Need saddle help!!!!!!!!!!!!?

Question

i recentley got a saddle from a friend for free. its an extra and she had no use for it. anyway, it had been sitting (perhaps in a wet place) for a VERY long time and it had mildew on it. I got the mildew off and am working on making the leather not as stiff, but the seat is crunching. i talked to Dover Saddelry and they told me to use leather cpr and if that doesnt work to get the seat replaced. i dont know if the leather is just dry or if the seat padding is rotting, so i'll try using leather cpr. My question is: how much does it usually cost to get the padding of a seat of a saddle replaced? thanks to anyone whos answers. also, what are some other leather therapies? thanks sooo much =)

Answer 1

If the seat is rotted all the way through, you might have to replace the whole tree. I don't know how much this costs, it usually varies. Leather conditioner is good, but dont overdo it because it can make the leather too moiste, defeating the purpose of what your trying to do. If the leather is too rotted, you may just need to replace the whole saddle. And I don't know if you've thought of this already, but make sure the saddle fits the horse that you normally ride. If it doesn't it can hurt his withers, shoulders, even kidneys if it slides back too far. Good Luck!

Answer 2

Use a good leather moisturizer.  (I don't know "leather cpr")  

Keep applying it as directed; you may need several applications.    Let it sit awhile between applications so the product can be absorbed.   When you've got it as restored as possible, look for a leather cleaning product that addresses mildew.  If you don't kill the mildew spores, it'll come right back as soon as it's in a humid environment.

WARNING:  with a saddle that might be dry-rotted or damaged, check the billet straps well.   They're easy to have replaced.    You don't need the girth coming off as you're riding!    You can try moisturizing them, but if they're badly cracked or crumbly, have new ones put on.

I'd also check the flocking in a saddle that's been sitting so long in a questionable environment.     You don't want it rock-hard.    A saddle fitter can re-flock for you.  Price really varies alot, so you'll have to call around to those local to you.

Replacing the whole seat may be expensive to so it right & make it look nice.    It may not be worth spending hundreds on if you can get a good used saddle for a few hundred.

Answer 3

I used to use "Saddle Soap"  it really cleaned the leather and kept it supple. Good luck