Cleaning and Care of Double Leather/Toulouse Saddles

[JumperDiva]

I recently purchased a Toulouse Joelle Platinum with double leather and I am wondering if anyone has any tips for caring for the softer leather? Are there any special products I should be using? I typically clean my tack with Murphy’s Oil Soap and oil with Neatsfoot when needed. I’ve read that you shouldn’t oil the softer leather because it will ruin it. I just want to know the best way to take care of it so it will last as long as possible. I know Toulouse saddles have a reputation of not lasting as long as other saddles, but at the time this is the only saddle that fits my horse, me and my budget. I am not worried about it being a forever saddle, but I want it to last for at least the next 3 years while I save for more of a forever saddle.

Thanks in advance for your advice!

[BAC]

You should check with the manufacturer before oiling, some specify not to use oil for example, or products with petroleum for cleaning. Between the Murphy’s and Neatsfoot I think you are using too much oil. Unless you have specific instructions from the manufacturer, I would stick to either a liquid cleaner like Belvoir (Step 1) or Effax Leder-Combi and something like the Higher Standards Leather Balm or Akene for conditioning.

[JumperDiva]

Thanks BAC!
I emailed the company about a week ago and still no reply from them. I typically only use neatsfoot when the leather is dry looking, even after cleaning. I have only been wiping my saddle down until I hear what I should be doing because I’m worried I will wreck the leather. I’ve been wanting to try the Effax and I haven’t seen the Belvior, I guess it might be time to put an order together…

[QUOTE=BAC;8072362]
You should check with the manufacturer before oiling, some specify not to use oil for example, or products with petroleum for cleaning. Between the Murphy’s and Neatsfoot I think you are using too much oil. Unless you have specific instructions from the manufacturer, I would stick to either a liquid cleaner like Belvoir (Step 1) or Effax Leder-Combi and something like the Higher Standards Leather Balm or Akene for conditioning.[/QUOTE]

[BAC]

I have used Effax and the Belvoir Tack Cleaner (comes in a spray) for years on my high end stuff, CWD, Hadfields, Antares, Edgewood with great results. Another product I discovered a couple of years ago is Moss Melts Away Leather Cleaner. Its also a spray liquid and its wonderful at removing grunge and grime and leaving the leather beautiful.

I don’t have experience with double leather though, so I am not sure if that requires different care.

The Higher Standards line of leather care products are another favorite, but I tend to prefer the liquid cleansers, I like the effect better and they are easier/faster to use and don’t leave any residue.

[Squirt]

You can oil the leather, just don’t soak it in oil. Personally, I would use a bar of glycerin saddle soap and then a lederbalsm.

[Melissa.Van_Doren]

The soft outer layer of leather is both stitched and adhered with glue to the grain leather of the flap. Using a lot of oil can ruin the adhesive bond and create wrinkles and bubbles. (And this goes for all calfskin or double leather saddles, not just MT.)

I like lederbalsams because they contain oils, but you get more coverage with less product.

[JumperDiva]

Thanks guys! Time to put an order together I guess! So, sounds like the consensus is to use regular glycerin saddle soap to clean then?

[BAC]

Glycerin is really meant to condition, not clean. Read the Belvoir products carefully. I love to polish with glycerin as the final step, as it leaves such a beautiful finish, but even when used sparingly it leaves a bit of residue and I find dirt and dust stick to it, especially when riding indoors, so I use it less and less.

[BK6756]

I had a MT saddle for several years and kept it looking practically new. I usually just used a damp hot rag to clean dirt/dust off. If it was really dirty I would use Effax leder combi (glycerin doesnt really ‘clean’ in my opinion-I’m not sure why it’s called “saddle soap”). I used Passier lederbalsam to condition it regularly and it seemed to work really well.
I would NOT use any kind of straight oil on it.

[JumperDiva]

Thanks BK6756 and BAC! I am totally getting a leather care education today! I’ve heard good things about both the Passier lederbalsam and the Effax products, unfortunately the one tack shop that is close to me does not stock either of these products so I will have to order.

[One_Two_Three]

I have an older Toulouse Annice, and all I have to say is watch out for the stitching. The saddle is OLDER, and still in very good shape considering, with normal wear and neglect marks from it’s previous owner not taking care of/conditioning/cleaning it–ever. Just watch the stitching if it has stitching on the bottom of the flap as mine does. Lots of oil makes the stitching start to rot and separate. I have a couple of missing stitches from the previous owners mis-treatment, but the saddle is overall pretty solid still. I use glycerin spray to clean, and condition with leather CPR. I don’t use expensive stuff, Im not sure if it makes a difference, because the saddle is worn down, but it makes the saddle look loads better!

[Squirt]

Oil doesn’t make modern stitches rot. That was true 40-50 years ago when pure natural fiber was used for the thread but now they use synthetic blends that do NOT rot from oil. The danger of too much oil is what Melissa said, it breaks down the glue that holds the layers together.
What probably caused you saddles stitching to break is normal use of lower leg while riding.