How to soften new leather bridle?

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Hugo-Boy

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I've got a beautiful new hunter bridle for my boy, it comes with a wide nose band. Until today I thought I knew what I was doing, which is plaster it in neetsfoot oil - but I've now been told by several people that neetsfoot oil isn't great at all.

I've been recommended Effax and Hydrophene oil - can anyone comment on these? The bridle wasn't expensive (think about £60) so it's not best quality but should be reasonable.

I've also got leather conditioner at home - would that soften it as well? My main concern is the nose band, it's too stiff doesn't sit properly over the nose.

Any tips?
 
Use whatever balm you choose. Then roll each piece tightly up and down until it gives. No bigger a curl than a pencil, smaller if you can.
 
Neatsfoot can stretch leather if over applied, so that's probably why you're being told to avoid it.

For new leather, I'd probably use a balsam, but check the ingredients as I think petroleum based products or anything with Glycerine can be a bit pants.
 
Thank you, I’ll have a read!
My issue is that the wide nose band won’t sit properly as it’s too stiff and obviously I don’t want to cause him any discomfort.
 
It shouldn't do, horses have tough thick hides remember!
All traditional saddlery was made like this, it is usually stronger and takes more wear than the softer hides we have come to know these days unless it's of poor quailty that is. When I make any saddlery I use firm hides like this to make it last years.
The traditonal, firm leather needs to be broken in and "blocked" to the shape required through good cleaning, maintenance and use, the use of the bridle will manipulate it in to the correct shape to fit your horse's nose, trust me :)
Oz
 
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