Neatsfoot oil on new tack, or something else?

[Cowpony]

Hi all, I've seen all the threads on using neatsfoot oil regularly, but can't find the answer as to whether you can use anything else on new tack. I've just bought a new martingale, and the label says to apply neatsfoot oil 3 times before using it. Of course, I don't have any, and can't get to the shop before I'm likely to use it. I have Renapur, Effax and Horseman's Onestep. Will any of those do instead?

 

[MiJodsR2BlinkinTite]

If you PM "Creme de Menthe" (not sure I've spelt this right?) they would be able to help you, have seen previous posts of theirs on this I seem to recall.

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

I use renapur cleaner and conditioner I would just put the conditioner on it a few times, neetsfoot rots the stitching I wouldn't use it on tack that has stitching.

 

[marmalade76]

I don't oil new tack, using it will soften it up. If you do oil, just avoid putting it on the stitching.

 

[Shoei]

I just had a new Childeric saddle, they supply parafin oil to treat their leatherwork when new. Only one application is required though.

 

[sbloom]

For strap work it would always be the conditioner from @cremedemonthe. OneStep is a no, any one step product should be used only as a quick clean just as you cleanse and then moisturise your face with separate products.

Effac brown tub has a lot of solvents in it, I have no idea what's in Renapur as none of these products have to list all their ingredients, so they just list the good ones.

Generally a waxy, solid at room temps, conditioner, is likely to be better for strap work. For saddles I generally say follow the makers institutions as they can vary (calfskin etc).

 

[ycbm]

I used to use neatsfoot oil for decades and never had it cause any stitching to rot. And as one saddler said "you can easily replace the stitching, you can't easily replace the leather".

Effax has done a good job on hard new tack for me, since you've got it I would use that.
.

 

[Cowpony]

Thanks everybody. I think I'll go with what I've got and forget about neatsfoot oil!