long term saddle storage

[JLD]

I need to store my beautiful Albion dressage saddle - I don't want to sell it as may need in future but no longer have my horse. Saddle is going to have to go up in loft for several years - how should I best prep and store it ie grease / saddle bag etc . Thanks

 

[ozpoz]

Ask Albion. Different saddles have different requirements and the manufacturers will know best.

 

[FfionWinnie]

I don't think the loft is a great idea. It's going to be exposed to extremes of temperature and possible dampness there.

 

[JLD]

It's got to be there or an unlined shed - neither are great but options very limited ( there is no room in house for us let alone a saddle). It's got cosmetic damage so second hand value very poor but it fits me amazingly well as pretty much custom made and would cost me about 2k to replace so worth a go !

 

[FfionWinnie]

It's got to be there or an unlined shed - neither are great but options very limited ( there is no room in house for us let alone a saddle). It's got cosmetic damage so second hand value very poor but it fits me amazingly well as pretty much custom made and would cost me about 2k to replace so worth a go !

The shed might be better in terms of being able to clean it/check it. If a mouse was eating it in the loft you wouldn't know til it was too late. Plus it will get really hot up there.

 

[splashgirl45]

I have my dressage saddle on a rack in an understairs cupboard. I still have room to hang jackets and also can use the floor for storage...I have a tiny cottage and know what you mean about no room!!!!!!

 

[WelshD]

I saw a good product advertised the other day but cant for the life of me remember where!

It was something similar to the Stubbs Saddle Mate arched saddle holder then once your saddle was placed on the arch the whole thing sat in a big plastic box so the saddle was supported from below and protected from the side and top.

If you cant find one of those I would perhaps pinch the idea and use the Stubbs thing inside one of those thick 'really useful' boxes

I am not sure if it would need air holes (I'd use mesh to keep mice out) or whether some of those silica sachets would be an idea

 

[WelshD]

I have my dressage saddle on a rack in an understairs cupboard. I still have room to hang jackets and also can use the floor for storage...I have a tiny cottage and know what you mean about no room!!!!!!

I keep my show saddle in a cover stored on a padded saddle rack right above my head under the stairs

 

[Goldenstar]

I put mine in the attic at one point I had over a dozen up there .
I clean them thoroughly to get all grease off and then use something like the Albion leather balm on them liberally a couple of times daily for several days .
Before that I carefully clean all the metal parts with fine wire wool to remove all dirt and any rust however small .
Before they go up I coat all the metal lightly with Vaseline .
They are stored so the panels are not sitting on anything wrapped in old sheets .
I check and condition every six months .
It's cooler than the house in my attic but never too cold it's also defiantly not in any way damp they never go mouldy .
I had some up there for years with no ill effects .

 

[ILuvCowparsely]

I need to store my beautiful Albion dressage saddle - I don't want to sell it as may need in future but no longer have my horse. Saddle is going to have to go up in loft for several years - how should I best prep and store it ie grease / saddle bag etc . Thanks

Just give a good clean with soap and put into saddle cover, Should be fine.