Caring for new calf skin leather saddle

[KarlyHT]

Hi all, hoping for some expert help. Especially if SBloom is around?

Just bought a beautiful brand new brown calfskin leather jump saddle. What is the best way to protect and look after it? It seems to be a bit more absorbent than normal leather?

Only ridden in it twice now but want to know if i should be doing anything to it before it gets wet for the first time?

I don't normally use oils and I imagine this will darken it too much?

Thanks in advance!

 

[TheCurlyPony]

Albion Balm is good for calf.

 

[Goldenstar]

I use rapide leder gel.
I got my first sample with a fair fax girth it is marvellous stuff.

 

[cremedemonthe]

Have a read through this thread, you are right not to use just oil on ANY leather, this thread I wrote a while ago will explain why.
If you use a commercial product make sure it has beeswax in it will help keep the rain off and calf skin is more absorbent as the grain is more open and softer in general allowing moisture to penetrate easily.

Oz (Saddler)
http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?685155-Leather-Conditioner-Recipe

 

[KarlyHT]

Thank you so much for that Oz. Are there any commercial products that would do the job? I have the effax conditioner in the brown tub?

 

[cremedemonthe]

Thank you so much for that Oz. Are there any commercial products that would do the job? I have the effax conditioner in the brown tub?

If you read through that thread someone found out the ingredients of Effax Lederbalsam, was seriously not impressed.(read post number 76 ) I did some further research in to one of it's ingredients. If this is what they seem to think is ok to add to a product that you are going to use on your leather and will go against the horse's hide and will go on your hands I would question what the hell are they putting in any of their products and will certainly not be recommending it.
Because I make my own I can't honestly say what products out there at the moment have good ingredients and what has questionable ingredients as I haven't used any for a while.
I used to use Abbey hide food, that had a good grease and beeswax content.
ALWAYS try to find out what is in the product/s you are thinking of using, Oz

 

[KarlyHT]

Thank you. Very interesting!

So excuse my ignorance but if I went to a supermarket would I literally buy beef dripping and lard? Apologies from the vegetarian

 

[KarlyHT]

Just read further on in your other thread now! Thank you

 

[KarlyHT]

And PS I have ordered some of your special recipe

 

[cremedemonthe]

Yes supermarket is where I get one of my ingredients, one from a wholesaler, the rest I make my myself and yes I am a veggie too! Since 1983, Oz

 

[sbloom]

Calf skin saddles are usually bonded, I would check with the manufacturer as some conditioners or oils can dissolve the glue.