Are there any samples left? I’d love to try this! (Sorry if this was already covered; I skipped from page 1 to page 5!)
Renn – I have two very mouthy ponies and none of mine has eaten their tack more using this soap (well, more than they already would – one cannot keep reins out of his mouth, even if they had chili powder on them!)
I would think it would depend on their favorite treat, really – though I will say that most of it is fairly mildly scented. The vanilla lavender smells more like floral than food, though.
Which leads me to this question – what do y’all think about whether I should offer an unscented version?
It occurred to me this morning, that there might be folks that were scent sensitive, or might be put off, being afraid that it would be too strong. One of the competitors that offers a scented soap has a scent that is MUCH stronger than mine. I smelled their vanilla bean on Tuesday and was stunned at how much stronger the scent was than what I make. In fact, I think my scent is sometimes almost not noticeable.
So, what say ye, COTH testers? Did anyone find it too strong? Do you think an unscented would be a good idea?
Thanks!!!
[QUOTE=Bensmom;6934513]
Renn – I have two very mouthy ponies and none of mine has eaten their tack more using this soap (well, more than they already would – one cannot keep reins out of his mouth, even if they had chili powder on them!)
I would think it would depend on their favorite treat, really – though I will say that most of it is fairly mildly scented. The vanilla lavender smells more like floral than food, though.
Which leads me to this question – what do y’all think about whether I should offer an unscented version?
It occurred to me this morning, that there might be folks that were scent sensitive, or might be put off, being afraid that it would be too strong. One of the competitors that offers a scented soap has a scent that is MUCH stronger than mine. I smelled their vanilla bean on Tuesday and was stunned at how much stronger the scent was than what I make. In fact, I think my scent is sometimes almost not noticeable.
So, what say ye, COTH testers? Did anyone find it too strong? Do you think an unscented would be a good idea?
Thanks!!![/QUOTE]
I really like how mild the scent is. It’s pleasant left behind on my hands but the whole room doesn’t smell like it.
You could do unscented, but I’d wait to see how the scents do. Even “unscented” products have a distinct smell that makes them recognizable-- so truly unscented might be a little strange.
Libby, it isn’t a bad idea. As someone with an exceptionally sensitive horse, I do worry just a bit if he’ll react to anything that is added to make the scent (I haven’t used any of the cleaned tack on him yet). I can’t imagine he WILL, but as the shopper that I am when it comes to Toby and his things, I always tend to by the mildest version of whatever we need (ie, I have separate laundry detergent for his things because the general barn detergent is too harsh).
So, not a bad idea, though I can’t imagine anything in this stuff being an issue. The scent is pleasant but not overbearing (I am WAY sensitive to over the top scents), and doesn’t linger around.
Oh, I’m glad it doesn’t seem overbearing – I’m unusually sensitive to heavy smells too, and though I love the smell of vanilla, the other non-named saddle soap was way too strong!
YB – Buzzy was one of those ponies like Toby. Is Toby also allergic to needles? (Have we talked about this? Not allergic like “oh, no! No shots!!” but allergic to the disposable needles silicone coating) Buzz’s reactions became so bad, that the last time a vet had a needle in his vein before I could stop him and bring out the special needles, the area blew up the size of an egg.
That vet never doubted me again. :sigh: It was such standard practice for me to stop anyone who got near him with a needle, I almost halted the vet that euthanized him, and asked him to wait while I ran and got the “right” needle. Hardly mattered at that point, right? Gosh, I miss the little pain in the butt so much that it makes me tear up to type that!
Anyway, I’m so glad you all thought that naming the soaps after special horses was a good idea - 'cause my little monster will live on in all of the citrus-ginger soaps sold!
The whole point of that digression was to say that he never reacted to the soap having been used on his tack. And he was likely to react to anything and everything.
I will be very anxious to see if Toby does ok with it! Please report back on how he does! 
Thank you guys!
Libby
I have a couple of ponies like this. Of course they area ALL chestnuts. Including a new rescue off the track who has a really screwed up system from all the crap he was given (almost like they induced Cushings into him). So we can have a barn full of over reactive test subjects
Gotta love the knots left from the needles on these guys…I hate the needles without the coating but it does make a huge difference.
Gotta love the knots left from the needles on these guys…I hate the needles without the coating but it does make a huge difference.
It does! Even though the needles are the size of spears! FWIW, for joint injections, I found a place in New York state that makes needles, and had some stainless steel ones sent down – the vet triple autoclaved them and they worked fine for him. The first joint injection we ever did, we used a regular disposable needle and he had a flare – mild, but there was a reaction. Scared the hell out of me and I never did that again.
Ok, back to regularly scheduled discussions of saddle soap and tack cleaning!! 
Libby
I just used my Fox’s Vanilla Lavender on my very, very dry Collegiate Eventer saddle along with stirrup leathers, a pair of draw reins that never get used, dog’s collar, leashes and paddock boots.
I enjoyed the scent, would have liked a bit more lavender coming through, but that is just me. Lavender is my favorite scent evar!
I used a ever so slightly damp sponge and worked it on my leather goods and the saddle’s shine came right up! It did not leave a film, and it wiped up the green tint that was happening under the flaps and up and down the billet straps. I buffed it up for a super nice shine!
Dog’s leather collar and leashes all came up super easy and look and feel great. It was a bit tacky at first, but only for a bit.
I am going to reapply in a few days and report back. My saddle has not been cleaned or had an attention in 2 years (I know, bad saddle owner) but after my break I stopped riding. It will be interesting to see how it does on super dry tack (which is what I have).
I love the hand written note and story.
In regards to your questions.
I used to clean the saddle every time I used it (like a good PCer) now it gets covered with clothes.
I liked the scent. It is very pleasant and not over whelming.
The soap’s effectiveness, it wiped away all the green tint (because I am too embarrassed to say mold) very easily.
The soap is very easy to apply.
My hands feel great too. I did not even wash then after applying the soap.
(think lotions Libby!!!)
I will repost after a few days.
ETA: I wanted to mention that I used to ONLY use Stubben soap. Being a former 4 in hand groom, I used to have lots and lots of leather to clean on a daily basis and have tried everything under the sun. Your soap better than Stubben. It glides on better, wipes off better, smells better …should I go on? I have friends that are in high places in the driving world and I will be telling them about your soap.
Thanks again Libby! I will pop goodies for you dog in the mail after the weekend.
Oh and how do I write a review on Etsy?
sounds like I need to try it
YB – Buzzy was one of those ponies like Toby. Is Toby also allergic to needles? (Have we talked about this? Not allergic like “oh, no! No shots!!” but allergic to the disposable needles silicone coating) Buzz’s reactions became so bad, that the last time a vet had a needle in his vein before I could stop him and bring out the special needles, the area blew up the size of an egg.
He’s not that sensitive (omg. Never thought those words would be uttered in regards to Toby!). We do have the whole “touch me with a needle and DIE” issue (by vaccine number 2 yesterday, he was seriously thinking of eating the vet…who, thankfully, fully appreciates Toby’s super villain status and knows how to appease and/or avoid him).
I’ll let you know what his skin thinks of the soap. My gut says it’ll be just fine, though.
Have you set up shipping to Canada at all? I am a stubben saddle soap user and really want to try this soap! Very intrigued…
Com’on international shipping!
OK, so joining the thread late. How do I get some soap? Sample or purchase. Soap that leaves tack nice the day after is worth buying.
I got the soap and used it on my DISGUSTING bridle and breast collar the other day… it works really well!!! I like that it doesn’t make a ton of suds… cuts through filth easily, made the leather feel really nice. All in all I loved it!
I liked the story but I don’t know if I’d put that you were asked to leave a couple barns… shrug I think I’d be more vague than that on that point just because it puts a sour note into what is otherwise a lovely story
And, I barely noticed the scent, I would not mind it having a slightly stronger scent personally I’m hoping you make a frankincense type one and plan to order more in the future because I really LOVE IT!!!
International shipping – how do y’all suggest I estimate shipping to Canada? It doesn’t give me the choice to list “actual shipping.” I am glad to do it, but it won’t list it as an option unless I state how much it is. 
I have used the USPS rate calculator, and it gives me $13.55 for first class, if shipped in a bubble envelope – does that sound about right?
I can make you frankincense – I have it in my kitchen The “Confidence” blend has frankincense in it
I am not going to ship the “story” with the soap – I wrote that mostly for you guys. I did use parts of it on the Etsy shop. My DH votes with you that the part about the barns comes out.
With the packages from the etsy store, I’m shipping soap, directions and info, and a small thank you in each package. I feel like with most of the story on the website, I won’t keep sending that out.
But, since I just became a “Proud Sponsor of the So8ths/Nikon Three-Day Event in the “Heart of the Carolinas" I am going to have to come up with a brochure, so I may start including that in the packages. I need to make one with the nice reviews everyone has given me here!
I’m beginning to wish I’d done things like, oh, developed a logo first. But MissAmandaRose is kicking butt on the PR and marketing end, and she whipped one up for me this afternoon. Whew.
Thank you!!!
I just added your soap to my “Favorites” on Etsy and will be ordering it as soon as I can. Always love supporting small businesses and one of the COTH “family.” Plus, vanilla and lavender are my two all-time favorite scents. :yes: I’ve been an Effax girl for years, but this thread has convinced me that there just might be something even better.
Oh, and Bensmom, I am also going to need a crash-course in Etsy/marketing/etc. once I get my shop going, so don’t feel bad!
[QUOTE=Frizzle;6935022]
Oh, and Bensmom, I am also going to need a crash-course in Etsy/marketing/etc. once I get my shop going, so don’t feel bad![/QUOTE]
Please feel free to PM (and Bensmom, too) for help with this. I ran my own online store for several years and am VERY familiar with Etsy, Shopify, etc.
[QUOTE=Bensmom;6934998]
International shipping – how do y’all suggest I estimate shipping to Canada? It doesn’t give me the choice to list “actual shipping.” I am glad to do it, but it won’t list it as an option unless I state how much it is. I have used the USPS rate calculator, and it gives me $13.55 for first class, if shipped in a bubble envelope – does that sound about right?
I can make you frankincense – I have it in my kitchen The “Confidence” blend has frankincense in it
I am not going to ship the “story” with the soap – I wrote that mostly for you guys. I did use parts of it on the Etsy shop. My DH votes with you that the part about the barns comes out.
With the packages from the etsy store, I’m shipping soap, directions and info, and a small thank you in each package. I feel like with most of the story on the website, I won’t keep sending that out.
But, since I just became a “Proud Sponsor of the So8ths/Nikon Three-Day Event in the “Heart of the Carolinas" I am going to have to come up with a brochure, so I may start including that in the packages. I need to make one with the nice reviews everyone has given me here!
I’m beginning to wish I’d done things like, oh, developed a logo first. But MissAmandaRose is kicking butt on the PR and marketing end, and she whipped one up for me this afternoon. Whew.
Thank you!!![/QUOTE]
$13.55 is probably about right for Canada. What you might try to do is see if you can ship one flat rate box to someone who can parcel it out to fellow canadians. Since the soap can be heavy you might be able to pop 8 jars into a flat rate box for $19 or whatever it is, and then the cost is split over those 8 jars instead of just 1.
Now there is a great idea!
I love how user friendly Etsy is, but I’m learning some little things about it as I go that make it easier to use. I am thinking that splitting the listing into three individual items would be a good idea – that way it is easier to order, say, from the mobile app.
This is really amazing – one thing I’m going to have to make sure I can do, is to pace myself and remember that packing and shipping and putting on jar labels really does take time. I tend to think it is no big deal to whip out packages, and it actually takes longer than I think it will.
But, how fortunate am I to have so many to ship?!!
Wheeeee!
Yes, with etsy, it is usually easier to make item-specific listings rather than put options on the items. It also makes your reporting easier to use.
