If you want to help your saddle last for a lifetime, follow these recommended steps.
Leather Cleaning
In order to keep your saddle soft and supple, you will want to put it on a cleaning schedule. You have a lot invested in your tack, so take time to properly care for it. For a dirty saddle, it is recommended to use Leather Therapy Wash or Castile Soap and a damp cloth. Use this on a small inconspicuous area first to get a feel for the amount to apply and the technique you want to use. Spray or wipe your saddle, including the backside of your fenders, as these can be especially dirty. You may have to rinse or get a new cloth regularly, depending on the amount of dirt on your saddle.
The Perfect Care for Waxwear on Lightweight Saddles
Your waxwear canvas fabric is extremely durable, and with use, it will bring out a unique character and special quality in the fabric that no other material could offer.
To clean and condition: Lightly brush off dried mud and dirt with a brush. Start with plain water for cleaning. Hose it off, gently use a scrub brush, rinse, and let it dry.
For stubborn spots or stains, a mild bar soap, flake soap, or saddle soap may help clean specific areas. Test a small area first. Less is more.
If you find the canvas drying out and wish to re-treat it, you may wish to re-wax. In our online store, you will find a wax conditioner from Martexin. It’s their original formula and should be used sparingly. Warm up the canvas and the can of wax a little bit. Sunshine works, so does a hair dryer. Rub a little of the wax conditioner in, apply a little more heat so the wax sinks into the canvas, then let it cool and dry. Repeat if necessary, but don’t overdo it. A little is all you need.
Leather Conditioning
Conditioning is an important process for maintaining your saddle’s life. If you are in a dry climate or ride in the rain, you will want to condition your saddle often. Take time to use a leather conditioner that contains no synthetics. We use Tack Butter, Leather Therapy Conditioner, or Fiebing’s Pure Neatsfoot Oil. While applying conditioner to your saddle, this is the best time to carefully inspect each piece. Be aware of any loose parts or damage that may have occurred during use of your saddle. If you need any replacement parts, speak with our customer service team, and we can order those for you.
Apply a coat of leather conditioner to all leather parts of your saddle, front and backside. If you find your saddle soaks up the conditioner quickly, try applying another coat. If any conditioning product isn’t being absorbed, just wipe it off with a dry cloth. For very tight and hard-to-reach places, try using a small soft paintbrush. Dab the ends in your conditioner and apply in those hard-to-get spots. If you are an arena rider or do not ride that often and only in nice weather, you may not have to condition your saddle as often.
Storing Tack
Your saddle should be stored on a commercial or handmade saddle stand in a dry, climate-controlled room if possible. We recommend using a fleece wrap for your saddle stand. This will help prevent your saddle from getting pressure points from the metal bars of the saddle stand. It’s also highly recommended that you make sure your saddle is always sitting straight. Always cover your saddle to keep it free from dust. Dust is actually sharp and very harmful to your leather. Try not to stack your saddles, as this can cause unwanted dents in the leather, suede, and wool flocking. When traveling, we recommend that you lay your saddle in a padded carrier or on a clean blanket on its side.