Inspired by the Western Shoppe Saddle Care Challenge, we decided to delve deep into saddle care, maintenance, and storage.
Why saddle care matters?
A well-maintained saddle is crucial for your horse’s comfort and the longevity of your saddle. Here are our top tips for keeping your saddle in tip-top shape.
1. Maintenance
Giving your saddle a quick clean after each ride is the first step in maintenance. Sweat, dirt, and hair can accumulate, leading to leather deterioration, so preventing build-up by tackling the issue after every ride is an absolute game-changer. For most people, wiping the saddle down is all that is needed, with a proper clean (as outlined below) every few rides:
2. Regular cleaning
Cleaning and conditioning your saddle is super important. Supple, strong, nourished leather helps your saddle last longer and look good! Have a different sponge ready for each step:
1. Clean your saddle well with a leather cleaner to remove dirt, grease, and sweat. Several leather soap cleaner options are available, including traditional bars, liquids that can be conveniently sprayed, and cleaning wipes.
2. If your saddle feels dry and the leather looks dull, use some good quality leather oil on all leather parts except the panels (that sit on your pony’s back). Let the oil soak into the leather for an hour. Your saddle will have a richer colour and a more nourished look to it after oiling!
3. After oiling, apply a light layer of leather balsam to all leather areas, even the panels, if they need it. Balsam locks in the oil, keeps the leather moist, and stops it from cracking.
2. Deep cleaning
A deep cleaning session should be conducted periodically, depending on the frequency of use and the conditions in which you ride. Deep cleaning involves disassembling parts of the saddle to ensure every nook and cranny is addressed.
Steps for deep cleaning:
1. Disassemble the saddle: Remove stirrup leathers, girth straps, and other detachable parts.
2. Clean and condition: Follow the regular cleaning steps above for each part of the saddle. Pay special attention to areas that are often missed, like the underside of the saddle.
3. Reassemble carefully: Ensure all parts are dry before putting the saddle back together to prevent mould and mildew growth.
3. Storage
Proper storage is vital for keeping your saddle in good condition.
Tips for storing your saddle:
1. Use a saddle stand: Always store your saddle on a stand to maintain its shape and prevent warping.
2. Keep it in a cool, dry place: Avoid storing your saddle in damp areas or direct sunlight. Excessive moisture can cause mould, while sunlight can dry out and crack the leather.
3. Cover the saddle: Use a saddle cover to protect it from dust and accidental damage.
4. Routine inspections
Regular inspections help catch issues early before they become significant problems.
What to check during inspections:
1. Stitching and seams: Look for loose or broken stitching and have it repaired promptly.
2. Leather condition: Check for cracks, dryness, or signs of wear. Condition leather as needed.
3. Tree integrity: Ensure the saddle tree (the internal framework) is not damaged. A broken tree can harm both the horse and rider.
5. Professional maintenance
Sometimes, professional care is necessary to maintain your saddle’s condition.
When to seek professional help:
1. Adjustments: To ensure good saddle fit, your saddle will need adjusting or reflocking periodically. Make sure to get your saddle fitter to check your saddle every three months or more often if you are worried about fit.
2. Major repairs: If there are significant issues with the leather, tree, or other components, a professional saddler should handle the repairs.
NOTE
Leather saddles and synthetic saddles are cared for very differently. If you have a saddle made with synthetic material, use a good quality cleaner (as recommended by the brand), and you are good to go!
Final thoughts
Caring for your saddle is an investment in your horse’s comfort and your own riding experience. By incorporating these maintenance practices into your routine, you can ensure that your saddle remains in excellent condition, providing years of reliable use. Happy riding!