New leather bridle...oiling?

[chickflick1066]

I tried Stumpy's new bridle on today. It's lush, our first proper leather bridle with a gorgeously wide noseband to flatter her cobby little head.

Only thing is, it's as stiff as anything. Now, seeing as it's my first proper leather bridle, how do I go about oiling it? I don't want it too soft but I don't want to ruin it either.

I was told, a good 12hr soaking in veggie oil should do the job? What do you do with it once it's been oiled?!

[Daffy Dilly]

I'd use something more like the Stubben Hamanol rather than liquid oil. I find it supples rather than makes it greasy, and in my experience, good quality leather goes mouldy faster when its been oiled as opposed to having a balm applied.

I just apply the stuff as regularly as needed, leaving it to sink in each time. Alternatively, I've had very good results using hand cream on my leather gloves.

[coss]

i've heard of people using neatsfoot oil to soak it. i use warm flexilan, brush on and then use saddle soap to remove the excess, doesn't take many cleans to get the leather nice and supple.

[Joyscarer]

I'm a neatsfoot oil fan. Works a treat just brush it on, leave it and wipe off the excess next morning although there was nothing to wipe off my new bridle and it suppled up a treat :)

[DITZ]

Belvoir tack conditioner. Spray it onto a cloth instead of onto the bridle otherwise you'll waste a lot. Flexalan is good too although its a bit messy for bridles as needs to be painted on and with thin straps it tends to go everywhere!

[ponylover88]

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[Kadi]

Thanks for that Chickflick.

Was going to ask the same question, my new bridle should arrive any day now.

xxx

[Trewsers]

I use neatsfoot oil - when I can be bothered (shameful person who never looks after her tack). I have heard tho that it can rot the stitching? Not sure about that one. Perhaps try saddle soaping it to soften it? How thrilling a new bridle! Hope you get lots of happy rides from Stumps wearing it!!!

[chickflick1066]

Trewers, we're doing a bit of showing this year, and maybe a bit of SJing :eek: so hopefully pics should be in plentiful supply! :D

Kadi, no problems :)

Thanks for the recommendations guys :)