Waterproof saddle cover to ride in.. can you get one?

[Bronya]

Just wondering, is there a cover you can put on your saddle if you think it'll rain/it is raining, to stop the leather being damaged by the wet? Would need holes for stirrup leathers I presume...

Anyone?

[Mathew]

Well i think there might be, but i just Mink Oil my saddles and that waterproofs them,and saddle soap cleans and protects leather so there are a few sujestions:)

[MuddyCob]

You can get these from most tack shops - here's an example:http://www.derbyhouse.co.uk/prodshow.asp?id=1795&cat=2&scats=49,93

They have slots for the stirrup leathers to go through.

HTH

[artemis]

Fine, as long as your horse doesn't buck. :D I have vivid memories of being catapulted out of the saddle.

[c2b]

I made one for my treeless saddle. Beware though when water hits waterproof fabric it causes water to form and run in little rivers. I had freezing water running down between my bum cheeks. No wonder the drivers gave me a wide berth. Insane granny laughing her head off in the pouring rain whilst on her 'oss!!!! Saddle was dry though. Next time I will wear waterproof trousers as well.

[iloveshearer]

Just came across this one:

http://www.stockleyonline.co.uk/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=7740&Category_Code=2166

[Daffy Dilly]

They aren't really waterproof though. At least, none of the three I've had have been.

[Cicada<3]

They look kinda slippery. I could just see myself slide off the side.

[Bebe]

I just shove an old wool blanket over the saddle if I'm setting off in the rain, keeps your bum and thighs warm and a bit drier too. It has the advantage of being much less slippery than the ride-on covers you can buy.

If I get caught in the rain vs setting off in it then the saddle just gets wet. As long as you let it dry out naturally and then use an appropriate leather conditioner it should be fine. My SBS got absolutely drenched once when I got caught in a storm that soaked me through to my underwear in about 10 seconds flat and had me tipping water out of my long boots. It took a couple of days for the SBS to dry out, I just sat it in the living room on a saddle stand. Once I'd given it a rub with Stubben Hamanol it was as good as new, you'd never have known. Same goes for my other leatherwork.