NEW STIFF BRIDLE - WHAT TO USE?

[pipper]

I have looked back on old posts regarding this - and am still confused??? Some people seem to swear by soaking in neatsfoot oil and others say no definatly not, but to use a leather conditioner?
Please advise what is best - i have a lovely new bridle not very expensive so stiff leather - so i want to get it as soft as poss before i use it....
thanks

 

[Alec Swan]

Neats foot oil would certainly do the job, but perhaps the best route would be for you to apply glycerine saddle soap, two or three times, and then USE it. The mixture of saddle soap and use will very soon have it usable, and with continued and repeated use and treatment, it should give you years of service.

Alec.

 

[leflynn]

I use flexalan fo rmy leather stuff and it makes it lovely and soft, but you do need to use the bridle to make it supple too

 

[Devonshire dumpling]

We have never had any problem with rotten stitching with Neatsfoot, gently heat some in a pan (luke warm) place bridle in saucepan submerged, leave overnight, drip dry, voila! If it's a really cheap bridle it won't ever be soft I doubt X

 

[cyberhorse]

I use neatsfoot but only if I do not mind the leather darkening. If not I use a gold label conditioning product, but it takes more applications to soften it over a much longer period. Also do not use any of the softening products without checking the label for Lanolin some horses and people are allergic. I can only use some products with gloves on and I am lucky my horse is OK with lanolin, but I know some people who had theirs react as it is virtually impossible to not leave residue.