Q&A: How to Clean a Western Saddle

Is your saddle caked with dust & dirt? Our tack guy Marty talks you through deep-cleaning a leather saddle to help it last longer.
Have a question about tack or leather care? Leave a comment & let us know, we love making videos for you!
Shop tack & get more tips & coupons: SMITHandEDWARDS.com/Western

[@tflynn1148]

This was very helpful! I was able to finally clean off my Mum's old barrel racing saddles with the help of this, and a few more, videos!

[@barbedstar6480]

Sometimes you will see a little bit of soap or paste oil residue left in the tooling when you are done. I take a soft, fat mushroom brush to go over the tooling in a circular motion, ( or a soft toothbrush). It makes a nice finish job. Good video.

[@dare2horsecrazy]

fiebings is definitely my favorite so far. my saddle doctor told me about it years ago.

[@H.pylori]

Great video. I have always wanted one good method to keep my saddle in shape. Thanks for revealing the products to use.

[@aliciakramp8696]

This is a gorgeous saddle! What brand is it?

[@MinisterKeith.L.Adkins]

What’s your opinion on using a shop vacuum to clean the dust and dirt in tight places?

[@kennedyeverett6074]

Very helpful! I just got my first saddle from family, and its not in great shape and I ride English so I wasn't sure how to clean it! Thanks!!

[@maryannklingler1441]

Is it possible to clean the underside shearling of an old saddle without replacing it?

[@wolfnrus]

Love the Q & A format, but no one ever tells us why the same dirty rag is used without rinsing. Seems like the dirt that the saddle soap cleans is just rubbed right into the leather. Can you explain? Thanks!

[@doreenarns2864]

Great video! Thank you!

[@oscarhuazano2602]

wonderfull i have a traditional charro saddle i wanted clean one final quuestion wull it affect color ?

[@SMITHANDEDWARDS]

+Oscar Huazano Depending on how dry the leather is, any conditioner will darken it some. Usually the color will lighten up as the conditioner or oil dries.

[@suzyqzoo]

I haven't ridden in years and I want to give my saddle to a family that has 4 adopted foster kids. They have a horse but can't afford a saddle. mine is good BUT the skirt on the sides has curled. how can I soften that up. its hard to get under it. Can I wet it to help soften it first and then oil it?

[@SMITHANDEDWARDS]

Hi there Suzy. What I would recommend is to wet it down with warm water where it is curled. That will soften it enough to straighten it out, and then after it is dry, treat it with some oil. It should hold the new shape after that. Thanks for asking. -Marty

[@callum8205]

If I use a household sponge which side should I use?

[@oxin1099]

the soft side! the harsh side could scratch the leather. it might be good for metal parts though

[@764melissa]

I just got an old saddle. leather is very dry and stiff.. wondering which products should I use to get it in good condition?

[@SMITHANDEDWARDS]

Hey Melissa, I would clean it up with the Fiebings liquid saddle soap first, and then work in the Skidmores leather cream. Thanks for asking. -Marty

[@764melissa]

Smith & Edwards , thanks for the fast response! I'll try it and let to guys know how it goes! ! :)

[@cactusladysouth1000]

You didn't clean the dirty saddle soap off after cleaning?????

[@oscarhuazano2602]

hey does the lquid soap affect stiching?

[@SMITHANDEDWARDS]

+Oscar Huazano Hi Oscar! The liquids should not affect the stitching. A lot of old saddles were stitched together with linen thread, I think the linen seems to dry rot and a lot of people thought it was the liquids that would cause this to happen. With the nylon and poly thread they use now, it don't seem to affect it at all. -Marty

[@rosierose1791]

Do you have a store in Southern California?

[@SMITHANDEDWARDS]

Hi Viktoria, thanks for asking! Our store is in Ogden, Utah and we're opening our 2nd store in West Jordan, Utah this year. While we're not in California, you can find us online! :) Thanks!

[@dakotalewis2101]

What about rough out? Same rules apply.

[@katiedecker4594]

dakota lewis no use a stiff brush with no solution. Cleaner will mess up your rough put

[@jrmaos4886]

Where can I get sheep skin

[@katiedecker4594]

j Rmaos a sheep 🐑

[@bubba7531]

Fabric stores

[@konarider1215]

Make sure it’s not the fake stuff though