Saddle Cleaning & Conditioning

Saddles are one of the necessary expenses of riding.  A good quality saddle will last for years and could possibly be the only saddle you ever have to buy.  While the initial investment can raise your eyebrows , if not take your breath away, proper cleaning and conditioning may allow a nice return on your money when you sell it.  It makes sense (and cents) to take good care of your saddle.

While traditional wisdom says your saddle should be cleaned after every use, that approach my not be practical for you.  Always clean your equipment before a show. Horse Hardware has an assortment of quality cleaning products for use on all leather products.  Pick some up at Horse Hardware and have a rainy day full of fun, cleaning your tack!!

By following the simple steps below you’re sure to have a clean saddle in no time. The supplies that you will need for an expert clean are; mild saddle soap, leather conditioner, small sponge, towels, small bucket or bowl of water, soft bristle brush and cotton swabs.

1. Gather your supplies
2. Strip saddle of leathers and stirrups
3. Dampen sponge, Squeeze out, and work up foam from saddle soap
4. Apply soap to saddle, working in circular motions
5. Use cotton swabs to clean small, hard to reach areas
6. Clean off excess soap with clean, damp sponge
7. Apply light layer of good quality leather conditioner, such as Pure Neats Foot Oil
8. Use soft bristle brush to clean suede
9. Clean metal fittings and stirrups with water
10. Reassemble!