How can i fix an old English Saddle?

Question

Um, I'm a horseback rider ive been riding horses (english) for 5 years anyway. My aunty used to ride and she had a very nice english saddle that my dad found its really nice it was a bit over one grand.

None of the stitches are out.

Would saddle soap and oil do the trick?

Answer 1

If this is a valuable saddle, don't use cheapo products on it.  Use a good quality saddle soap and conditioner.  Doing it several times lightly is much better than one massive drowning wash and slathering of conditioner.  Either way, you should condition it several times over the next week or so, until the leather can't absorb any more.  Then buff it good with a soft cloth

Oil appears to soften and moisten, bit it's actually not real good for the leather.

If it's light colored, use a saddle soap and leather conditioner designed for light colors; they change really easily.

Hope it fits!

Answer 2

Is it a dressage saddle?  All purpose? Jumping?  Any brand name?  The first thing to do is check the tree..put the cantle on your thigh, and hold it and the pommel...then try to rotate the ends in opposite directions.  If there is movement, the tree is broken and the saddle is a throw away.

English saddles are not typically oiled....a good leather conditioner is all you should use on it.

Answer 3

i suggest that you use glycerin. use a tiny bit of water. also i suggest if it  has cracks or is hard use oil.

Answer 4

yeah! you can fix it up really nice.

sure saddle soap will clean, but after you have cleaned it then you can use leather conditioner. this will also help soften it up.

GOOD LUCK!

Answer 5

Well if it's in good condition outside of it being dry there shouldn't be a problem with you cleaning it and using it.  You didn't tell us what BRAND of saddle it is, that would help in us telling you what your Auntie used it for.

Answer 6

use murphys saddle soap that really gets the grime off also you can use terpintine on the sturps to make them extra shiny