At JC Martin Saddles we like to say a saddle earns its name after it leaves the shop. What happens next is up to you. Leather is skin, and like skin it dries out, cracks and weakens when it’s neglected. A little regular care keeps it supple, safe and good-looking for decades.
After every ride: a quick wipe-down
Sweat, dirt and horse hair break leather down faster than hard riding does. After each ride, take a damp cloth or sponge and wipe off dirt and sweat, paying extra attention to the underside of the fenders, the latigos and anywhere that touches the horse. Brush loose hair and dirt off the fleece with a stiff brush. Let the saddle air dry in the shade. Never put it by a heater or in direct sun.
Every few weeks: clean properly
When dirt builds up, give the saddle a proper cleaning:
- Take off the cinches and breast collar and set them aside for their own cleaning.
- Work a small amount of glycerin saddle soap into a damp sponge until it lathers, and clean in small circles. Use as little water as you can, because soaking leather does more harm than good.
- Use an old toothbrush on the tooling, seams and around the conchos, where grime collects.
- Wipe away any leftover soap with a clean, barely damp cloth and let the saddle dry completely.
Condition, but don’t overdo it
Once the leather is clean and dry, rub in a thin coat of good leather conditioner or oil with your hands or a soft cloth. Warm leather takes conditioner best. Focus on the parts that flex the most: the fenders, stirrup leathers, latigos and billets. Let it soak in overnight, then buff off any excess.
More isn’t better. Too much oil leaves leather soft, stretchy and sticky, and it attracts dirt. Conditioning a few times a year is plenty for most riders. Do it more often if you ride hard or live somewhere dry.
Roughout leather needs different care
Roughout (suede-side) leather shouldn’t be oiled like smooth leather. Brush it with a stiff or suede brush to lift dirt and raise the nap, and spot-clean stains with a lightly damp cloth. If roughout areas dry out, use a product made for roughout or suede, and test it on a hidden spot first.
Check it while you clean
Cleaning is the best time to look over your saddle for safety problems:
- Latigos and billets: look for cracks, stretching or wear at the holes.
- Stitching: look for loose or broken threads, especially on the rigging.
- Stirrup leathers: look for wear where they fold over the bars.
- Fleece: look for matting or bare spots that could rub your horse.
Replace a worn latigo before it lets go, not after.
Storage
- Keep your saddle on a saddle rack in a cool, dry, ventilated tack room, not on the floor or standing on its horn.
- Cover it with a breathable saddle cover to keep off dust. Avoid plastic, which traps moisture and can cause mold.
- Don’t leave it in a hot trailer or truck for long periods. Heat dries out leather quickly.
- If mold appears, wipe it off with a mild solution of water and a little white vinegar, let the saddle dry, then condition it.
Ride it
The best thing you can do for a good saddle is use it. Leather that’s ridden, cleaned and cared for only gets better with age. If you ever have questions about caring for your JC Martin saddle, email us at saddlegear@gmail.com. We’re always happy to help.