Safe Storage of old tack?

Question

I have a couple old saddles from the 1920's thru the 1960's that I don't use on a regular basis. They are stored on racks in the house and covered, but I have noticed small tuffs of sheepskin coming loose and falling out. Is there anything I can do to keep the sheepskin intact? Why is it falling out. (we can rule out mice).

thanks !

Answer 1

If your house has central air they can get 'dehydrated'.  If you don't have a humidifyer, I guarantee they're drying out.

As for the sheepskin getting loose tufts, think mites.  Anything organic is subject to predation by tiny critters.   The least harmful thing to do is to get Sevin dust (7%).   Flip the saddles onto their backs and dust the Sevin into the wool.  

You don't have to use much, just get even coverage, work it down with your fingertips.  When you turn the saddle back over, give it a bit of a shake to remove the excess.

Obviously this should be done outdoors or in a very well ventilated area.  As to the drying effect of A/C, going over the saddles underside with a wet sponge will help keep them from becoming like iron.  At least once a year, a regular cleaning.

Answer 2

Good luck in order to keep saddles and tack in good condition it really should be used regularly.  O.K.  we can't all use all of our tack regularly...I have 5 saddles and can only use one at a time.  I have a saddle that is about 100 years old...I have used  this saddle as my number one trail saddle for years,and it was looking pretty good. but lately  have graduated onto a modern trooper saddle that fits my modern horse bodies better.  So I have to find ways of dealing with nature and time..I have  found that if you have the synthetic sheep skin under the saddle that sure helps with the mites and moths eating away at it.  As for the leather getting dry and parched or mouldy...that is going to happen, either we store them in a too dry place or a too damp place.we can oil them and keep them clean but time takes its toll....like I say, one has to use these saddles on a regular basis to do them justice.

Answer 3

I bet John would know (he's the y/a saddle guru).

There are some others here that are experienced with vintage tack too.

Lets wait and see. I'm sure someone can give you some helpful advice.

Good Luck, I am curious to know the answer too!