How to Fix a Dry Rotted Saddle

With brand new saddles costing hundreds or even thousands of dollars, it pays to seek out a bargain whenever and wherever you can. If you can find an old saddle that has seen better days, you may be able to pick it up for a very good price and restore it to good condition. Fixing a dry rotted saddle and making it usable again is not always easy, but if you are willing to put in the time and effort you can save yourself a lot of money.

Things You'll Need

  • Saddle stand
  • Leather conditioner
  • Saddle soap
  • Soft cloth
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Instructions

    • 1

      Ask an expert to assess the condition of the saddle tree and the fleece or sheepskin lining underneath the saddle. Chances are the sheepskin lining will need to be completely replaced, but if the tree is still in good condition you can bring the saddle back to usable condition by treating the leather properly. A saddle maker can replace the sheepskin lining on the saddle after you have restored the leather.

    • 2

      Place the saddle on a sturdy stand. Soak a soft cloth with leather conditioner and slowly work that conditioner into the saddle. Work on one section at a time, using a circular motion and letting the conditioner seep as deeply into the leather as it can.

    • 3

      Repeat the conditioning process for each section at least three or four times. You need to really let the conditioner penetrate the leather as deeply as possible to repair as much of the damage as you can. Wipe away the excess conditioner after each treatment, then allow the leather to dry before you apply the next coating of leather conditioner. Work the conditioner into each part of the leather before moving on to the next step.

    • 4

      Dip a damp cloth in saddle soap and start going over the entire leather surface slowly, working on one section at a time like you did with the leather conditioner. Let the saddle soap dry on the leather, then carefully wipe away the excess. Use several applications of saddle soap and finish one section of the saddle before moving on to the next one.