Saddle Care - Cleaning and Oiling Leather
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 21 ส.ค. 2024
- Proper care of your saddle and leather gear
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Dewayne claims not to be an expert on saddle care, but I am a saddle care nerd and his recommendations line up very well with the methods used by Don Gonzalez, who has a three part series here on YT, where he goes through the entire process start to finish. It's one of the services he offers in his shop, so he does it a lot and has his routine down. The icing on the cake of this video is when Dewayne pulled out the Skidmore Leather Care. That stuff is great!!
I’ve known Don since he was a kid, I still ride the same saddle for 35 years. Should tell ya something… he KNOWS saddles!!!!
Listening to this for some reason I couldn’t help but think of the leather as a metaphor for our soul/spirit. You have to keep it clean, get rid of things that need to come off, replenish it with quality oil, not too much so that it gets heavy and full of itself, but enough to help it repel the gunk and grime that gets thrown at it. It’s a continual process of cleaning and renewing. And you can take pride in looking after it and others will notice your commitment and diligence. Thanks DeWayne for sharing your knowledge.
Beautiful
I hope you don't ever stop your videos. I truly enjoy them. Informative and inspirational!
Love this gentleman’s attitude. Those kid almost don’t exist anymore. 🇺🇸💪
Good advice regarding needs-foot oil. Some years ago I had to refinish an old but beautiful Bona Allen cutting saddle that my parents had. Unfortunately, it had lots of mold covering the leather due to humidity. I went to a saddle makers blog and they recommended 100% pure needs-foot oil and said do not use needs-foot prime due to the petroleum mix. For a top coat, they recommended Tan-Kote. I followed their advice and was very pleased with the outcome.
I've worked with leather for thirty years, your advice is very good.
Thanks for the comparison with hand washing and leather care. Also, the idea, “not nessarily the right way, just my way to leather care”. That’s the comparison making the most sense. Thank you for sharing a lifetime of “my experiences. db
You are very welcome. I hope it helps in some small way.
Glad you mentioned about over oiling a saddle. As someone who has been doing leather work for years (even made a few saddles) I get a lot of saddles in for repair, and all too often I see saddles that have been way over oiled.
I’m afraid it’s a mistake I’ve made myself all to often. But we continue to learn as we continue to live. I appreciate the encouragement.
I put my saddle away dirty. Life interfered. It's now been unused for 15, 20 years. I think I'll take it out and clean it first. It's so dry, but it sounds like cleaning should be the first step. Once it's dry from the cleaning, I'll oil it in layers like you suggested, until it finally stops absorbing the oil. Thank you for the information!
Your comment hit me hard. You never know when life will pull you away and you won't get back to something for years. I hope you are able to get your saddle restored, and you will be back in it soon.
I like the honesty I like mink oil I’ve used it for years
Instead of Gatorade try Haymakers Punch or often call Switchel: Been around since the horse drawn harvest days. Not only thirst quenching, it is super good for you too. You need: 1/2 gal. jar, 2" chunk fresh Ginger, peeled and sliced really thin. Drop it into jar and pounce a bit with long handle wood spoon to release some of the juice. Fill jar half full with cold water. Squeeze in juice from 1 whole fresh lemon, 5 tablespoons raw honey (it will not be too sweet, add more if you need.) Add 1/3rd. Cup of Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar (has the foggy 'mother' in it) Then add a good pinch of pink Himalayan salt (electrolites and minerals) not any other salt. Stir it all up 'til the honey is fully dissolved. Finish filling the jar full up with cold water, put the lid on and into frig over night. A glass jar is best to use. Some add a dash of cayenne pepper or switch real maple syrup for honey. I think the raw honey is better and better for you. Serve as is over ice, I add ice and sparking, un-sweetened, lemon Crystal Geyser spring water - about 2/3 Switchel to 1/3 sparkling water. That is the ratio I would use to freeze in bottles for out on the trail. It is absolutely an amazing drink. I grew up in The Dalles, Oregon and am not a water lover for drinking - kind of a lizard that way, But my body craves this Switchel in this prolonged hot, drought we are in and it does not leave me feeling water logged. Did not know how to get this to you other than making it a 'comment', but then maybe some of your fans might like to give it a try. The original came from youtube 'Off Grid with Doug and Stacy', This is the best one I have found so far. Enjoy!
Thanks for sharing. I can’t wait to try!
@@aandsgavrisheff7733 Tweek a bit if needed. A little more honey helps for some, but I found that the 5 T. just right as I adjusted to the flavors. Enjoy!
THANKS,I'M MAKING THIS!! WOW, just the job,i like the wholesome ingredients too.
Thanks for the education on leather care. I've got several leather products and have used the glycerine bar (saddle soap) for cleaning up my boots when they were filthy. I do use Neatsfoot Oil on all of my leather (holsters, boots, vest and rifle scabbard). I've been using Neatsfoot Oil since the 1970's and I appreciate the results from using it. Peace, Love and Happiness to you and your family.
Thanks for the reminder and care instructions. My saddle hasn't been on a horse in 10 years and I keep it in our rec room as a momento display.
Took it outside and cleaned and oiled. Looks great. I applied oil on both sides of the leather that was exposed when lifted up. The underside obsorbed more neats foot oil than the outer surface.
Just started watching your videos I gotta say thanks for reminding us to keep learning it took me some time to figure out I didn't know everything and I sure regret that but now I am a student in all things and danged if life ain't a little easier now.
As someone who lives in the suburban Midwest and has written a horse once in my life, I'm not sure how I found your channel due to the algorithm but it is incredibly informative. I could listen to you talk about these things for hours hope you keep making content.
If You Don't Learn Something new every day you cheated yourself, Thanks Dewayne
For deep cleaning dirty leather, I've had good luck with Castile bar soap; use it pretty much like regular saddle soap but use a little more water. Let the leather dry then feel it to see if you need to oil it *lightly*.
For everyday touch-up cleaning, I like Murphy's oil soap used sparingly & wiped off well.
I had the job of cleaning racing harnesses for Standardbreds when I was a kid, and I actually enjoyed it; these are the products that worked well for me. Something to consider.
As a lifelong horse nut, I would muck and clean tack for riding privileges. Castile makes much more sense since it’s made from olive oil. Thanks!
Glad to hear Murphy's oil soap mentioned. My favorite go-to.
Dewayne, your attention to detail is something I’ve always admired. Doesn’t matter if your talking about horses & gear, trucks or your personal gear it all speaks to all who see that here is someone who understands value & is knowledgeable enough to know how to keep things right. First impressions are important to me. It’s not just a superficial how things look; it also says to me that this is someone I might be able to count on when bad things happen.
I sure do like your videos. As a saddle maker I made the switch from Neatsfoot oil to Obenoufs oil about 10 years ago. There is only one brand of neatsfoot oil that is pure nowadays. I got so tired of the inconsistency. Not only does obenoufs oil the leather it conditions it at the same time. The LP works great on rough out really makes them shed the water really well. Keep the videos a comin!
Can you ,or anyone relate ? help me on finding best SIZE of saddle, as in a 17" rides sufficient to me , but I like the feel of MORE ROOM on an 18". Both of which are "Roper Saddles". Should I stay w/ something moreso SNUG on me while riding, or ,the more room the better?
@@Will8022000 if you like the more room you should try a wade and see how you like it. With no swells like a roper it will feel bigger but still be the same size. A flat ground seat will also feel bigger than one that has a high rise in the front. Your upper thigh measurement is the main factor that dictates seat size. A big concern with any size over 17 is the bars on the tree are getting very short behind the cantle creating a lot of pressure on the loin and or kidneys.
@@diamondranch44 ok,thx
@@diamondranch44 OK I Understand,Thankyou for the advise!!
Pure olive oil works too
Skidmores leather cream is only thing I have used since discovering it in the 90's. That stuff is golden on leather.
The tip on the latigo. Golden I’ve been doing it wrong for years and wondering why it stretches so much. Thanks again
Loved this video! And I’m sure applies to leathers well beyond horse gear. I wish I’d known this 30 years ago - I could have stewarded a gorgeous burgundy leather chair that had, until me, aged beautifully for generations in my family better.
I always cleaned up the underside of the saddle every ride to get the lather off which soaked through the saddle pad. Listening to you, I learn I was probably suggested the wrong pad although it was real sheep’s wool and a pain to care for! And, I appreciate you saying, Keep Learning! When you stop moving, you die. If you stop learning, your brain atrophies. :-)
Great wisdom,
After having cleaned and repaired lots of saddles while working in a saddle shop, you see a lot of saddles that are not well maintained. (You also see a lot of cheaply made ones, built with low quality materials)
It’s amazing to visit the Don King museum in Sheridan, they have an enormous amount of antique saddles, many that were used everyday and have seen an untold amount of miles (before stock trailers were used) and they still have a lot of life left in the leather.
If the leather is too far gone, it gets to be like trying to put oil in corrugated cardboard, no matter what you do, it’s still just dried out cardboard.
I'm not a horseman but I love your content. It al seems to work in many different areas of life. Keep up the good work
Love your work mate good to know there is still some good genuine man out there 👍👍
Spot on thanks so much for taking the time to make videos.
And always putting it out there about taking pride in whatever your doing the world needs mor of that . And your quote ( you do you) needs to be on a tee shirt
You’re very welcome
My wife and I also use a mohair cinch and she cleans them by putting them in a pillow case and running them through the washing machine with a really mild soap and then hang dry followed by a soft brushing to remove any left behind hair or other bits.
I too love mohair girths and cinches for horses,i am thinking of having a go at making an English girth with mohair, all the components that i need are on internet now ,they dont exist in U.K.,they are the best for the horse.
I one of your videos, you commented that you would do one on twisting the stirrup leathers. I know there are a few other videos describing how to, but I would like to see how you do it. Thank you for the videos your have already done. They are a great resource. And I thank you in advance for considering doing one on for twisting the stirrups.
Of course I cleaned the saddle before oiling. It sucked up that oil like a sponge. However, I saved it from ruination.
Great advice!
Great video.
I use Black Rock Leather-N- Rich and it is fantastic.
If I can't find Black Rock I use Skidmore's. Both are fantastic products.
Thanks so much for the information my saddle looks alot better with the 100 percent needfoot oils
Have you ever used Obenauf's boot products? My son worked as a wildland firefighter. Those guys all wore White's boots and swore by Obenauf's boot oil and paste.
No,sir. I never have. But someone else on here has recommended it as well. So I’m gonna have to give it a try
Thanks a ton Dwayne
Thank you sir. Good video tying in facts and experience/opinion. Keep up the
Thank you!
Thank you! I learned a little more.
Washing with warm water helps get dirt off I use mineral oil on all my tack paint brush it on 🤠
Hi Duane, Thank you again for sharing your thoughts. Question: Is it normal for saddle oil.to make saddle darker, or is it a bad product? Everything I have seen in local feed store says it'll make your leather dark. Thank you, James, AZ
It’s perfectly normal for oil to darken leather with use. In fact, I’ve never seen an oil that wouldn’t.
Wow, what a moustache sir! Dont know how I ended up here but lovely video : )
Yep!!
New to your channel and I have gained quite a bit so far. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and experience. I do have a question about a saddle. I recently bought a saddle that has been sitting in a barn uncovered for a number of years. I got it cleaned up and it's not in bad shape, but the skirt is turned up on the back side and I am not knowledgeable enough to experiment with methods of getting it to set right without fear of damaging it. Any tips would be humbly appreciated! Be well and God Bless!
Tawny, depending on where the fold is, and how bad it is, you might can wet the leather heavily and fold the leather back down and hold it in place while it dries. This is usually not a perfect fix, as the fibers of the leather become compromised with bending over time, but it might help.
@@DryCreekWranglerSchool thank you kindly Sir. I will give it a try. Be well.
Is maintaining care of the leather different where you are vs when you were in Fla and NC.
I feel our humidity has different effects on leather.
I suppose there is some small difference, as in dealing with more rain and humidity. But it still just comes down to keeping it clean and oiled as needed. So not really any major changes.
@@DryCreekWranglerSchool I had saddles and gear stored in rain forest area against national park where its >400"/year rain (aka:about 1inch/yr from wettest spot on earth). The possibility of mold or mildew is constant in that environment. However, like the pro here says: its really not treated any differently than when the same gear was in dry very dusty area. Both are handled as "dirt", doesnt matter if the dirt is dust or musty wet, imho just clean it all off, b/c they're all basically unnatural additions to the leather, whether its blown on or grown on.
Moses sandals is that sky beautiful there
A listing of the products or Links to the products would have been helpful!
I found these on Amazon... Made in the USA!
Farnam Leather New Easy-Polishing Glycerine Saddle Soap and Leather Cleaner
Farnam Horse Health Pure Neatsfoot Oil, 32 fl oz
Please make a video on traditional leather vs Cordovan leather. Greetings from India sir 🙏🇮🇳❤️
Can you use vitamin E oil to oil the leather work ? I've found it works well but never tried it on saddles, or horse leather gear. Thanks for your videos they help 🙂
I’m a little late to the party as I just stumbled across your channel! Really enjoy the no nonsense approach and down to earth content!
I have a question regarding oiling saddle, head stall etc. I’ve heard people say it’s okay to use oils like extra virgin olive oil. What’s your thought on this?
Thanks again 🙏
I have used them, especially virgin olive oil, many years ago. The problem with some of them is that, in certain climates, being a natural oil, they can get rancid.
rodents are also attracted to leather treated with olive oil.
Neatsfoot oil with a few drops of tea tree oil, mixed in, I found keeps cockroaches from eating your leather. I also add a few drops of clove oil if the leather is old and mouldy. Veg oil or lard will go rancid and attract pests and go mouldy.
All vegetable-based oils will go rancid, attract rodents, and also mold in higher humidity. Here in the west where humidity is typically 25 to 30% that is less of a problem but I stay away from them and use neatsfoot oil...
I have a question and I apologize if it’s something you have already spoken on but I just found your channel a couple of days ago and I’ve been binge watching it as much as possible. With a name like Dry Creek Wrangler School, is it safe to assume that you give instructional classes? What would something like that cost and how long does the program last?
I do not give in-person instructional classes at this time. That is my goal, hopefully by next summer, but I’m not set up at this time.
Hello Sir, could you do a video on how to get started in becoming a wrangler and working horse along with how to turn it into an occupation.
Look on Ranchads.com and be willing to do any and everything if you get hired on
Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us. Before I watched this video I had oiled my latigo, now it won’t slide nice to tighten like it used to. Is there anything I can do to get it back to the way it was?
In your opinion what is the best way to clean and oil a rough out saddle the seat and the fenders are rough out? Im really enjoying your videos and ive been a working cowboy all of my 59 years keep the videos cowboy
Rick, the saddle my son Will rides now is a rough out saddle. It was mine for several years. I always cleaned and oiled it just like a smooth out. A lot of people don’t realize that in a really wet climate, a well-oiled rough out saddle will shed water better than a smooth.
Last year I had a new working saddle made for myself after 27 - 28 years of riding in my old saddle. The new saddle is rough out and I just oil it same as I do with the old smooth out saddle and it seems to work just fine.
How would get rid of mold in leather and then how would you go about to prevent it? I was away for a couple of days and when I came back my saddle had quite a bit of mold on it. Any help would be appreciated!!
I somehow missed this question earlier and I apologize for that.
Mold on a saddle is not actually 100% a bad sign. Of course, we want to clean it off, and the best way I have found to do that is with warm, soapy water. You can use a little bit of mild detergent in a bowl, like Dove for instance, with a soft towel. Then rinse the saddle off real good, making sure to thoroughly get all of the soapy residue off. Let it dry then oil it.
Returning mold is likely caused by a combo of the climate it’s stored in, and maybe the products that have been used to condition the leather.
@@DryCreekWranglerSchoolNo worries. I appreciate your response!
Hello Dwayne. Thanks for another great video. I might have missed it due to a lack of attention. My question is do you have to be careful not to over oil your belly clinches. It seems to me with all that sweat and moisture and any mud, hair, and junk the right or wrong amount of oil can improve or defeat the situation, especially on a long ride. And I assume that it would be good for your horse and your gear to inspect it if your stopping to camp or taking a long break. Thank you sir. And the best to you and your family.
Richard, am I correct in assuming you are referring to the latigo? I did cover that in the video, I never oil the latigo. It is made of a leather that is tanned differently, oiling it will cause your latigo to continually stretch, and also develop a tacky/sticky surface residue. Just keep it clean.
Thank you Dwayne excuse my greeness. I was referring to your belly cinches. Taking time to clean them on the trail. I guess I answered my own question.
Don't use com[pound oil? News to me and the 50+ year saddle maker I apprenticed to 20 years ago. Lots of opinions out there in internet land.
can olive oil be used on the unfinished side of leather? What would be a good finish for it?
Thanks enjoyed the life choice reminders and the cleaning education.
I have used olive oil on leather several years ago, but I don’t recommend it anymore. The problem is olive oil can get rancid as it is a natural plant product.
Thanks. So, can neetsfoot oil be used on the rough side of leather?
Do you clean & oil the rough underside of the skirt & fenders?
An old packer out of Montana said he always used baby powder for his latigo. I've used it for 20 years as well. It doesn't seem to have an adverse effect. It does make it slip quite a bit easier. A saddle maker always recommended olive oil for oiling saddles to me. Your thoughts?
Olive oil is what was recommended to me too. Can’t speak for how well it works on saddles, but it works great for boots.
I’ve used olive oil in the past, but it can become rancid over time.
I gotta ask, why is the video in mirror image ? ( watch\wedding ring). Greetings from Paradise, Newfoundland, Canada
Quick question, did you film this video in a mirror? The image is reversed. I am also a saddle maker, and I strongly second your recommendation for Skidmore's Leather Cream. Several years ago, while I was visiting the Kings Saddlery Museum in Sheridan Wyoming, I asked what they used to keep these saddles, some of which are over a hundred years old, in good condition. The unhesitating answer, Skidmore's Leather Cream. I enjoy your videos. The audio could stand to be a little stronger for those of us with ears that are about worn out.
I filmed it on an iPhone, but I had the image reversed so I could see what was going on.
@@DryCreekWranglerSchool Please keep up the good work! It is wonderful to listen to someone who actually knows what they are talking about!
Do you have any recommendations for cleaning rough out chaps please? Thank you.
What’s your opinion on cleaning roughout saddles. I’ve heard to stay away from saddle soap. I’ve noticed I’ve gotten some pretty bad blue Jean stains on mine that won’t come out
If I need to clean them, I just use mild soap and water and a soft brush. Make sure you rinse the soap out thoroughly. I’ve never had blue jeans stains on mine, so I don’t know what to tell you about that.
You answered my question in the video as I continued to watch, thanks.
I was told peanut oil will not darken the leather as much .
What do you think?
I have no experience with peanut oil on leather at all. I think I would be concerned about it going rancid after a while, though, but that’s just a guess. I really don’t know.
@@DryCreekWranglerSchool Thank you
Is mink oil good to use on a saddle
I always figured doing dishes, laundry and cleaning saddles was women's work.
I'm divorced now......still haven't figured out why.
Now you are really funny, just women’s work.
Larry from missouri .How about boots? What type are nest for riding, roping,or walking and working.and taking care of them.
Larry, good suggestion. I’ll make boots one of my next subjects to cover in a video. Thanks for the input!
The worst thing you can do to saddle is put that sweaty pad on top of it. Hose sense...
Stupid question, but where do you get your hat?
I had that hat custom made for me by Rand’s Custom Hatters out of Billings, MT
Thank you
What brand of saddle do you ride? I really like the one in the video.
It was custom made by Colorado Saddlery for Outfitter Supply
What is your opinion on circle y saddles
There are many, many Circle Y saddles out there being used today. I believe the older ones were better made, but that’s true of so much. A good circle Y saddle will serve you well up to a point. Are they on par with a hand made Kent Frecker or Dale Harwood? No. But that’s not important. My first saddle was a 30 year old Hereford brand roping saddle I bought for 350.00 while working on a ranch in Wyoming almost 30 years ago. It did me fine.
@@DryCreekWranglerSchool thank you for the wise words
What kind of stirrups do you use , I missed the name of them..
Mink oil ?
Could you use mink oil?
How would you recommend cleaning felt cinches?
Hang them on a fence and hose them down with water under good pressure. That’s how I clean all my cinches
Your audio is to low for us old guys would you please correct this. Also please list below what products you you use
The audio is low on this video, because it is an older video and we did not have the microphone situation figured out. But there has been long since corrected and all the newer videos have much better audio.
Q?*
Could you advise any good saddle maker to buy a saddle?
I’ve worked with working cowboys that loved their Tesky, Cactus, NRS, Circle Y and Colorado Saddlery. My saddle is a wade made by Colorado Saddlery
@@DryCreekWranglerSchool Thank you. As far as I understood, your saddle is regular working saddle made under brand of a company with a common price under 2000 USD. What can you say about handmade saddle by some individual saddle makers with price started from 3000-4000 USD, do they cost those money? Thanks!
I misunderstood the question. I apologize. A quality, custom, handmade saddle will run you 3000-5000 dollars, this is true. And most of those builders are months, even years backed up. You can find them used, excellent condition. The names are innumerable, but some top names are Harwood, Frecker, Costagno, and Watt Brothers
Are we talking about oak tanned leather??? Or that latego very cheap leather??? Things you should know... know nicks boots.. Washington... the Missourian from the show me state 🎺🎺🎹🎹🐎🐎🔥😃🤚🥾🥾
Where do you get your vests? Great style
I just get them usually at different western wear stores as I come across them
How do I break in a brand new saddle?
Just ride it, oiling as needed. If the new leather “squeak” gets to be too annoying, you can sprinkle a little bit of baby powder up underneath the skirts, between the skirts and fenders. That often helps
Love your videos but the sound is way to hard to hear
Lee, The sound on those earlier videos were definitely subpar. But I think when you get into these newest videos, where I have a new mic, you’ll find the audio is much better.
Volume low
Sorry tried watching but your volume is so low I can't hear you
How do you get into your line of work?
That’s a good question, Garret. It’s too much to type out here, but I’ve decided to make that the topic of my next video. Stay tuned...🙂
@@DryCreekWranglerSchool thanks!!
Yeah but what people really want to know, how do ya maintain that mustache? 😬😬 jk ... sportin’ the same thing
Love from Saudi