Is oiling tack/saddles damaging it?

m3gan

m3gan

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As above, I have been told by makers of my new saddle that oiling it is not good for it , is this generally known, have I been misguided in normally oiling my tack? Call me old fashioned but I thought it was good for it!
 
I recently got a new saddle and saddler said to use a quality leather balsam not oil. He said oil is ok for old dry leather but not new saddles.
 
If you think that you put oil on new/old tack to soften it then if you continue to add oil yo continue to soften it so basically, yes. However if you clean it and dry it out you need to replace the lost moisture.
 
Sorry to jump on this thread- my saddle leather is now quite dry- I'm not really sure what to do with it?!

What should I use to replace the moisture and keep the leather soft and supple ??

Thanks :)
 
Best thing Ive found is Gold Label Hide Food. Love love love it. you can use it on anything leather- i use it on my aria chaps/boots, my dogs collar, saddles bridles etc etc... softens and supples like a dream and not drying at all
 
m3gan said:
As above, I have been told by makers of my new saddle that oiling it is not good for it , is this generally known, have I been misguided in normally oiling my tack? Call me old fashioned but I thought it was good for it!
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Oiling really isn't great. You'd be better with a good hide food/balm. Personally I love the Jeffries one (which is made by Sedgewicks, who make lovely bridle leather). I know the Effax one has a good reputation too.

Creme de Monthe or sbloom are the people to advise, I'm sure they will be along soon.
 
I was also told this when I bought my new saddle. It is because it is made of very soft calf skin which does not need oiling to make it soft. This could be the case with yours too.
 
I asked my master saddler this question tonight and he said that old saddles needed oiling but modern leather is better cleaned using saddle soap, leave to dry then apply a leather balm/balsam.
 
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