I’d like opinions on these 3 leathers. I’m ordering a new saddle next week and have the option on which leather I’d like. I’ve always had Calf skin. I’ve ridden in a French saddle with buffalo and loved it. I can’t find any information on German leather.
Thoughts on these 3 types of leather? I’d like more “stick” but have a concern about buffalo being thicker. Is it noticeably thicker or stiffer?
My dressage saddle is done in German leather, Kilger or Kliger or something. At any rate, I like it. Fairly sticky to ride in. Soft and flexible. Hope that helps.
I’ve liked the buffalo saddles I’ve ridden in. Yes, the leather is thick, buy IME, quite flexible, so it’s not like it’s thick/stiff, and has good grip.
Calfskin is notoriously easy to wear through. People like it because it looks and feels fancy, but it is fragile. I personally love Buffalo. Thick, will last forever, and very soft and grippy.
I suspect with different makers who source in different places, answers will be different. I’ve always done buffalo flaps on my Custom saddles. They’re thick but haven’t really had break in time for me, with the right fit were comfy from the start.
How would you compare it to calfskin?
Thanks. They would be the flaps as well.
I’m not a leather connoisseur, but I’d say the German leather is more of a matte finish than calf. It is smooth like calf rather than the texture of buffalo.
I use calf wrapped leathers and I don’t think they are any softer than the leather on my saddle, just glossier.
My tack is black, brown leather might have a different hand.
Thank you. That helps. My tack is black, too. I have another saddle by the same company I’m buying from and it’s calfskin. it’s pretty smooth and not sticky unless I’ve just conditioned it. I’d prefer a little more everyday stick so it sounds like the buffalo should work.
I think buffalo is a nice choice. Supposedly it wears very well!
Buffalo all the way. My Custom is 20 years old and still in great shape.
It depends how long you want your saddle to last. Leather sourced from hot climates isn’t of the same quality as that from temperate climates. How it is tanned makes a huge difference in how well it lasts.
I ride in saddles that are decades old, made in England using British leather. Suits our climate.
My understanding from a cousin who does some leatherwork is that German leather is made from split-grain hides and is not as strong or durable as other types of leather such as Italian leather, for instance, which is made from full-grain hides (the strongest part of the hide). Calfskin has a finer grain and is thinner and has more elasticity than leather from mature animals, and it generally holds a shine better which is why it is often prized for luxury leather goods. It is also easier to work with because it is so supple and can be stretched with relative ease, but it tends to be less durable than other leathers and is often stretched quite a bit when used for large items such as furniture (or saddles). Buffalo leather is inherently stronger than leather from cattle and can be up to three times thicker, so it has more durability. He tends to think that buffalo leather makes the best choice for a saddle because its thickness makes it more durable and harder for the saddle maker to stretch (stretching tends to weakens the leather).
Thank you. Great information!!
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
