Saddle tear repair?

[mandwhy]

Hi there!

The saddle flap on my part-loan horse's saddle has worn away where the stirrup leathers have rubbed over the years. It is only the top layer of the leather and I was wondering if anyone has tried to do a DIY repair with some sort of leather glue/putty or a patch? I am pretty good at sewing and crafts etc so with the right tools I could probably do a neat enough job but I'm not sure if the glue would be strong enough to withstand further rubbing.

I was thinking if I had some idea how to do it I would ask the owner if she wanted me to have a go, as I don't want her to have to shell out for a new saddle and the last time I rode the horse the tear got worse :-( It is a vertical tear that is further pulled apart when the stirrup leather catches against it. I don't know if you can get some sort of cover that might help.

Any ideas appreciated I don't think it is a very expensive saddle so professional repair may outweigh the cost of a new one, and a DIY job may be worth a go

 

[Lintel]

Of no help what so ever sorry (I am useless at those kind of things!)
But if you do DIY it- get the pic's on here! I'd love too see

 

[cremedemonthe]

The thing to do is to use Araldite or something as strong, buff up the leather on the saddle that will be going under the patch to get a good key, shave the edges of the leather patch down on the flesh side to help stop it catching on things and pulling off. Make sure you expel the air out from under the patch before the glue goes off. If you need any more help or get stuck PM me and I will try to help you, Oz

 

[mandwhy]

Araldite yes! I did wonder if that would be a good plan but wasn't sure it would be flexible enough, but I guess it will be sandwiched between leather so it probably doesn't really matter. I used it yesterday and it didn't get any worse thank goodness, was thinking it would end up tearing all the way up :-/ Will defo post a picture of my thrifty work!

 

[cremedemonthe]

Araldite yes! I did wonder if that would be a good plan but wasn't sure it would be flexible enough, but I guess it will be sandwiched between leather so it probably doesn't really matter. I used it yesterday and it didn't get any worse thank goodness, was thinking it would end up tearing all the way up :-/ Will defo post a picture of my thrifty work!

Good luck, it's really a very easy repair, just fiddly!
Can do them in my sleep!
Oz