Black leather saddle in need of restoration!?

Question

I have a black leather saddle that I have owned for about 6 years. I have recently begun to notice that the flaps are developing a splotchy brown discoloration. I cleaned the saddle with Lexol saddle soap and applied conditioner - however, these brown splotches remain. Anyone know what can be done?

Answer 1

The brown patches you are talking about are wear marks. They are caused by your clothes or your boots rubbing against the flaps of the saddle- and apart from regularly cleaning and conditioning the leather with something that has a tendency to darken it, there is not much you can do to prevent this or correct it. The only really good darkening agents that I am aware of are Lexol conditioner and neatsfoot oil. Both of these will work, but they must be used sparingly, as too much of either one will make the saddle impossible to ride in ( it will be slippery) or, in the case of the oil, will rot the stitching if it is used on the billets or cinch straps. Also, be aware that these conditioners will STAIN clothing and show attire- this is important to remember if you are competing. Try the Lexol first- that is what I use on my tack for this kind of thing. Good luck, and I hope this helps.

Answer 2

You could either take it to your local tack shop or you could try to use a black leather dye on it.