.
Hose off with clean water.
Allow to dry in a well ventilated, shaded area.
Don't put the saddle out in the sun to dry as the sun shrinks and hardens the leather.
Felt or wool lining can be washed in the same way.
Felt can become hard and glassy if horse sweat is left unwashed.
It is a good idea to have two saddle cloths and wash and change them daily.
Wool needs more care than felt and doesn't have the same life expectancy.
WHEN DRY Rough out leather can be brushed with a wire brush to spruce it up.
Then treat in the same way as a new saddle, making sure the saddle is completely dry before oiling.
STORAGE
Overnight - Ideally your saddle should be placed in a well ventilated, shaded or roofed area when not in use.
If you have to leave your saddle outdoors, a shaded area is best. If not possible, spread a saddle cloth over the saddle. Saddles deteriorate very quickly if left outdoors day and night with no covering. The moist night air swells the leather and the hot sun then contracts and bakes it. Over a period of time the leather shrinks and cracks.
If the saddle isn't going to be used for a while we recommend that you wash it thoroughly and don't oil it, particularly in humid conditions such as in the north during the wet season. Oiled leather attracts mould which can have a disastrous effect on leather.
For medium to long term storage, clean, dry and wipe down saddle with neat vinegar and hang it up or sit it on a rail in a well ventilated shed.
Don't leave a saddle in a closed gear bag in humid conditions for any length of time. Condensation inside the bag encourages mould.
Oil the saddle again when ready for use.
Kent Saddles on a rail at Elsey Station, NT
WHY ROUGH OUT?
Most of our saddles are made either rough out (i.e. flesh side out) or a combination of rough and smooth because:
- We find that the rough side of leather stands up to everyday wear and tear better than the smooth side;
- The strongest part of the leather is the smooth side so it needs to be protected from damage by scratching and rubbing;
- A cut on the smooth side will open up whereas the rough side of leather can be cut half way through without opening up;
- A scratched smooth out saddle doesn't look too good therefore affecting resale value;
- Rough out seats and kneepads also give a better grip.
A well cared for Kent Saddle will last many years with little maintenance.
Lucy Creek Station
“Oiling Kent Saddles - Ready for a Muster”
Lyle and Helen had the privilege of visiting Lucy Creek Station for the first time in 2011, and our arrival coincided with the arrival, by post, of three Kent Saddles, Allan Fogarty immediately put his sons Josh and Todd, Stine Johansen, Dan Edwards, Tilman Fisher, and daughter Lori Fogarty to work, to complete the vital first oilings. The “oiling team” were all pretty happy to comply…. the saddles were going out the next day to be initiated in a muster.
Lauren Vaughan
Blina Station
Following an enjoyable stop over at Blina Station West Kimberly, WA,
Lyle and Helen were ready to leave.
We arrived at Blina having an issue with our generator, and bush
mechanics Stuey Jones and Andy Bates were keen to fix the problem.
There was an enthusiastic and somewhat hilarious night shopping session, coloured by a mood of excitement about the Fitzroy Crossing Campdraft and Rodeo at the weekend.
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 | Walking to the shed to say goodbye, we noticed Lauren doing
something to a Kent Saddle, and detoured to investigate. She was oiling
the saddle with Kent Saddlery Leather Conditioner….. a photo opportunity
not to be missed!
It was a station saddle, and Lauren rides in it. When we complimented
her on the good job she was doing, she was quick to explain that when
the saddle was new, Blina’s Manager, Matt Wood “made me oil it seven
times before I used it!”
We’re always impressed to see our saddles being cared for, and are
convinced that initial and ongoing care guarantees that a Kent Saddlery
Leather product will last for many years.
Click here for more information on Saddle Care, or phone, fax or email us for a free SADDLE &
LEATHER CARE leaflet. |
