Should I buy a part suede saddle or stick to leather?

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arabianlover

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I've been looking at new show saddles and I am now at the point of wondering whether to buy a half-suede one or if I should be practical and go for a full leather version. I really love the look of seude saddles and the stickability they offer, but how easy are they to look after for everyday use? If I went for a half seude, ie seat and knee rolls, and then mainly rode in a fleece saddle cover would the suede be preserved quite well? How many years does the suede realistically last for? Any experiences/tips would be great
 
It all depends on the suede! The company I work for only really does part suede - the main part of the flap does wear very quickly if full suede. I recommend it where riders like the extra grip, then I usually send them to Helen's Hooves and Paws on ebay to buy a good waterproof saddle cover - keeping it dry is more important as it absorbs water like a sponge. Wear from regular use is simply a flattening of the suede and it can be brushed out regularly, being careful not to get anything oily like conditioner on it, as grease is the main thing that flattens it. If it gets bad:

http://ezinearticles.com/?How-To-Clean-Your-Suede-Saddle&id=6823807

The suede will lighten slightly over time whereas leather darkens slightly if well cared for. The suede should go on for decades if a good quality to begin with, and well cared for.
 
I've got a saddle with suede seat & knee rolls, and yes you do have to be careful not to get it wet! But I do like the extra grip it gives.

Second suggestion re. getting a waterproof ride-saddle cover; I got one for my suede saddle and found it was SO indispensable (particularly in the wet "summer" we've just had) that I got another for my loan horse's saddle! Fantastic things, a real item you dunno how you managed without.
 
I had a part suede saddle and i agree the knee pads do wear out very quickly. Mine was starting to wear after about a month (I was riding and competing a lot) so I took it back and got a full leather again.

Hope this helps :)
 
Personally, I hate suede on saddles. The care on them is so much greater and they can look really tatty in no time. I did learn a trick about cleaning it, and on my suede Ideal Jessica I tried and must admit it does look nice. But when I got my new saddle, I had been offered one in suede for £500 cheaper than getting the leather one I'd ordered and I turned it down because of the suede!

Yes, they offer more stickability, but really really love traditional leather - you can get sticky leather which is so soft.
 
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