I have a Bates Caprilli (older model but adjustable gullet/cair) that I have a really hard time cleaning. it is smooth leather and i can’t see any grains. The oil and conditioner just rests on the top of the flaps. Does anyone have any advice in helping supple this leather?
Are you sure it’s leather?
Yes, I’m sure it’s a legitimate leather bates saddle. I have the stamp number and everything. There is grain on the underside of the flap but not over the top.
Bates don’t recommend oiling their saddles. They recommend cleaning with a glycerine soap and then using a leather balsam.
Generally and as a rule of thumb, If leather doesn’t absorb oil then it doesn’t need oiling.
When applying oil, apply it to the underside (raw side) of the flaps. That’s the absorbent side. But yes, it seems most modern saddle makers don’t recommend applying oil.
Agreed, was always told only to oil the underside.
most people are quick to oil saddles and many leather makers do not recommend it. It is really old school.
saddle soap to clean, damp rag to wipe down between cleanings. Leather balsam / conditioner sparingly
It depends on how the leather is finished. These days cheaper leather is often coated, like many lady’s shoes are. It can’t absorb any treatment. A more naturally finished leather is very absorbent. That said, I don’t oil my good quality English Passier and County saddles. I use a leather balm that has oil in it, but not the straight out old school neatsfoot oil. I would soak very old and stiff strap goods in oil, though.
Perhaps when I said “Oil” I meant leather balm. I am not talking neatsfoot or darkening oil, I am talking about lederbalsam and other products. Where I come from “oiling” your tack is a generic term for cleaning/conditioning/oiling. it has a wide range of meanings. Apologies if I did not clarify myself.
My tack is not SOAKING UP leather balm/soap/oil/etc etc etc. it sits on the top. It takes many minutes for it to penetrate if it is doing so at all. The leather is some kind of hard cowskin, not soft calf skin. It is thick to be durable. I am not sure what leather Bates uses for their saddles but it is obviously extremely poor quality.
I want to know if there is a way around this? Do i scrape the finish off with alcohol? Do I condition the underside of the flaps? Do I take it somewhere? Is there an online tutorial on how to access the absorption properties of leather? Do I simply not “Oil” it and just use a wet rag?
Can you contact Bates and ask what they recommend?
https://www.batessaddles.com/us-ca/
ETA: Page on care
that’s a really good idea. Why didn’t I think of that? thank you!
You should contact the company and see what they recommend. That goes for bridles and girths, as the tanning process is different between companies and often differs between countries. My saddle, girth and bridle require different cleaning/conditioning products because of the way they were made.
You’re welcome. Easy enough to find the site!
Found the answer - a google search led me to a page that described my saddle in detail, and it is leather coated with a wax finish to keep it scratch resistant… Ok, so that completely answers my question… How to fix that is the next problem and I have a feeling it’s “don’t,” and I should just use wipes and saddle soap.