How to Oil a Western Saddle

Western saddles are used primarily as working saddles by "cowboys," that is, men and women who work regularly on horses on ranches in the western United States. These saddles feature saddle horns at the front, useful for holding rope and as a handle for the rider. These saddles are often quite expensive, so regular maintenance is worthwhile for this investment. While oiling your saddle might seem too labor intensive at first, the process moves much more quickly once you're familiar with it.

Things You'll Need

  • Oil soap
  • Leather oil
  • Clean sponges or cloth rags
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Instructions

    • 1

      Clean the leather portions of the saddle with a cleaning agent, such as Murphy's Oil Soap. For a cheap but effective alternative, try Castile soap. Apply the soap to a sponge or a clean, dry cloth, and apply it to the saddle in a circular motion. Wipe the excess soap from the saddle with a separate clean cloth.

    • 2

      Apply the leather oil of your choice to a clean, dry sponge. You can purchase this at most stores that sell leather products like saddles and boots. You can use mink oil, saddle soap or any other leather conditioning oil. Do not soak the sponge. Rub the oiled sponge on the leather portions of the saddle in circular motions. Focus on one section at a time.

    • 3

      Allow the saddle to dry for at least 24 hours before you use it.

    • 4

      Repeat this process at least twice a week. You may want to do this more or less frequently, depending on how often you use the saddle. Eventually, as the saddle is oiled more and more, this maintenance does not have to be more than once a week.