How to Oil a Saddle With Neatsfoot Oil

Whether your saddle cost $100 or $1,000, it is important to care for it properly. A well maintained saddle can last for decades, while a neglected one will start to show its age in only a few years. Cleaning and preserving your saddle with neatsfoot oil is one of the best ways to extend its useful life and its good looks.

Things You'll Need

  • Saddle
  • Saddle stand
  • Neatsfoot oil
  • Soft cloths
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place the saddle on a sturdy saddle rack or stand. Be sure to remove any saddle blankets or other pieces of tack that could be stained by the neatsfoot oil.

    • 2

      Hold a clean cloth over the bottle of neatsfoot oil and tip the bottle up to thoroughly coat the cloth.

    • 3

      Go over the entire surface of the saddle with the neatsfoot oil. Make sure you get into all the nooks and crannies, including the tooling on the saddle.

    • 4

      Allow the neatsfoot oil to remain on the saddle for 10 to 15 minutes, then use a clean cloth to wipe away the excess. Let the saddle dry completely before using it.