What are your favourites. I have an older Passier and an unknown brand bridle, both bought used when I decided to dip my toes back in to the riding ring. They’re decent quality, but I can’t make them look “good”. Is this just a problem with older leather, or can I get rid of the dull look? That’s the only way I know how to describe it - they look dull and never clean.
Currently I have Fiebings saddle soap and this:
Perhaps not for everyone, but I have my bridles and all other “strap” wear dipped in hot oil at the Amish harness shop once or twice a year. The oil isn’t “hot” but warm --the leather is put on a hook and dipped into the oil, allowed to sit for awhile, then hung to dry for at least 3 days. Everything looks new! Best part is one need not separate buckles, bits, etc. Here itis $5 to dip a harness --all my bridles and strap wear count as one harness.
Down side is the reins are oily for awhile. I always ride with gloves, so it never bothered me. My 3-Day riding kids asked me to NEVER have their reins dipped --might lose grip at a crucial time --they used Murphy’s Oil Soap and Lexol Conditioner on their reins.
And for everyone who responds that “oil rots stitching.” No it doesn’t. If it did, no one would use it on harness used to pull heavy loads --I had my logging harness dipped yearly when I had a Percheron and actually did pull logs with it (and one time my horse trailer when it was stuck, but I never told my husband about that so, best left unmentioned.).
Shipshe Harness?
Or Eastside in Topeka?
I should take my bridle for Harley there.
Bugs’ harness is biothane, so a spritzer of Murphy’s & it’s good to go (or even show).
For leather I like Stubben Hamanol or Black Rock.
Older leather strapgoods will have a “patina” that you’ll never get rid of. Some people love it and some people think it looks gross, forever. My old Schumacher bridle is this way. It will never look brand new but it’s soft and in good shape.
Effax Leder-combi will bring out gunk you didn’t know was there. I use it when things are particularly nasty, and then give them a good conditioning. I use a regular glycerin saddle soap most days and condition with either Passier or Effax lederbalsam.
I love the Antares leather products. The conditioner and the oil are fantastic and my bridle looks amazing and to be honest I don’t take great care on a daily basis.
After cleaning, I use Leather Therapy Leather Finish to make my strap goods glow.
I have a slight obsession with leather cleaning products (I have an entire tote full of different ones!)…but I almost always come back to Murphys Oil Soap. I have tried about everything. My second favorite is Higher Standards, but my tack room doesn’t have water and just a spray bottle with Murphys Oil usually wins out. #3 would be Devoucoux Belharra leather soap.
My favorite conditioner is Effax Leather Balm and Belvoir Leather Balsam Intensive Conditioner, both are very similar
I am excited to follow and find more to try!
It might take a few cleaning and conditionings before the leather starts to look good again, sometimes oiling then flexing the leather in all directions helps the leather loosen, looking more supple and soft and not look old and stiff but
Effax combi is not that nice to leather. I use it to remove gunk from leather and that is it.
I love Rapide Leather Gel for conditioning. I also really like the Black Country balm.
Slight segue - what do you all like for leather furniture?
I have used several different products
I like Effax Leather Cream Soap because you don’t need water
https://www.smartpakequine.com/pt/effax-leather-cream-soap-10819
I enjoy Smartpak’s cleaner because it smells great
https://www.smartpakequine.com/pt/smartpak-leather-cleaner-and-conditioner-10660
Higher Standards is another good soap
Passier Lederbalsam is a great conditioner
https://www.smartpakequine.com/pt/passier-lederbalsam-216
If you have patent or brushed leather dressage boots you should never use regular cleaner or polish on them. Always use a silicone based spray. I use Effax Horse Boot Miracle
https://www.smartpakequine.com/pt/effax-horse-boot-miracle-25719
oh… I have murphy’s oil soap for my floors… I’ll try it.
The leather isn’t stiff at all, it just never looks clean. Always dull with a waxy look to it. Maybe my expectations are too high thinking I can make it look better, I don’t know. I’ve tried using a little bit of soap and water, using a LOT of soap and water… so now I need to try to change up the product I guess.
@2DogsFarm There’s a harness shop behind my feed mill. Next time I see you, bring your bridle --I’ll bring it back (excuse to come visit you!) or we’ll meet in Plymouth.
I use Murphy’s for the leather sofa and club chair. The chair actually belongs to the Pyrenees mix so it gets pretty gross but the Murphy’s takes care of it.
I love Higher Standards! That’s what I’ve been using for years after I met Libby at Red Hills.
Deal! 
hurries off to look for good restaurants in Plymouth…
Maybe it needs to be redyed.
I’ve had good luck with the Effax Leder-Combi followed by a coat of Carr & Martin & Day Belvoir Leather Balsam. The best part is that the Belvoir smells AMAZING. I’ve gotten almost everyone in my barn hooked on it now 
If it’s really nasty, you can use a toothbrush. I re-dyed a 20yo saddle earlier this year and deep cleaned the whole thing before stripping it using a toothbrush to get into those deep cracks and pull years of leather cleaner/grease/dirt buildup out. Keep a small dish for the leder-combi, a big jar with clean water to rinse the toothbrush with regularly and a rag. I found scrubbing a small area with the toothbrush and then immediately wiping the dirt away with a rag was most effective.
Thank you!
Looks like the effax line is what I’m looking for.
I don’t think the saddle needs to be dyed, but maybe it’s just not actually getting clean. Will try this and the Murphys
My current barn has a damp and dark tack room, so I use only Leather Therapy wash and restorer most of the year. In winter I’ll replace the restorer with Passier Lederbalsam.
I have Higher Standards and liked it at first, but I think it pulls the color out of my saddle. I’ve used it on two older saddles and the water turned a really dark dark brown; it wasn’t dirt because they really weren’t that dirty. Definitely needed to be conditioned afterwards. Now I stick to Leather Therapy and use the Higher Standards for cleaning leather shoes.
I don’t use products often. Generally I just use a damp cloth to wipe off any dirt or grime after each ride. I find keeping tack clean is easier than getting it clean after letting it go.
Once in a while I will use Higher Standards for a deeper clean, and I condition with either Passier or Effax Ledersbalsam as needed. I like in a desert, so for me, conditioning is a bigger issue than preventing mold.
By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. You may also receive promotional emails from The Chronicle of the Horse. You can opt out at any time.
For Customers
Company
Terms of Use
