Saddle Clean Wash and Condition
First, you may not know how much actual work goes into properly doing a Saddle Wash and repair. I offer this package as a service only, it is a nasty, dirty not so fun job. Most don’t understand just how important this process is! The occasional saddle soaping doesn’t even come close to giving the care this major investment deserves!
Regular cleaning and conditioning is essential to insure the long life of your saddle. My process involves breaking down the removable parts of each saddle. Each piece is inspected for wear and or damage. As the saddle is broken down, I make a note of any parts needing replacement due to wear. For example, the fenders, stirrup leathers, Blevins buckles, hobbles, billets, flank straps, latigos are all examined for wear, dry rot and damage. The saddle tree is also inspected at this time for damage or breakage. Some of these items if worn or damaged, such as stirrup leathers are a significant safety issue!
Once the saddle has been broken down, next comes the washing. Each piece is thoroughly washed, taking care to remove dirt and grime built up from hours of riding, roping and time spent in the arena. When clean, each part of the saddle is then carefully and completely dried.
Prior to reassembly the oil depleted by exposure to the elements is replaced. The leather is then allowed to rest giving oil a chance to stabilize. Next conditioner is worked into the leather bringing back the luster adding years of life back into your saddle.
Just a side note, the replacement of major parts is in addition to the cost of the Saddle Clean Wash and Condition. I will also mention broken saddle trees. If the saddle was new, the tree could realistically be replaced. The labor involved in doing so is substantial and at that point you really need to consider if it is worth the investment! Putting a new saddle tree in an old saddle is like putting a new frame under an old car or truck, it just isn’t worth the investment.