Water markings on seat of saddle - help please

Bryndu

Bryndu

Well-Known Member
Joined
30 July 2008
Messages
1,192
Visit site
Hi,
First ever post!
I have a 2 year old WH pony saddle which I have looked after probably better than myself, but 2 months ago I was riding in the rain, and having walked back to the tackroom, I wiped the saddle dry and applied saddle soap - the block kind - and left it as per usual overnight.
The next day when I went to use it I was confronted with a dappled seat! The saddle flaps which were exposed to the same rain and treatment thereof were dapple free.
I have tried warm water and saddle soap, cold water and saddle soap and quite a few 'brand' leather cleaners, to no avail.
As this saddle cost me the best part of an arm and a leg, can anyone offer me a solution to this dappling of the leather.
All answers greatfully received and remedies tried.
Ta.
Bryndu
 
I had an old patchy saddle, and had heard alot of people in america dye their saddles, so I brought some fiebings saddle dye, dyed over the whole saddle and it looks brand new, same cant be said for the patio where I did it hehe!
 
Thanks Georgiaziggy,
Am I that brave on such a new saddle? Well I have a naff older saddle I could use as a 'guinea pig' so thanks for the advice...gratefully received. :)
Bryndu
 
Be aware, if you dye it the dye might not be permanent! You don't see it so much now but in the good old days even commercially dyed saddles often "bled" and many people's light coloured breeches told the tale.
 
I've had this before, i think i just kept cleaning it like normal but i did it after every ride and didnt let it get wet again. The effect wore off after a while i think. Good luck, hope you get it sorted. What about taking it to a saddler and asking for their advice?
 
TarrSteps said:
Be aware, if you dye it the dye might not be permanent! You don't see it so much now but in the good old days even commercially dyed saddles often "bled" and many people's light coloured breeches told the tale.
Click to expand...

My Pikeurs thank you!
Bryndu:)
 
lialls said:
I've had this before, i think i just kept cleaning it like normal but i did it after every ride and didnt let it get wet again. The effect wore off after a while i think. Good luck, hope you get it sorted. What about taking it to a saddler and asking for their advice?
Click to expand...

Thanks for this.
I do clean it after every ride, religiously and living in wet Wales I don't have an option of keeping it dry, but I like the idea of getting in touch with a saddler.
Many thanks.
Bryndu:)
 
keep soaping it. you could also oil it. living in wet wales is no excuse. take the saddle home, leave in a warm room (not direct heat) and oil and soap. it will wear off as the saddle wears in to the weather.
 
If it were mine there are two options

1. Oil it - use only hydrophane or flexalan, as these do not stain white breeches!! Apply liberally with a brush and the saddle will soak it up where it needs it. This will make the leather a shade darker, but also waterproof and protect it


2. Balm it - use effax balm and slather a good layer and gently use a hair drier to make the saddle absorb it. Pretty much the same as method 1 only using a more solid product.
 
Well aslong as you seal it properly after its been dyed, using an oil or i used beeswax balm, works wonders on leather! and my saddle hasnt ever got dye on me from day 1 :) did only buy it for £22.50 of ebay, buts its turned out to eb a very ncie saddle now.
 
ofcourseyoucan said:
keep soaping it. you could also oil it. living in wet wales is no excuse. take the saddle home, leave in a warm room (not direct heat) and oil and soap. it will wear off as the saddle wears in to the weather.
Click to expand...

Honest.. this saddle has more TLC than anything apart from the pony it goes on and it lives in a warm tack room, it is cleaned EVERY day and has a my little pony fleece saddle cover given by pony's fan club. I just find it bizzare that no other saddle I have had in my 40 year history has ever done this.
I will try oiling it and fingers crossed it will work.
Thanks.
Bryndu
 
Jen_Cots said:
If it were mine there are two options

1. Oil it - use only hydrophane or flexalan, as these do not stain white breeches!! Apply liberally with a brush and the saddle will soak it up where it needs it. This will make the leather a shade darker, but also waterproof and protect it


2. Balm it - use effax balm and slather a good layer and gently use a hair drier to make the saddle absorb it. Pretty much the same as method 1 only using a more solid product.
Click to expand...

Thanks Jen_Cots,
The saddle is havanna so I don't think the 'turning a shade darker' would matter as long as my saddle was the same all over.
Never tried the balm so as 2 of you have now suggested oil, I will go for that first, maybe I have just not used enough in the past and if that doesn't work, the effax balm which I have to say I have never heard of.
many thanks again,
Bryndu:)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top