New reins

[eahotson]

I have some new leather reins.They are a little stiff.What is the best way to soften them and also what sort of tack cleaner do people recommend.

 

[milliepops]

i find the best way to soften things like that is to use them

for tack cleaning I use warm water to de-grease and then a light application of some kind of leather dressing/balsam. I've got an old pot of effax on the go at the moment, heathen that I am, i know the saddlery gurus on here don't rate it but it's kept my bridles looking good and waterproofs my boots too

Not too much grease on reins otherwise they can get slippery.

 

[ycbm]

If they are really stiff, roll them. Start at one end and roll as tight as you can to the other end. Then do it again from the other end. Then repeat with the rough side to the other side. And repeat until it gives or you can't bear the screams
.

 

[SpotsandBays]

Lincoln’s superior leather balsam. Love that stuff! Super good for softening new leather and it smells amazing

 

[spotty_pony]

Cover in plenty of oil.

 

[cremedemonthe]

PLEASE don't oil them.
Best way to soften new leather is to use it but if you must soften them further make up some conditioner as in the article I have sent you, read through it and it will tell you why you shouldn't oil new leather or any leather that is under 25 years old, Oz

 

[SpotsandBays]

PLEASE don't oil them.
Best way to soften new leather is to use it but if you must soften them further make up some conditioner as in the article I have sent you, read through it and it will tell you why you shouldn't oil new leather or any leather that is under 25 years old, Oz

If possible could I please get the link to this article? Thank you!

 

[ycbm]

i find the best way to soften things like that is to use them

for tack cleaning I use warm water to de-grease and then a light application of some kind of leather dressing/balsam. I've got an old pot of effax on the go at the moment, heathen that I am, i know the saddlery gurus on here don't rate it but it's kept my bridles looking good and waterproofs my boots too

Not too much grease on reins otherwise they can get slippery.

I like Effax and it's the recommended dressing for WOW saddles. Stübben, of course, will recommend Stübben and I find that similar.

 

[eahotson]

Thanks everyone for your replies.

 

[cremedemonthe]

If possible could I please get the link to this article? Thank you!

I've sent it to you, Oz

 

[Sanversera]

why shouldnt you oil new tack? Shires tack comes with a label that says "dont let me spoil I need oil". I oil all my new tack makes its supple no problems with it.

 

[cremedemonthe]

why shouldnt you oil new tack? Shires tack comes with a label that says "dont let me spoil I need oil". I oil all my new tack makes its supple no problems with it.

NEATSFOOT OIL used on it's own, is a popular choice to condition modern hides BUT although modern neatsfoot oil is still made from cattle-based products, it has a tendency to speed oxidation of the leather.

If mineral oil or other petroleum-based material is added, the product may be called "neatsfoot oil compound".

Some brands have also been shown to be adulterated with rapeseed oil, soya oil, and other oils.

The addition of mineral oils may lead to more rapid decay of non-synthetic stitching or speed breakdown of the leather itself

You won't always see the damage to the fibres of the hide with the naked eye and think it's ok to use it but you get down to the cellular level and look at the fibres under a microscope of hide oiled with neatsfoot and you'll see what I mean.
The rearing of the cattle, the slaughtering and tanning processes have changed over the years and leather today is not the same as it was years ago.

Some Saddlers will avoid using oil and advise against it for the reasons above.
Oz