How to Condition a Used Saddle

No matter what kind of horse you own or what style of riding you enjoy, it is important to have a quality saddle. A good saddle will help you be safer and more secure while you ride, so it is important to invest in the best saddle you can afford. But with the prices of new saddles so high, many owners find that buying and reconditioning a used saddle is a more cost effective solution. If you watch the classified ads and attend tack auctions you can find some very good deals on used saddles--if you know how to clean and condition those saddles.

Things You'll Need

  • Saddle soap
  • Linseed oil
  • Saddle stand
  • Silver polish
  • Clean cloth
  • Water
  • Mink oil
  • Toothbrush
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place the saddle on a sturdy saddle stand or saddle rack. Mix up a solution of saddle soap and water, mixing the solution until it is thick and foamy. Wet a cloth with the solution and go over the saddle leather thoroughly. If the saddle has not been used for awhile it may take several cleanings to remove all the dirt.

    • 2

      Use a toothbrush dipped in the saddle soap solution to clean the fine leather work and get into the crevices of the saddle. Many western saddles have fancy leather work, and this leather often accumulates dirt and debris. Using the toothbrush will help you get into those cracks and crevices.

    • 3

      Dip a clean cloth in linseed oil and rub it over the saddle to clean, shine and protect the leather. Use the toothbrush to rub the linseed oil into the cracks and crevices. Be sure to rub the oil into the stirrups and stirrup leathers, as these parts of the saddle need to withstand hard use.

    • 4

      Rub mink oil into the saddle to protect it from moisture. Mink oil is available at tack shops, and at many stores that sell leather coats and garments. Moisten a clean cloth, dip it in the mink oil, and rub it over the saddle leather.