New Dressage Saddle - It fits!!!

[Gabrielle]

Hi everyone. I have just received my first ever brand new dressage saddle - and it fits!!!

I must admit that I am not that happy with it because it is so new and slippery. :D

Has anyone got any good ideas about making the leather more supple and non slippery? I have a showing show a week on Saturday and would like to make it more comfortable by then. I am going to use it everytime I ride until then anyway but any ideas would be much appreciated. :)

[Gemma16]

When i got my new saddle i oiled it every day for a week then every time i clean it properly i oil it too. I would also suggest rubbing some saddle soap in too. This should soften it up.

Glad your happy with your new saddle. :D

[Gabrielle]

Thanks Gemma16

The problem with oiling and saddle soaping the top of the saddle is that it gets on to the jodhs and stains them. Perhaps it will be okay on the saddle skirts?

[kedwards]

I wouldn't oil nearly as much as Gemma recommended, but I have never had a problem with staining the way I do it. However, I only oil a new saddle once and I never oil more than once a year. The key is to use a brush, wipe it against the side of the dish so that it is damp but not dripping, and only put one thin layer on at a time. If the first layer soaks in entirely after a short while, I add another thin coat. The underside of the flaps may absorb quite a few layers, but you may only need one on top. Done correctly, there shoudn't be any loose oil on the saddle, as you'll only be putting on the amount that can be absorbed into the leather. If it looks like you did put it on a little thick, wipe it off immediately.

From then on, daily cleaning and regular conditioning can help to break it in and keep it protected. Saddle soap definitely should not stain your breeches, if used correctly.

[Gemma16]

Oh i didn't mean oil the top!! No I wouldn't do that as it takes ages to to soak in a stains the leather well it did mine when i got a bit on as it is brown.

The reason I oiled it so much was becasue the saddler recommended it and it did drink it each time.

I do apply it as Kedwards says though and as stated saddle soap shouldn't stain jods. :)