This video series about cleaning, oiling and conditioning a saddle is far and away the best on TH-cam. I feel like I finally understand what works and what's important. How to wash -- really wash -- and what oil does and doesn't do, and what conditioner does. It seems like most of the people doing videos on leather care (saddles, at least), really don't have a clue. And thank you for an alternative to the big brand names that are in literally every store on the planet. Skidmore leather cream is wonderful.
Great video!! Thank you for being so generous with your knowledge on products and proper cleaning. My saddle looks and feels amazing after following your guidance. You rock!!!!!
Thank you for making this video series! It made deep cleaning my old worn-out saddle a breeze. Now it looks almost new! I love how you thoroughly explain the reasons for doing things the way you do them, even down to what kind of drill you found that works best! The only thing I did differently when following along in the videos was use Blackrock conditioner instead of the Skidmores. I also purchased and used Tan Kote, as you mentioned in the video. That stuff is amazing! Thanks for mentioning that as well, or I wouldn't have even known it existed. 😊
Thanks for the education! Been owning saddles for 40+ years. Never heard of using the olive oil. It’s been hit and miss. Now I have a plan for maintenance.
This video is so educational 💯👍🇺🇸 I also have seen your saddle making video,,,,I was impressed with your leather carving 👍,,,,, Nice to see 🇺🇸 hand made tradition,,,,,God Bless
Love your videos mate, the detail and professionalism you put into your saddle work is fantastic , I have been out of horses for some years now and always had a fascination for building saddles but never knew where to start , saddle work such as this video is nice to see it goes hand in hand taking care of a saddle to last a long time , thank you for your work sharing it with us ,liked and subscribed.
What a great presentation, I just received my first saddle to "restore" clean and rejuvenate. There is a lot of dirt on it and very dry. Also minor rip repairs. I look forward to this. Thanks for your bgreat advise.
I've read online elswhere about saddle cleaning, and it's amazing they say not to use water, it's not good for leather! I would agree with you, Don, about washing with water and soap. I've also wondered about using oil other than neatsfoot, it's interesting that you use olive oil, obviously you've used it a long time and found it good. thanks for the good info on saddle care.
Thank you for another amazing video I really enjoy the channel! After my car accident I was left with a permanent disability And lost my career. I have been searching for something I could do to get back to somewhat of a normal life and help provide for my family. Do you think cleaning and repairing saddles would be a good place to start I’m very interested but of course I have no idea how to make a saddle. Also do you have any training classes you do I would love to learn some basics for you to at least get starter off the right way. Thanks for all you do for us newbies your videos have helped get me through some tough times. Have a great night.
Hi Paul, Sorry to hear about your accident. My hat is off to you for being determined to be productive again. I've been a horse trainer for 40 years and during my busiest years, I would send saddles out to be cleaned and reconditioned. Usually, I was disappointed with the results. If you decide to make saddle reconditioning a business, I would suggest you also learn saddle repair. Advertise by putting cards and flyers in the barns of top horse trainers and boarding stables in your area. Good luck to you.
Nice tutorial Don. Always pick up something in your videos. All I use is olive oil in all I do. Thanx so much for all you do to show everyone some helpful ways to do things. Blessings on ya ole son. Blessings to your family also. Pet the dog for me. Addios.
I've been riding horses since I was around 11 years old and can't believe the amount of information I've learned from your videos tonight on cleaning saddles/tack. I always thought when using saddle soap that I was "washing" the saddle. I live in Florida and have issues with leather tack getting moldy. Thankfully not so much with the saddles as with the headstalls/breast collars. I realize now that I need to do a thorough, deep cleaning on all my stuff. I do have some questions for you though. I have treeless saddles... I'm assuming you wash them just the same as you washed this saddle, correct? The seats are suede, I don't think I should oil that, but will it hurt to get the Dawn dish soap on it? Is there anything special I need to do for the suede seat?
Not the replier you’re looking for but, for suede you can look into “suede cleaning kits” for shoes, etc. Or you can use a towel to get the grime up off the suede, and use rubbing alcohol or white vinegar to remove any staining. As for keeping it soft, you can use a bit of mink oil on the suede to keep it in good condition!
Do you ever redo the roughout? I see a lot of people roughing it out again and curious if that’s something you’d ever do after cleaning, oiling and conditioning it.
Wonderful videos!! I have a 15 yr old Harris western pleasure show saddle had it professionally dyed black 2 yrs ago. It needs a good cleaning and conditioning. It is dusty dirty from end of shoe season at some dustier arenas. Questions are would I wash this saddle pretty much as you had demonstrated. Also it is dry it is squeaky and to me just seems dry. I planned on using the same condition you use . Should I use olive oil first prior to using the conditioner. Being dyed and heavily tooled I’m abit skeptical of what steps I should take and how extensive. Thank you
I have a flex tree saddle that the conchos need to be changed but the screws are cross threaded and the other end is in a lock tight nut Can you help me please 😊
Hi watched the video today just found your channel. Just wondering if you have heard of using sandpaper to bring the rough out look back to a saddle and is this good for the leather? Thanks enjoyed you video on cleaning.
I replaced a couple of strings through the tree and was lucky that the pointed ends just followed the drilled holes out the other side where I could grab them with needle nose pliers or forceps. I did not have to go through the sheepskin. But, I have also seen strings replaced that went through the sheepskin and you could see them on the outside. I always thought this was a quickie way to do it but perhaps it was the only way to do it without removing the sheepskin. Since a saddle pad is almost always used, I don't think it will hurt the horse as it is usually sitting below the thickness of the fleece.
After oiling and conditioning rough out leather, do you have to do anything to bring the rough back? Or does it stay rough and not become slick? This is my first rough out & I am worried about ruining it.
I was told a nylon brush Or sanding block I got both at Harbor Freight but still havent conditioned my saddle it's just sitting here looking pretty because I'm too scared!!!
Hi, enjoying your videos. At what stage would you use glycerin soap to soften the leather? Do you add citronella to the olive oil to stop insects eating the leather at night ?
In reference to the condition and reassemble video. You said you use what I understood to be “Tanko” onon the slick finish leather on the saddle. Is that correct, or I misunderstand. Where would I find it?
I would be interested if someone could tell if they have used lanolin or coconut oil instead of olive oil. I have an old saddle that I am trying to bring back to life and don't want to buy olive oil as I already have, the possible, alternatives. I have saved this saddle from the garbage collection, and I am hoping to repair and donate it to someone in need. Cheers from Australia.
I had to laugh at the stealing one stirrup, Years ago I picked up a job during the holidays at Walmart in the jewelry dept. for spare cash, and this guy tried to say I stole his watch when I replaced the battery, thing is he claimed I stole his old watch and gave him a different watch that was 3 times more expensive than his original watch, which Walmart still sold his old watch brand and it was the cheapest on the shelf.. LOL.. people are crazy!!
Thanks for the reminder to take care of our equipment. Much like changing oil in your Ferrari, it's better to care for what you got that having to replace it. Like good wives, good saddles don't come along all that often................just sayin'.
Great video Don. SS - stirrup stealer. How dumb can people be saying anyone would steal 1 stirrup? Maybe you should hobble around like you only have 1 leg.
This video series about cleaning, oiling and conditioning a saddle is far and away the best on TH-cam. I feel like I finally understand what works and what's important. How to wash -- really wash -- and what oil does and doesn't do, and what conditioner does. It seems like most of the people doing videos on leather care (saddles, at least), really don't have a clue. And thank you for an alternative to the big brand names that are in literally every store on the planet. Skidmore leather cream is wonderful.
Great video!! Thank you for being so generous with your knowledge on products and proper cleaning. My saddle looks and feels amazing after following your guidance. You rock!!!!!
Thanks so much. I inherited a bunch of dirty saddles. Now I can treat them right!
Thank you for making this video series! It made deep cleaning my old worn-out saddle a breeze. Now it looks almost new! I love how you thoroughly explain the reasons for doing things the way you do them, even down to what kind of drill you found that works best!
The only thing I did differently when following along in the videos was use Blackrock conditioner instead of the Skidmores. I also purchased and used Tan Kote, as you mentioned in the video. That stuff is amazing! Thanks for mentioning that as well, or I wouldn't have even known it existed. 😊
Wow, wealth of information even if you're not going to be doing the deep clean on a Western saddle
Thanks for the education! Been owning saddles for 40+ years. Never heard of using the olive oil. It’s been hit and miss. Now I have a plan for maintenance.
I use olive oil when recovering a bit. Natural & no toxins.
Excellent tutorials coming from you. 😃🤠
great series Don! thank you for sharing your knowledge with us.
This video is so educational 💯👍🇺🇸
I also have seen your saddle making video,,,,I was impressed with your leather carving 👍,,,,,
Nice to see 🇺🇸 hand made tradition,,,,,God Bless
I really enjoyed watching this series. You are an excellent teacher and it’s obvious that you know your craft very well. Thank you so much!
Love your videos mate, the detail and professionalism you put into your saddle work is fantastic , I have been out of horses for some years now and always had a fascination for building saddles but never knew where to start , saddle work such as this video is nice to see it goes hand in hand taking care of a saddle to last a long time , thank you for your work sharing it with us ,liked and subscribed.
Thank you for continuing to teach and share. Also, started listening to your podcast and am really enjoying! Could you do a video on box stitching?
Great video! Very informative and helpful! Thank you!
What a great presentation, I just received my first saddle to "restore" clean and rejuvenate. There is a lot of dirt on it and very dry. Also minor rip repairs. I look forward to this. Thanks for your bgreat advise.
This is a brilliant series of videos, very informative and detailed. Thanks Don.
Thank you for sharing your techniques . Great take aways. Do you have a video on neat tips for “rough out “?
Good old fashioned values. Quality customer service like it used to be - and should be..
Haven’t seen you since before you could even grow a beard, glad to see your shop doing so well!
Nice job got some real good pointers thanks Don
I've read online elswhere about saddle cleaning, and it's amazing they say not to use water, it's not good for leather! I would agree with you, Don, about washing with water and soap. I've also wondered about using oil other than neatsfoot, it's interesting that you use olive oil, obviously you've used it a long time and found it good. thanks for the good info on saddle care.
Any chance you have a link for where those nails can get picked up?
Just a comment to keep the algorithm going. 👍🏻
Excellent video thanks for the vdeo and time 👍
Thank you for another amazing video I really enjoy the channel! After my car accident I was left with a permanent disability And lost my career. I have been searching for something I could do to get back to somewhat of a normal life and help provide for my family. Do you think cleaning and repairing saddles would be a good place to start I’m very interested but of course I have no idea how to make a saddle. Also do you have any training classes you do I would love to learn some basics for you to at least get starter off the right way. Thanks for all you do for us newbies your videos have helped get me through some tough times. Have a great night.
Hi Paul, Sorry to hear about your accident. My hat is off to you for being determined to be productive again. I've been a horse trainer for 40 years and during my busiest years, I would send saddles out to be cleaned and reconditioned. Usually, I was disappointed with the results. If you decide to make saddle reconditioning a business, I would suggest you also learn saddle repair. Advertise by putting cards and flyers in the barns of top horse trainers and boarding stables in your area. Good luck to you.
Does it matter what olive oil you use on your saddle? If so what exactly do you use
Skidmores is awesome! I started mixing neatsfoot oil, lanolin and beeswax. Been working great also!
Do you have a video of how you do this.
Stick it together, warm it up then stir.
Nice tutorial Don. Always pick up something in your videos. All I use is olive oil in all I do. Thanx so much for all you do to show everyone some helpful ways to do things. Blessings on ya ole son. Blessings to your family also. Pet the dog for me. Addios.
Is it extra virgin Olive oil? Does it matter what kind of olive oil you use?
Big fan of the impacts. A drill clutch user too.
I've been riding horses since I was around 11 years old and can't believe the amount of information I've learned from your videos tonight on cleaning saddles/tack. I always thought when using saddle soap that I was "washing" the saddle. I live in Florida and have issues with leather tack getting moldy. Thankfully not so much with the saddles as with the headstalls/breast collars. I realize now that I need to do a thorough, deep cleaning on all my stuff. I do have some questions for you though. I have treeless saddles... I'm assuming you wash them just the same as you washed this saddle, correct? The seats are suede, I don't think I should oil that, but will it hurt to get the Dawn dish soap on it? Is there anything special I need to do for the suede seat?
Not the replier you’re looking for but, for suede you can look into “suede cleaning kits” for shoes, etc. Or you can use a towel to get the grime up off the suede, and use rubbing alcohol or white vinegar to remove any staining. As for keeping it soft, you can use a bit of mink oil on the suede to keep it in good condition!
what product do you use/recommend for cleaning the silver on a saddle without removing it? TY for all the great info.
Познавательно и интересно. Спасибо. Informative and interesting. Thanks.
Would you use different nails and screws with a fiberglass tree?
Hi, would you clean and treat chaps the same way as cleaning and conditioning a saddle?Thanks
Don what is the age of this saddle?.
can you give the link to the cleaning video, and the steps before oiling?
I can’t find the previous saddle cleaning video.
Do you ever redo the roughout? I see a lot of people roughing it out again and curious if that’s something you’d ever do after cleaning, oiling and conditioning it.
Where do you like to buy your buckles? Or recommend? For saddles, belts, etc
Wonderful videos!! I have a 15 yr old Harris western pleasure show saddle had it professionally dyed black 2 yrs ago. It needs a good cleaning and conditioning. It is dusty dirty from end of shoe season at some dustier arenas. Questions are would I wash this saddle pretty much as you had demonstrated. Also it is dry it is squeaky and to me just seems dry. I planned on using the same condition you use . Should I use olive oil first prior to using the conditioner. Being dyed and heavily tooled I’m abit skeptical of what steps I should take and how extensive. Thank you
I have a flex tree saddle that the conchos need to be changed but the screws are cross threaded and the other end is in a lock tight nut
Can you help me please 😊
This might be a dumb question but if you're using olive oil, could you not also use coconut oil or something along those lines?
Hi watched the video today just found your channel. Just wondering if you have heard of using sandpaper to bring the rough out look back to a saddle and is this good for the leather? Thanks enjoyed you video on cleaning.
would you also use the same oil and skidmoore for headstalls and reins?
When you use a awl to replace saddle strings through the tree, is it pushed through the sheepskin underneath?
I replaced a couple of strings through the tree and was lucky that the pointed ends just followed the drilled holes out the other side where I could grab them with needle nose pliers or forceps. I did not have to go through the sheepskin. But, I have also seen strings replaced that went through the sheepskin and you could see them on the outside. I always thought this was a quickie way to do it but perhaps it was the only way to do it without removing the sheepskin. Since a saddle pad is almost always used, I don't think it will hurt the horse as it is usually sitting below the thickness of the fleece.
Hello. I would like to buy mohair rope to make cinch. how should i order?
After oiling and conditioning rough out leather, do you have to do anything to bring the rough back? Or does it stay rough and not become slick? This is my first rough out & I am worried about ruining it.
I was told a nylon brush
Or sanding block
I got both at Harbor Freight but still havent conditioned my saddle it's just sitting here looking pretty because I'm too scared!!!
It stays rough hence the name, to grip a better seat
There's a channel for roughout boots whoeever responds to comments from that channel is really nice he helped me!
@@valerieramirez3496 Well, I finally just went for it. My saddle turned out great, and the roughout was just fine.😁
@@wendystoos9030 I just looked at mine for weeks before finally oiling it lol!!! I used lexol leather tack conditioner!
What is typical for the installation of saddle strings on quality Wade saddles? Through the tree or not? Thanks
Hi, enjoying your videos.
At what stage would you use glycerin soap to soften the leather?
Do you add citronella to the olive oil to stop insects eating the leather at night ?
In reference to the condition and reassemble video. You said you use what I understood to be “Tanko” onon the slick finish leather on the saddle. Is that correct, or I misunderstand. Where would I find it?
I was curious about that too, and looked it up. He was referring to Tan-Kote, a leather finish by Fiebing.
Any chance restoring rough out
Wont the olive oil turn rancid?
Thank you for the videos. May I ask if you can get shine back on those saddles? Do you add a 3rd product on?
I’m interested in getting the shine back in my saddle. It all looks pretty good except where my jeans touch the leather. It’s very dull.
No video on how to remove a stain on a saddle?
I would be interested if someone could tell if they have used lanolin or coconut oil instead of olive oil. I have an old saddle that I am trying to bring back to life and don't want to buy olive oil as I already have, the possible, alternatives. I have saved this saddle from the garbage collection, and I am hoping to repair and donate it to someone in need. Cheers from Australia.
Where are you located in texas we are in north texas having been looking for someone good to work on a saddle
I paid a leather worker to clean my old Circle Y saddle $100. Is that a fair price? He did not break it down.
Bonsoir
I had to laugh at the stealing one stirrup, Years ago I picked up a job during the holidays at Walmart in the jewelry dept. for spare cash, and this guy tried to say I stole his watch when I replaced the battery, thing is he claimed I stole his old watch and gave him a different watch that was 3 times more expensive than his original watch, which Walmart still sold his old watch brand and it was the cheapest on the shelf.. LOL.. people are crazy!!
Thanks for the reminder to take care of our equipment. Much like changing oil in your Ferrari, it's better to care for what you got that having to replace it. Like good wives, good saddles don't come along all that often................just sayin'.
You didn't fix the stitching.
Great video Don. SS - stirrup stealer. How dumb can people be saying anyone would steal 1 stirrup? Maybe you should hobble around like you only have 1 leg.
This might be a dumb question but if you're using olive oil, could you not also use coconut oil or something along those lines?