A good saddle is an investment and should be cared for properly, to make sure it stays in tip top condition. Here are our recommendations to help with this:
Saddle racks
Saddles should, wherever possible, always be stored on a well-made saddle horse or saddle rack. A word of caution when choosing one however – there are many different types and if used incorrectly, can lead to saddle damage. For example, you should make sure that your saddle rack doesn’t cause indentations in the underside of your saddle (known as the panel).
There are two types of saddle racks that we would recommend – the wooden triangular ones or the single metal pole version. You’ll also find tubular versions are available however the weight of the stirrups alone is enough to push down and dent the flocking from the metal tubes – and for this reason alone we wouldn’t recommend investing in this type without some tweaks. For example, you can put a numnah or pillows under the saddle before it sits on the rack or buy some flexible pipe lagging and lag the metal tubes so that it protects the panel of the saddle.
Clean it!
Next up, clean it! You should wipe your saddle once a week with the leather dressing that was recommended by your saddle retailer – this is generally a type of balm or even just a warm water sponge. A word of warning though, to avoid stretching and becoming uneven, balm or any type of oil should not be used to clean girth straps or stirrup leathers.
Cover it
Each time you’ve used your saddle, remove the girth completely and cover the saddle with a proper, fabric saddle cover. Then lay the girth over the top.
Our dark blue fleece Nutwell Saddlery saddle covers are available to buy at your appointment, or at our saddle studio in Lympstone.
Room temperature
Leather really likes a warmer environment. If your tack room is damp or cold in the winter, this can lead to the leather becoming brittle or mouldy – so take your saddle home.
