Bensmom saddle soap - the review thread (if that's okay with Bensmom)

[jn4jenny]

Yet another testimonial: About 8 weeks ago, I started catch-riding a horse whose owner uses Lexol conditioning wipes to clean her Bobby’s bridle. I couldn’t stand the glossy, greasy, stiff feel that the Lexol wipes gave this bridle, so I started doing the post-ride wipe-downs with Higher Standards Sugar and Spice. A few weeks later, this bridle feels luscious and supple with a soft matte luster. The leather reins are providing a much better connection with the horse’s mouth, too! The bridle owner is thrilled…she thinks I’m some kind of tack-cleaning obsessive, so obviously, she has never witnessed my fast, distracted, cursory wipe-downs…it’s Higher Standards doing at least 85% of the work.

Speaking of which, there’s a product idea: Higher Standards Tack Wipes. I’d throw a pack in the glove compartment of my car, for sure.

[acottongim]

[QUOTE=jn4jenny;7900809]
Yet another testimonial: About 8 weeks ago, I started catch-riding a horse whose owner uses Lexol conditioning wipes to clean her Bobby’s bridle. I couldn’t stand the glossy, greasy, stiff feel that the Lexol wipes gave this bridle, so I started doing the post-ride wipe-downs with Higher Standards Sugar and Spice. A few weeks later, this bridle feels luscious and supple with a soft matte luster. The leather reins are providing a much better connection with the horse’s mouth, too! The bridle owner is thrilled…she thinks I’m some kind of tack-cleaning obsessive, so obviously, she has never witnessed my fast, distracted, cursory wipe-downs…it’s Higher Standards doing at least 85% of the work.

Speaking of which, there’s a product idea: Higher Standards Tack Wipes. I’d throw a pack in the glove compartment of my car, for sure.[/QUOTE]

That is awesome! Now give her a sample jar for Christmas and let her in on the “secret”

[SharonA]

I personally think the vanilla smells icky (like cocoa butter, not like vanilla – no offense, Bensmom!! Just an individual thing) so I gave that one away but even my car now smells wonderfully like the rosemary mint, just from carrying my saddle back and forth a few times. And my saddle was very thirsty for the good stuff and now looks brand new. My bridle is next!!

[weixiao]

Just got mine in the mail! Giving some away as gifts and I got a sugar and spice one for myself. Can’t wait to use them, they smell fantastic! I’m definitely getting myself the lavender one soon, too. haha

[Bensmom]

Jen – I’ve thought about doing the wipes, but our “factory” isn’t advanced enough to create some that will seal and stay moist – (ask acottigim – she’s seen my poor kitchen!! :lol: )

It’s on the potentialities list, tho!

So glad y’all like the scents!!

[Polydor]

Just wondering how long it generally takes for packages to get to Canada? Any idea? Hoping to include some for my SS and I can’t wait to use it! lol

P.

[Bensmom]

Hmm – about a week, I think!

[FrittSkritt]

Received my Lavendar/Vanilla and CinnaMinty! I’m not a huge fan of the latter (was hoping it’d be more minty than Cinna ;)), but I might pawn it off as a gift on one of my barnmates. :winkgrin:

[TatteredDaydreamer]

I am finally gifting some of this to myself after Christmas! CinnaMinty is right up my alley scent wise for sure!

[Sticky_Situation]

Well, I’m now the latest saddle soap addict.

I had been wanting to order some for a while after reading all the rave reviews on here, so I finally broke down and ordered one of the sampler packs … I figured I will keep one soap and the balm for myself and give the others as gifts to horsey friends for Christmas.

I used the Rosemary Mint on some of my tack today, and I really liked it … Left the leather clean and soft and didn’t turn into a lathery sudsy mess. And the fragrance is just right … It smells lovely without being strong or overpowering. I didn’t try the balm out yet, but I have a feeling I’ll be going through the soap pretty quickly and ordering more

[CaitlinandTheBay]

[QUOTE=Bensmom;7903493]
Jen – I’ve thought about doing the wipes, but our “factory” isn’t advanced enough to create some that will seal and stay moist – (ask acottigim – she’s seen my poor kitchen!! :lol: )

It’s on the potentialities list, tho!

So glad y’all like the scents!![/QUOTE]

Okay, I was actually thinking about starting a topic about this! What about lightly soaking shop paper towels in melted HS, letting them dry, and then just moistening them with water when you needed one? Could this work? I’ve begun obsessively cleaning my tack, and I’d loooove to have a quicker way to use HS.

[supaflyskye]

my trainer happened to have some Higher Standards soap (in the lavender scent) and conditioner in his “good” tack cleaning bag and I had the pleasure of using it to clean/condition my saddle as all my stuff is still at home (I’m a working student here). It did a great job cleaning the saddle and the conditioner is pretty decent too; not as deep a conditioning as the lederbasalm I was first intending on using, but definitely a good every day conditioner. I really liked the soap! It smelled great and made the saddle soft and clean. That said, I think I prefer the Leather Therapy I typically use just a bit more, and will continue to use that most of the time, but I won’t hesitate to switch it up w/ Bensmom’s stuff sometimes as it really did a great job. I guess it has the seal of approval from my trainer too since he keeps it w/ the high quality stuff he uses before shows, so top trainers approve!

[Reddfox]

I got the CinniMinty and Sugar and spice for the owners of the horses that I have in training. I swear, the one horse thinks that his saddle is a giant peppermint now!! In any case, I’ve now ordered some for myself. I don’t have a lot of disposable income, so I’m really, really picky about what I put on my tack…Bensmom’s saddle soaps passed the test!! Can’t wait for mine to arrive!

[FLeventer]

Alright, I got sample sizes in the competitors pack at Red Hills. I picked up a citrus ginger and the leather balm. Thank you for donating, it was very much appreciated. I placed them in my trailer and there they have remained. Until last Friday.

Let me give you some insight on me. I am a tack cleaning, leather oiling, brass polishing, toothbrush on stitching kind of eventer. My tack is wiped down/cleaned after every ride unless dire circumstances arise. I am extremely particular about my tack and how sticky it needs to be as well as clean. For years my go to has been Ivory Soap or a dash of Ammonia if crusty dirty in hot water. Tack gets wiped down and then saddle soap and Lexol conditioner combo after. I also oil when needed. It has worked for me, so why change it? If I want scent I add scented soap. I used MOSS in the combo for years and was happy with the results.

Well now fast forward to last Friday. I had taken my tack cleaning kit home to use it on some shoes and forgot it. So I went into my trailer tack cleaning kit and saw the Higher Standards soap. I see this thread daily and have read the reviews. I decided to grab it and try it out.

I just want to say that I am in love. I hate the saddle soaps that get overly foamy with water. I hate that some leave tack feeling dry and lacking grip. This soap had no scummy residue. The scent was lovely and not too overpowering which I have found with other brands like the MOSS Tea Rose scent. It got rid of the dirt quickly and it was perfect for a quick wipe down. My boots, saddle, and bridles looks awesome. I am thrilled honestly and it has become my go to product for wiping my bridles off with. I still use the Ivory/Ammonia method when the bridle is drenched in sweat, but I am excited to have finally tried it. I will be buying a tub for my daily wipe downs and am excited to try some of the other scents.

Alright, I am officially sold. Thank you sample sizes and thank you Bensmom for giving them away at Red Hills. I honestly will say that I would not have made the leap as I am usually loyal to something that works well. This soap will become part of my tack cleaning kit now and I am very happy to recommend.

[ACMEeventing]

Quick question for Bensmom (or anyone else that wants to chime in). What do you recommend for a new bridle prior to putting it together? The balm, maybe? I hate how new bridles, even good quality ones, take a while to settle into place.

Getting ready to get Cotton his own dressage bridle. Such a spoiled young man

[Frizzle]

[QUOTE=ACMEeventing;7998884]
Quick question for Bensmom (or anyone else that wants to chime in). What do you recommend for a new bridle prior to putting it together? The balm, maybe? I hate how new bridles, even good quality ones, take a while to settle into place.

Getting ready to get Cotton his own dressage bridle. Such a spoiled young man :)[/QUOTE]

I clean new leather with Higher Standards, dip in olive oil, leave it in the sun for a few hours to soak up the oil, and then clean again with HS. Works like a charm. :yes:

[jn4jenny]

Fun fact for winter riders: In a pinch, HS Leather Balm makes a decent lip balm. It wasn’t quite tasteless, but it wasn’t gross either, and it kept me from cracking my lip open in 10-degree weather. Thanks, Bensmom!

[Bristol_Bay]

Hey, Bensmom, I was wondering if there is any way to prevent the last of the jar from curdling. It still does the job, but not as pleasantly.

[TatteredDaydreamer]

Have used the Cinnaminty soap and regular balm several times now and I’m 100% in love!! Can’t believe it took me this long to start using it!

[Jarrn]

Just got mine in the mail and dangggg! Despite all of the reviews and comments, I honestly didn’t expect it to work this good! Literally less than 10 mins of work.

http://imgur.com/a/sSOGy