I just got a brand new Saddle!!! Buuuut, it was expensive and I want it to last like 25+ years. What do you guys suggest cleaning with? Its an M Toulouse, but I want something you would use on a CWD or Pessoa or something like that! Thanks!
Basic glycerine soap with sponge and water. Something like Passier Ledersbahm or Belvedere to condition.
A saddle should last 40 years imho. At minimum.
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I use Higher Standards. It keeps my tack happy and it smells wonderful- I’ve used it for the last 5-7 years and I’ve not found anything I like better. To deep condition, I use Devoucoux’s balsam, because I have it, but Passier and Effax both make a good balm.
Your saddle should last you well over 10 years if you take good care of it. Sure, it’ll show wear, but it’ll be in good functioning condition.
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Thanks! I think they should last 10 years MINIMUM with MINIMUL damage. (Sorry if I spelled that wrong!) I expect mine will last 30+ years.
Thank you!
My 1985 Stubben sat sadly neglected in my barn for around 10yrs, until last Spring, when I decided to take it to a Tack Swap.
Along came COVID, swap was cancelled.
I used Murphy’s Oil Soap to take off the accumulated dirt & dust, then Stubben Hamanol to clean & restore the saddle. Today it sits on a kitchen chair, looking & feeling like it could be near-new.
10 years for a saddle is Barely Used.
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I like higher standards and MOSS leather care for soaps. They come in so many nice smells too.
For a conditioner, I suggest buying one of the more expensive ones made by the French saddle brands. This is because I’ve found those ones won’t darken leather. Some of the older brands were kind of designed to darken leather a bit.
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I use the MOSS saddle soap. As the poster above mentioned, the smells are wonderful. For the conditioner, I like Belvoir Balsam the best.
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I really like Higher Standards too and follow up with Lederbalsam once or twice a month based on conditions, more in the summer then the winter, here in PA. I have a 15 year old Buffalo Antares that still looks great doing this. I did oil initially with Hydrophane, though that now is controversial.
What is current best practice on oiling new saddles? I have historically used neatsfoot oil. Is that still the right answer?
I wouldn’t oil a modern saddle.
When I was a kid we bought strap goods that were extremely raw and thick and they needed soaking in neatsfoot oil overnight.
I have continued to use neatsfoot or mineral oil on my vintage tack but not on anything new or second hand that I’ve bought second time around. Even my 20 year old Passier does not need or take oil.
Congratulations - but if I were you, I’d return that Toulouse. They don’t last for more than 10 years very often. Make sure you inspect yours for any defects or flaws. They commonly have uneven panels.
I commonly always go back to Stubben’s glycerin bar. I’ve tried them all and prefer it the best for cleaning and for leaving a good patina after some leather balm.
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True, you are much better off with a used top quality brand (Passier or Stubben or County etc) rather than a new lower cost saddle. The cost should be similar.
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Well, I alreay have it and I love it 
My trainer’s current one she has had for 25ish years and she’s still very happy with. I was looking for soap suggestions, not to be told to get a new saddle.
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I use the Belvoir soap bar, Effax Lederbalsam, and neatsfoot oil once in a blue moon.
I still oil full grain leather, but not covered hide, aka French calf. Also, depends on the brand, the French made saddles are generally well oiled before you get them, English made saddles usually are not pre oiled.
My latest saddle is a Takt jumping saddle , I ordered full grain on skirts and flaps instead of covered hide, it turned out beautiful, but the first thing I did was oil the non French calf parts, liberally.
As for longevity, most of my saddles are 20 year old Albions, from when I was still actively saddle fitting.
I use Higher Standards on everything from my modern Devoucoux to my very vintage (1920s) sidesaddle. I use Passier lederbalsam for conditioning.
The only tack I oil is brand new bridles a time or two to darken. A few times after getting soaking wet I’ve oiled again, but otherwise just regular conditioner.
I just got a Black Country that I love. The rep (who is very experienced and respected) told me that she exclusively uses Belvoir products…and never to use anything oil-based. She’s amazing, so I trust her advice on this!
I asked my local Master Saddler about oiling new tack, citing the persistent use of neatsfoot oil on COTH. He said modern leather does not require any treatment before use. If you do use a dressing, apply to the rough side of the leather so it can soak in without making the upper surface wet/sticky/discoloured.
