So I’m going to XC schooling this Saturday and Ive been riding a lot this past week for prep, and sadly got rained on yesterday…and so did my new gorgeous saddle that my mom so kindly paid way too much for. Everything got soaked. I let my saddle dry but I got hideous and very noticable water stains. I looked up what I could do and someone on another forum said to literally soak it to even up the water stains. Of course, that was the first thing I saw and I did it, not sure why. :no: It did even out the stains for the most part, but the seat has one still and has some discoloration. I feel awful and like I’ve ruined the saddle. Its been drying for about 12 hrs, but I’ll give it another 12. Can anyone help me save my saddle from the stains and restore it? Thankyou!
This is cosmetic; relax and know your saddle is not ruined. Over the years, water, sweat, soap and conditioners are going to give your saddle leather a rich, varied appearance. Enjoy the ride. Clean it, condition it and ride your butt off in it. There will be little scratches and things that give it character. But its integrity is intact. Happy trails!
Okay, so I’ve calmed down a little bit and realized its not the end of the world;). My mom was a little disappointed but she can’t expect it to stay nice forever. When its completely dried I will use saddle soap and condition it and maybe oil it up. Thanks for reassuring me!
It should even as it dries. Here in the Pacific Northwest, we get our tack rained on all the time. Let it dry completely before cleaning and conditioning. Do not use oil on calf skin
Don’t over condition it trying to get rid of water spots. Those will blend in with normal care. Overdo it, the saddle gets sticky and you get greasy saddle butt on your breeches. Not a great look.
Tell Mom it’s not a leather jacket, it’s sports equipment.
Don’t oil it. Use glycerin soap or something similar and it’ll blend and they will fade over time.
Honestly, you don’t want your saddle to look “new.” Makes you look like a beginner!
(Oh, and just wait until you have butt-cheek-sweat-stains. 'Cause there’s no hiding what those are from!!)
If you’re going XC schooling, I wouldn’t worry too much about it. Just wait til you come off in the water, then have to get back on and ride wet. That should even things out :lol:
Been there, done that, just cleaned it and used a bit of extra conditioner after. Also got rained on waiting on our rounds at a show this weekend, again, just conditioned a bit extra. It all evens out over time, with use.
after it dries, clean it with glycerin and try Akene. It’s worked on water spots for me in the past.
the reason why the stains happen is because the rain/water lifts the old residue from soap/oil/conditioner off the surface – the easiest way to fix this is to wipe down with a hot damp rag - rinse and repeat 2 or 3 times, and then very lightly condition - i prefer something like passier leaderbalsam, belharra or tad coffin leather balm, not oil, for the tack that sees rain or water.
[QUOTE=JenEM;8745455]
If you’re going XC schooling, I wouldn’t worry too much about it. Just wait til you come off in the water, then have to get back on and ride wet. That should even things out :lol:[/QUOTE]
Mine has a permanent bum print on it from just such an occasion…
Those are like medals of honor for a saddle and they blend in over time giving each saddle its own individual look/personality. After you’ve had one for years, you’ll understand that.
New saddles are like new jeans, you don’t want them to look or feel new. As noted above, it does hint of a novice without enough hours in the saddle to break it in.
This makes me think of a fairly recent jumping clinic column where George Morris criticized a girl’s tack for looking too new and told her to let her saddle sit in the brain for a while.
Last fall it rained so often it was either ride in the rain or not ride. I rode in the rain. Saddle is fine. Your saddle will also be fine.
[QUOTE=AmmyByNature;8745324]
Don’t oil it. Use glycerin soap or something similar and it’ll blend and they will fade over time.
Honestly, you don’t want your saddle to look “new.” Makes you look like a beginner!
(Oh, and just wait until you have butt-cheek-sweat-stains. 'Cause there’s no hiding what those are from!!)[/QUOTE]
No kidding on this one!! LOL
My first really nice saddle I ordered in a dark brown. 7 years later it still looks fabulous - - however
My newest saddle they only had a lighter leather color and it shows those butt cheek stains… even has a circular spot where it looks like it was tooted in!!! Ugh
I have been saddle soaping it every few days and then putting a leather cream on it twice a week and the seat is starting to darken over time… but I guess I will just chalk it up to being well loved.
I was on vacation so I just saw all this. Thank you everyone who replied, really helped!
My saddle has NEVER gotten wet at all! What are you people even talking about?
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=31651942621&l=d98b821d60
Reed
Equal amounts of water and white vinegar, mix together, put a light layer on leather and wait for it to dry 
Saw this for leather couches.
