How to Restore Horse Saddles

A top-quality western or English saddle can cost well more than $1,000 if you buy it new. Because of this, many horse owners look for bargains on used saddles. If you can find a used saddle that is structurally sound and only in need of some TLC, you can save a lot of money and get an excellent saddle for your efforts. Taking a few days to clean up and restore an old saddle potentially can save you hundreds of dollars.

Things You'll Need

  • Saddle stand
  • Saddle soap
  • Soft cloths
  • Sponges
  • Toothbrush
  • Neat's-foot oil
  • Mink oil
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Instructions

    • 1

      Assess the condition of the saddletree, or frame, before buying a used saddle. Grasp the sides of the saddle and pull as hard as you can. You should not feel any twisting or looseness inside the saddle. If the saddletree is damaged, you can get it repaired or replaced at a good saddle shop, but expect to pay a few hundred dollars for the work. Adjust your offer price accordingly, if you decide you want to buy the saddle.

    • 2

      Place the saddle on a sturdy stand in an area that allows you to move freely to all four sides. Wet a sponge or soft cloth and wring it out until it is only damp.

    • 3

      Clean any visible mud, dust and dirt off the surface of the saddle with the damp cloth. Do not scrub the saddle leather because this could force the dirt more deeply into the leather's grain. Go over each section of the saddle one section at a time until all surface dirt is removed. The surface may need to be cleaned several times, depending on the condition of the saddle.

    • 4

      Use a dampened toothbrush to clean dirt out of the leather tooling. A soft bristle brush works best. Clean the saddle slowly and carefully to avoid damaging the leather.

    • 5

      Dampen a cloth and dip it into a can of saddle soap. Work up a good lather and go over the saddle one small section at a time. Change cloths each time the cloth being used becomes soiled. You do not want to introduce dirt back into the leather grain. Continue to clean each section one at a time until no more dirt remains.

    • 6

      Wipe away any remaining saddle soap with a soft cloth and allow the saddle to dry. Dip a soft cloth in the neat's-foot oil and rub it into the leather. Use caution when using this type of oil on light-colored saddles because it can darken the leather. It is best to test its use on a small area before using the oil on the entire saddle. It is not necessary to use a large amount of the neat's-foot oil on the saddle. Instead, use a small amount and allow it to soak into the leather. Allow the oil to soak into each section of the saddle as you work, then wipe away the excess with a soft dry cloth.

    • 7

      Dip a damp cloth in a can of mink oil and rub it over the saddle, concentrating on the stirrups, stirrup leathers and other areas that are likely to get wet when you ride.