I have a squeaky western saddle?

Question

can i use linseed oil to make my saddle stop squeaking or would it damage my saddle.

Answer 1

I've used small does of olive oil to oil my saddles. They do get darker but they look very nice and it breaks them in so there isn't any squeaking. Also try some saddle soap and leather conditioner to loosen them up and clean them.  

Answer 2

wen that was happening to my friend and his wife told him to just use some baby powder and it worked pritty good, i wouldnt use it if it was an expensive saddle but u could try it

Answer 3

turn it upside down and put baby powder on the underpart of the saddle...between leathers and so forth...lol.......thats what we do to our ropen' saddles....it works really good.......hope i helped

Answer 4

linseed oil, or leather new.

Answer 5

I use Neatsfoot oil on the underside only..don't get the darkening oil....just the regular.  I've used this for 50 plus years...I haven't heard of using linseed oil.  Neatsfoot has the properties desired for oiling your saddle. The only way to stop the squeaks is to oil it, then use it, then oil it again, etc. until there are no more squeaks.

Answer 6

You may think I'm joking, but I'm not this is the old cowboy way.  Toss your saddle in  a brook or water trough, let it soak for awhile.  Then put it on your horse and ride for awhile.  This will ensure it dries to your shape but good leather won't be stiff at all afterwards and will remain soft.  If it still squeaks it's the tree.  

Answer 7

linseed oil will dye the leather.  

Answer 8

I'm not sure I would use linseed oil for this problem.  Instead, try a really good quality leather conditioner like Lexol.  Condition the saddle often to help alleviate squeaks faster.

You can also turn the saddle upside-down and sprinkle baby powder between the seat jockey and the skirt of the saddle.  You may also have to repeat this process, too.

Answer 9

Your dry stirrup leathers are binding where they pass over the tree.  Un- buckle your leathers and slide the fenders down till you can see the wear marks or the bend in the leather.

Wet it down thoroughly with sponge or spray bottle (water).  Now apply original LEXOL conditioner.  Let it absorb, re-wet and apply more Lexol.  Do this on the flesh (rough) side for at least six inches above and below the fold.

Zee is actually on the right track with that suggestion.

Linseed oil is for wood, NOT leather.

Answer 10

Linseed oil may darken the leather of your saddle. If this is no problem, then oil it. It is the most effective way (IMHO) to get supple leather. Be careful though, you can over-oil your gear and it can become weak.

There is a cleaner-conditioner I really like called "Horseman's One Step" it is a cream and doesn't seem to darken leather, but cleans and supples things up nicely. Only after you've tried to supple up the leather would I resort to baby powder.