What’s the best way to soften up a new bridle? Actually just the patent leather parts–browband and caveson–need softening. The rest is very nice, but the patent sections are somewhat heavily padded and very stiff. If it matters, this is a Wellfleet from SmartPak–got a killer deal!
I would not try to soften it, at least not too much, as it will make the patent part crack/ripple.
To me, patent leather has to be kinda stiff so it stays put.
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Is there perhaps a way to “train” the caveson and browband, then, in order to get a nice curve as opposed to straight lines with bends?
My Horze patent was very bendable from the get go…I hope this isn’t why you got a great deal!
Patent is a surface coating and it will not absorb conditioner. I would not put anything on it. You will have to soften the leather from the underside.
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I got the halter (Wellfleet), and I found the same thing, the noseband was quite stiff and wanted to stay straight. So I buckled it where I wanted it, put a bit of effax conditioner on the bottom (non-patent part of the leather), and put a couple of wide rubber bands around it to hold it into a rounded shape, and let it sit for a few days. Made a huge difference!
I was looking at that bridle - the double? - it looks lovely, but I was worried that it might be too stiff… Would love to hear what you think of it after using it a bit…
Not for softening but for general cleaning/care: damp cloth, mild soap if needed and soft brush for grooves. Then a bit of vaseline on cloth, rub in like you would w/ other conditioner on regular leather. Not too much.
I agree with others, Patent is a surface coating and you do not want to bend or overflex it. You do not want to break it in the way you break in other leathers (oil and gently flex).
I do what Mystic Oak does - I oil the bottom, and then buckle the cavesson - hang up for a few days and reoil every 24 hrs. I do not do anything more than that, as too much fussing with a patent will split/crack the coating and once it’s cracked it’s past the point of no return.
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Thanks, all. You’ve confirmed my initial thoughts—condition the bottom side and buckle up and rubber band. MOR—it’s the single—not ready for a double yet—but it’s very pretty, and you’re experience with the halter gives me hope regarding shaping the noseband. I looked at the halter, and it looks lovely!
