How to Quickly Break in a Leather Western Saddle

Leather saddles are very durable, and a well-made saddle can last for decades. Unfortunately, however, new leather can be very stiff, and using the saddle before softening the leather can cause cracks and other damage. Taking the time to break in your new saddle properly can extend its life and its value.

Things You'll Need

  • Saddle stand
  • Saddle soap
  • Neatsfoot oil
  • Leather conditioner
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place the saddle on a sturdy stand in a spot that allows you to move easily around the entire saddle. Dampen a soft cloth and dip it in a can of saddle soap.

    • 2

      Clean the entire surface of the saddle with the saddle soap, focusing on one section at a time. Allow the saddle soap to dry into the leather, then wipe away any excess with another soft cloth.

    • 3

      Dip a soft cloth in a bottle of neatsfoot oil and rub it over an inconspicuous area of the saddle. You can start with the underside of the stirrup fender or another area that is normally hidden from view. Neatsfoot oil is an excellent tool for softening and breaking in new leather saddles, but it can darken light-colored leather as well.

    • 4

      Rub the neatsfoot oil into the rest of the saddle if no darkening was noted on the test area. Work the neatsfoot oil as deeply into the leather as you can to soften the leather and break it in. Work with one section at a time and allow the oil to seep into the grain of the saddle. Wipe away any excess neatsfoot oil.

    • 5

      Use a quality leather conditioner designed for light-colored saddles if the neatsfoot oil darkened the test area. Work the conditioner into the leather one section at a time. Wipe away any excess conditioner after it has seeped into the saddle leather.