ATTEMPTING TO DYE MY $2500 SADDLE

This was genuinely one of the scariest and stupidest things I've ever done!! I'm so happy with how it turned out though. A little reminder that this isn't a very smart thing to do haha, so I really wouldn't recommend doing this! So much can go wrong, and your saddle probably loses a significant amount of value, so it's unlikely I would be able to resell this saddle for what it is actually worth. I only was willing to do this because my saddle is in very good shape internally, but the leather was really damaged from the previous owner. Make sure to like this video if you enjoyed, and subscribe to see more videos!
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FAQ:
Who are your current horses and who do you own?
Currently, I own "Spring in Her Step" aka Tulip. She is a 14.3hh, 2008 Appaloosa mare. I also own a "Come What Mae" aka Maeve, a 16hh, 2016 OTTB mare. To see past horses I have owned/leased check out the "about" page on my channel.
Do you own your own barn?
My parents are the directors of a camp and retreat center in Ontario, and so I do barn chores and work there in exchange for keeping my horse, Tulip, there.

[@blackdandelion5549]

Wanted to see the result as I am doing full research before doing mine. 1. Thoroughly clean entire saddle with saddle soap and water. You want no dirt or human or horse sweat involved in this process. Let dry thoroughly. 2. The deglazing is important to do evenly over the saddle and especially in spots the rider would cover with their body. The things that damage the glaze is the sun, regular use and wear that is breaking down the leather, but really the sun and places the leather already looks discolored are already more broken down and the very nice spots under the lip of where we sit, where the sun is not beating and under flaps and edges is where is needs the most deglazing. Let dry from process thoroughly and this allows you to see any spots you may need to work on more. 3. Apply the dye. I suggest using Fiebing's Pro Dye for saddles as it has an alcohol content which makes it soak deeper into the leather than their "leather dye". Please move slowly and switch methods like starting with small circles and then go back over it while still wet with left to right movements and you will see how the leather is or is not taking the dye evenly. It can be a slow process to lift every flap and get every edge. Wear some surgical gloves for this part to be able to lift leather and not stain your hands in the process. You want to let the saddle sit and dry and soak in all of the dye and then see how it took the dye. Be prepared to put on another coat depending on the level of wear on the leather, how much change in color you are doing, how new the leather was, how much deglazing was done, etc. Check all of your edges and small pieces that could be easily missed. This is a detail oriented process. 4. You need to reglaze to get the sheen back on the color and hold the color in from getting on your pants, horse, saddle pad, etc. Each product line has their own product for this. This is purely to hold the color into the saddle and give the shiny "glazed" finish look. Let thoroughly dry. Normally Resolene, but check with each kind of dye that is used. 5. Now moisturize your saddle. Use Mink Oil on top of Neatsfoot oil to give a moisture boost and seal it from weather and moisture even on top of the glaze. Get that saddle oiled and looking brand new!!! This will also help remove the excess dye that would get on your pants and verify the dye was sealed in properly. Weather proof that saddle and make it shine!!!!!! with softness and suppleness in the leather after you had really stripped it down. This will help be another layer of sealant only if you are truly letting everything dry and sealing it properly. Your saddle should be stunning. You can repeat with the oiling until your thirsty saddle is soft and supple and this prevents the dye coming out from worn areas and keeps those areas from cracking or having issues with wear that would make the dye more likely to wear off/down faster. Buff and polish that baby with Mink Oil to repel all water. These are also Fiebing products that I love and can be reapplied with regular saddle care.

[@Keelari]

There’s a final coat you’re suppose to put on that restores the finish of the saddle. It’s like a barrier between the dye and your equipment. You used the deglazer to remove the finish of the saddle so that you could penetrate the leather with the dye. After dying, you need to put back on that protective finish. It’s a separate product and a really important step

[@EquineCass]

Yes you're right! It's called resolene. I have ordered some, but it takes a while to come in the mail. When I was doing research on this most people said that a high quality conditioner like beeswax or mink oil can do the job for you in the short term.

[@gladysarauz2023]

@@EquineCass 1 Qatar 3fS

[@savannahkennedy9895]

It’s so aesthetically pleasing to watch you fill in the light spots 🤤

[@EquineCass]

I know I find it sooooo satisfying 😍

[@gabrielledafonte3605]

yeah, i came to this video because i was trying to see if anyone else was crazy enough to dye their saddle too 🤠 wish me luck guys

[@Primrose.ponies]

I hope it went well! 💗 Redying tack can definitely be quite a nerve-racking process but with the 2 saddles I’ve redyed I’d definitely say it’s worth it in the end. The trickiest part in my opinion is finding what sealants/varnishes work best for you :)

[@blackdandelion5549]

@@Primrose.ponies Any tips, tricks or things that worked for you as I am looking to dye a used saddle I purchased darker.

[@LaurenAllport]

I found this satisfying to watch 😍😍 interested to see how it lasts!

[@EquineCass]

Me too 😍 And yes let's just hope my white breeches stay white after shows 😬😂

[@Kayla-ig4js]

This is anxiety because I know I would ruin it but I’m trying to tell myself it’s not mine

[@youarebymyside]

The preview: "Stupidest thing I've ever done." Reality: "My saddle is really good."

[@picturesqueponies]

omg this is so satisfying cause the second i’m like “oh no she missed that spot i’m gonna think about that for the rest of the video” you cover it 🥴🥴

[@Achilyse]

The chicken laughing was honestly amazing.

[@katester9937]

I love this! Thank you so much for doing this because now I know what the result will look like! Also you put your videos together so nice, and they are so entertaining. Literally I watch all your vids till the end but other youtubers I skip a lot of the vid. Keep up the good work!

[@EquineCass]

Aw thank you! That means a lot ♥️

[@graceconnolly5765]

so I know you said not to do it but imma do it

[@jessowens3665]

You have to put a wax coating of some sort on top as a sealer and buff it out once you’re done to keep it from transferring. Otherwise once you get sweaty it’ll definitely transfer (ask me how I know🤦🏻‍♀️😂) but beeswax works awesome

[@michelletrimmer6750]

I want to do this. I am terrified.

[@dancing.with.adagio]

I'm so excited for you!!!! I'm planning on dying my older dressage saddle!

[@chalenivy0039]

I have the same saddle love it! I just do hus and equitatation no jumping lol. I think mine was 700. and mine barely has any leather rubs. lol

[@hollyo7759]

if you use a leather balm it will put the finish back on, and it will look glossier

[@tamassapi8538]

You have worked a lot with your saddle, is worth your efforts. Your chickens and your border collie dog are very cute.

[@meadow_equestrian07]

This video really helped! I’m most likely buying a new saddle soon, it’s used and kinda stained so I’m planning on dying it

[@maddi4898]

holy this turned out so good i did not expect that

[@rylie3266]

it better go viral!!

[@noturavragelulaby]

"I'm gonna start on the seat" *wipes saddle flap* But I will try this in the summer I bought my English jumping saddle for $20 bucks at an antique store and it was in ok condition one of my billets was missing but it is a good saddle and it fits my horses, and I am also gonna dye my bridle and noseband and reins so wish me luck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@CAR0TASTISCH]

Wow, it looks amazing!

[@EleanorNeville618]

Good job!! Well worth the hard work!

[@EnzoEventing]

I ended up buying an old faded $20 racing saddle at Goodwill. The leathers faded in a lot of places so I might try dying it since it was only 20 bucks. I will not be using it on horses unless it happens to fit them and doesn't cause any pain but I really don't want to take chances so I'm just gonna have it as a display saddle and use my good saddle for riding.

[@jcollman1]

So 1 year later... still love it?? Did you end up putting that resolene stuff on it later?

[@mackenzie1352]

When the quarantine gets to you haha 😳🥰

[@Hockeyperson]

It actually is really good!

[@Equestriumph]

That saddle looks brand new! Been looking at dying mine for a while (it’s about 30 yes old, LOL) did you deglaze the bottom too?

[@sarahsyptak7236]

Why is Phylis the way that she is?

[@wvw728]

What color dye did you use?

[@kirstLUVSaleeah]

Where did you buy the leather dye? Thinking of doing it myself but I want to get the right stuff💛

[@sydsquid1904]

Not sure where she got hers specifically, but you can find the same brand on Amazon.

[@marissanicole9607]

What brand is your saddle?

[@EquineCass]

Santa Cruz!

[@horsenerd]

Hey Cass, there's a brand on Facebook called Clyde's leather conditioner that have literally stolen your video 🙈 you're making their product look awesome though

[@EquineCass]

Oh my goodness, I just saw your comment! That's crazy! I don't see it there anymore though, they must have taken it down 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@horsenerd]

@@EquineCass Yes you're right, I can't see it on their page anymore but the ad still pops up in my feed. Unfortunately the video is a status update and I can't get a link for you :(

[@EquineCass]

Wow oh my gosh I see it now. I can't believe how dishonest they are, I'm definitely not using their product!!

[@horsenerd]

@@EquineCass yes I thought so too! Just blatantly stealing your work. I've watched your video a few times when I was looking to do my saddle and I recognized your pink cloth 😆

[@pattinsonduh3749]

I wanna do this..but I know I’ll mess it up lmao

[@shantaeequine5212]

god lol(looks good)