Leather Care Instructions - Newtown Saddles

 

Part 1 — First Arrival

 

Initial Oiling

  • Apply Saddle Oil before first use, totalling 250 mL (or 170 mL for mono-flap saddles) within the first 14 days.
  • Allow the leather to fully absorb the oil naturally; do not rush the process.
  • Remember to apply oil into difficult-to-reach areas, especially stitching and welting between the panel and the saddle. This is the best opportunity in the saddle’s lifetime to nourish these areas thoroughly.

 

Important — Girth Points (Billets)

  • Never oil or condition girth points — clean only.
  • Girth points are made from stretched leather; oiling or conditioning may cause further stretching or misshaping.
  • All billets will stretch over time and should be replaced once during the saddle’s lifetime. Oiling or conditioning accelerates this.

 

Appearance After Oiling

  • Once the first application of Saddle Oil is absorbed, the leather will appear as it does when fully nourished.
  • This look is similar to when a saddle has been “over-oiled” — at this early stage, that level of saturation is good.
  • It must be balanced to ensure longevity; from this point on, the goal is to keep the leather topped up only where environmental exposure affects its nourishment.
  • In the beginning of the saddle’s life, it is important to get oil into all areas. After this, ongoing conditioning maintains those areas, and full oiling should only be required 1–3 times per year, depending on use and exposure.

 

Cleaning & Conditioning After Initial Oiling

  • After the Saddle Oil is absorbed, clean with a glycerine-based saddle soap.
  • Do not use creams at this stage.
  • When the saddle begins to look “thirsty”, apply a conditioning balm.

 

Ongoing Oiling

  • Use Saddle Oil only 2–3 times per year, depending on use and exposure to the elements.

 

Recommended Products

  • Saddle Oil: Effax Leder-Öl — any quality leather oil, ideally premium and specified as “saddle oil”.
  • Glycerine-Only Soap: Oakwood Glycerine Leather Cleaner for Horse Saddles — must be pure glycerine to avoid residue in the leather’s pores.
  • Leather Conditioner: Effax Leder-Balsam — the only recommended conditioner.


 

Part 2 — After Use & Ongoing Care

 

1. Regular Cleaning

  • After every ride, wipe away dirt, sweat, and hair with a soft cloth or brush.
  • For deeper cleaning (monthly or as needed), use a mild, pH-balanced leather cleaner or pure glycerine saddle soap. Avoid harsh chemicals.

 

2. Conditioning

  • Apply a high-quality leather conditioner after cleaning to restore moisture and prevent cracking.
  • Use sparingly — over-conditioning can weaken leather fibres.
  • Increase conditioning frequency for saddles exposed to sun, humidity, rain, or heavy use.

 

3. Drying & Storage

  • Air-dry naturally after cleaning; never use heaters, radiators, or hairdryers.
  • Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area on a padded rack with a breathable cover.

 

4. Inspection & Maintenance

  • During cleaning, check for wear, loose stitching, or cracks.
  • Address minor repairs early to extend the saddle’s lifespan.

 

5. Final Reminders

  • Test new care products on a discreet area before full application.
  • Avoid high-pH cleaners, household oils, and baby oil — they damage leather or leave residue.

 

Disclaimer: Leather is a natural material that changes with use, environment, and care. Following these guidelines will help maintain your saddle’s performance, comfort, and appearance.