Leather stirrup leathers on a synthetic saddle?

[firecracker]

I have a Thorowgood T8 saddle (synthetic flap) and I’ve been using synthetic Thorowgood leathers with no issues. I just received an email saying my leathers have been recalled. Supposedly the issue is a low risk, but they’re asking me to return my leathers and they have offered to replace them with Kent & Masters leathers.

The seller says the K&M leathers are calf and they will not damage my synthetic saddle, although the product description on the K&M website says “stirrup straps are covered in quality hide leather.” I’ve always been told to use leather leathers on leather saddles (geez, that’s a mouthful), and synthetic leathers on synthetic saddles.

I did a little research on the subject, and the general consensus seems to be that leather leathers on a synthetic saddle will cause marks and/or damage to the saddle over time. I want to trust the seller, but I’m hesitant to send in my synthetic leathers that I have no problems with in exchange for leather leathers, even though she is assuring me they won’t harm my saddle.

For what it’s worth, I’ve been using my leathers for months, riding multiple times per week. They seem to be perfectly fine.

Thoughts? Any input/advice is appreciated. Thanks in advance!

[LSMarnell]

I have over 3000 solo trail riding miles on my current horse and Tekna saddle with real leather leathers. They have done no damage to the synthetic flap at all. I can not attest to the compatibility with a Thorowgood, but I can’t imagine it being a problem.

[ArabDiva]

have two thorowgood t4s. have had no issue using real leathers on them (prefer real to the stiff synthetic ones).

[HenryisBlaisin]

I have a Wintec and have ridden in it for years with real leathers. It has a little wear and tear, but it’s at least 15 years old, and there’s no wear that I would not consider perfectly normal in a trail saddle of that age!

[firecracker]

Thanks for the feedback! It’s great to know that it actually shouldn’t be an issue to use leather leathers on a synthetic saddle.

[Texarkana]

Sounds like you got your answer, but I also use real leathers on my Wintec. Zero issues.