Any one with five star tack bridles how did you soften it? I have tried several soaks in neatsfoot oil and it is still stiff as the day I bought it. Is it just one if those bridles that softens with use?
They are ‘sturdier’ leather, and soften with use. I think Ive oiled mine once, and clean post-ride. They aren’t going to be as soft as say, the ADT bridle. I’d be careful not to over oil that tends to ruin things. My ‘older’ one is pretty lovely, newish one needs ‘time.’
Thank you goodmorning 
Five Star uses Sedgewick (spelling?) English Tanned Leather and it is a little more work to break it in, but it has very good ‘body’ and will last a long time once you get it supple and then keep it clean and conditioned. Wipe clean with a dry rag. Maybe use a wrung-out-from-hot-water sponge to wipe clean. Make sure there is no dusty grit clogging up the stitching holes and things. Then condition whenever it begins to feel dry (maybe once every week or two).
I don’t think it does very well with Neatsfoot. It likes a creamier/greasier type conditioner like Passier Lederbalsam or the Five Star conditioner which is slightly sticky.
Yes. Mine softened with regular use and good care. I did oil it several times in the early days (Hydrophane) but I think the key was using it and cleaning it regularly with a quality tack cleaner.
Has anyone had problems with the Five Star bridles stretching? I bought one last year and it fit fine at first, stretched out a bit which was ok, but then continued stretching to the point that I had to punch extra holes, then have the cheek pieces shortened considerably. I really like the bridle aside from that, but I would be hesitant to buy another if they all stretch that badly.
Mine stretched, but not to the point it was unusable. It actually fits better now that it has stretched.
[QUOTE=yellowbritches;7236933]
Mine stretched, but not to the point it was unusable. It actually fits better now that it has stretched.[/QUOTE]
Glad to see this that was my next question.
Is Five Star Tack still around? Seeing this thread made me realize I haven’t seen their ad in quite a while.
Too much oil will cause stretching. Does the hang tag specify using oil? Some recommend products other than oil, such as Hadfields, which I think is also Sedgewick leather.
If I remember the hang tag said to use neatsfoot. I purchased the bridle around Xmas and have just gotten around to using it. I wasn’t all that impressed with the fit for my horse.
I was kind of wondering if they were still around. I was actually planning on returning it and no one ever returned any of my emails.
The instructions on mine specified that the bridle was “ready to use” out of the box and did not require oil. I found that to be true and actually don’t think I have ever oiled it, just a quick wipe down with tack soap after each ride and conditioner as needed.
I believe the company is still around but they no longer sell directly to consumers, only retailers.
Mine have not stretched that much…I have an ADT that’s much worse. I actually love how little the bridle has stretched.
Mine is soft and lovely now. I’ve been using it regularly for a little over a year. I think I’ve used neatsfoot on it maybe twice; the rest of the time it’s Effax Lederbalsam. I am NOT a fan of over-oiled bridles so I condition sparingly and don’t mind it taking a little while to soften up. It hasn’t really stretched much, if at all. I clean it with castile soap or Lexol wipes, and honestly not as often as I should.
Five Star used to have at least one or two “budget” bridles that were made of a different leather, and was stated so. Also, the brown leather is softer than the black dyed.
But their main line of bridles is the Sedgewick leather.
They wear like iron and they are soft on the horse.
I have Sedgwick, Claytons of Chesterfield and John Whites butt leathers on hand. All of them have the same firm body, feel and smell of the highest quality leather. It will soften and mellow with age. Sedgwick also sells a leathercare for their leather.
I have a 5 Star Tack Symphony bridle, which was their line made with Wickett and Craig leather. It’s a nice bridle for the price and I haven’t seen anything in the $250 and under price range I liked better. I had issues with some of the keepers on mine being too snug, but now a few are too loose. I would definitely buy another one.
Five Star Tack is definitely still around, only you can’t buy directly from them anymore. Earlier this year they decided to move into tack store only sales. I do miss their website though, especially the sales.
