waterproof saddle covers - do I need one?

[bluewhippet]

First winter as a horse owner. Want to ride in all weathers. Have an exercise sheet and my own waterproof clothes, but do I need to get a saddle cover. Have a leather saddle, which though not top class, needs to last as the only one that seems to fit my horse!

Is it very detrimental to get saddles wet and if so is there anyone wonderful saddle cover I can buy. Downside is they all look very slippery and my gelding spooks a lot....

 

[Miss L Toe]

Most saddle covers are to protect them when on a saddle rack, there are seat savers which might help a bit, but if the saddle gets wet, the best thing is to dry it slowly in a heated tack room, then clean and maybe lightly oil it. I find the spray on ready leather dressings are pretty good.

 

[flying solo]

I have a cover which has stirrup holes, great for wet hacks etc also saves getting it covered in mud going through stubble fields ;-)

 

[bluewhippet]

Thanks, I will look for one. And it doesn't make you slide off?

 

[flying solo]

I haven't so far lol its not like sitting on my heather moffett (sp) seat saver but nothing compares to that!

 

[MiJodsR2BlinkinTite]

I've got a lovely new saddle with suede seat and knee rolls: and have a waterproof saddle cover which I bought on e-bay. Sorry don't know what make it is - its out in the tackroom at the mo but I could go and see if there's a tag on it if you like???

Its lovely, has a fleece underlay on it to make it more comfy, and whilst its not as secure as sitting on the suede, its not too slippy at all.

I slip it on whenever it looks like rain - and really don't know how I managed without it!!!

Mine's navy blue, but you can get them on e-bay in all sorts of hi viz colours. They've got holes where you put the stirrups through.

Indespensible IME. Get one, you'll never know how you lived without one.

 

[Happy Hunter]

I would say dont!
Most of the 'waterproof' ones are rather slippery! Heaven forbit your weight on a ill placed seam would rub the leather terribly.
A good clean and care of the saddle will prevent much of the damage.

If you are riding in the pouring rain - the best cover is a big long riding coat! They have nice 'expandible' back bits for the saddle to hide under.

The best tip someone shoed me - Is to ride into the stable to prevent exposure!!!! (Not striiiictly adviseable!!)

 

[bluewhippet]

I've got a lovely new saddle with suede seat and knee rolls: and have a waterproof saddle cover which I bought on e-bay. Sorry don't know what make it is - its out in the tackroom at the mo but I could go and see if there's a tag on it if you like???

Its lovely, has a fleece underlay on it to make it more comfy, and whilst its not as secure as sitting on the suede, its not too slippy at all.

I slip it on whenever it looks like rain - and really don't know how I managed without it!!!

Mine's navy blue, but you can get them on e-bay in all sorts of hi viz colours. They've got holes where you put the stirrups through.

Indespensible IME. Get one, you'll never know how you lived without one.

I will look on Ebay (where I get everything!)

 

[bluewhippet]

I would say dont!
Most of the 'waterproof' ones are rather slippery! Heaven forbit your weight on a ill placed seam would rub the leather terribly.
A good clean and care of the saddle will prevent much of the damage.

If you are riding in the pouring rain - the best cover is a big long riding coat! They have nice 'expandible' back bits for the saddle to hide under.

The best tip someone shoed me - Is to ride into the stable to prevent exposure!!!! (Not striiiictly adviseable!!)

I considered a long coat but I don't think it is me! So I am going for individual things to keep dry.