Prevention of saddle sores and the use of treeless saddles

The treeless saddle has been increasingly popular because of its ability to not restrict the horse’s movement while being ridden due to its lightweight and bendable materials. The saddle will make the horse comfortable. Without a bar lying on its back, it can easily move around as it has a closer contact with its rider and is more able to react to the leg cues of its rider. Also, it only has to adjust with the weight and natural body shape of its rider, without giving a thought to any thick bars positioned on its back.

Aside from using this type of saddle with the proper treeless saddle pad for added support, there are other factors that will help prevent the horse from having a sore back. Proper cleaning is the first rule before you place the saddle onto the horse’s back. Brush thoroughly the areas of the horse’s back which are likely touched by the saddle pad and saddle parts. The withers and the girth are the body parts that are usually prone to soreness, so make sure that as you do the brushing you are getting rid of any dirt that may rub against the horse’s skin once the saddle is placed.

The second rule is to make sure that the saddle fits the horse properly. Too large or too small saddle is extremely unhealthy for the horse. A saddle bigger than what the horse’s back can bear will definitely make the weight of the rider unevenly distributed beyond weight-bearing areas. A very small saddle will put too much pressure on the horse’s back.

Lastly, make sure that when you ride the horse, you are in the correct posture. Sit erect and make sure that you are rested on the central part of the saddle. Never lean too far to the front or back. Stay at the center so your weight is equally distributed throughout the saddle.

Treeless saddles: principles of seat size and weight distribution

Treeless saddles have certain guidelines should you decide to put aside the use of the treed saddles. Perhaps the basic thing would be the use of padding onto the saddle. Since the treeless does not have the luxury of a bar holding together the cantle and pommel the padding becomes very important to keep the horse away from friction at his back eventually leading to a serious health condition due to stress and trauma. Other than that, the use of added accessories to make the saddle become comfortable as much as possible to the horse and the rider is essential as well. In this article, we will be dealing at two key points determining the correct saddle fit on your horse.

First is the seat size. The saddle must not be too long for the horse because when it does, the weight distribution will extend beyond the weight-bearing parts of the house. And that is immediately a big no-no or else the horse will suffer a lot by the end of day, exhausted due to a long travel and some back pains out of unequal weight distribution. The seat size is just determined by the size of both the rider and the horse. Refrain from saddles that are too long for the size of the horse. It will have the tendency to sit far back. It will cause pressure, discomfort and movement restrictions. The rider should be centrally located in the saddle seat for precise balance and movement freedom.

Secondly, balance is another consideration. Make sure that as a responsible rider, you are seated comfortably at the center of the saddle (lowest point of the seat, and knees placed on the kneepad). A correctly fitted, well-balanced saddle has the lowest point of the saddle slightly lower than the highest point of the cantle.

Most barefoot treeless saddles for sale are capable of fitting perfectly most breeds of horses. Yet, not all horses have similar shapes on their backs. It is always best to try a saddle onto your horse before you buy to assure that its features easily complement with the horse’s body shape, most especially its back.

Benefits of treeless saddles

If you are new to horseback riding and are still in the process of getting more knowledge on this new hobby, then you have probably heard of the debate about which is better to use both for the rider an a horse between a treed or a treeless saddle. There are plenty of articles surrounding the Internet that discuss about the superiority of one over the other. There is really no direction in this type of writings because in reality even before men have decided to put the saddle on the back of the horse as, our ancestors were pretty okay with bareback riding. As a matter of fact, ancient people didn’t have all the luxury of sturdy materials to secure them as they are mounted on the horse, and yet they are flexible with it and their horse still manage to complete their normal lifespan. With regards to the use of the saddle, it does not really matter too much whether to select a treed or treeless one. Whichever you choose, the important thing is that the weight of the rider in not distributed to areas where added support is not bearable by the horse.

One advantage of the saddle such as the Bob Marshall treeless saddle and the Torsion treeless saddle is that it acts like a second skin to the horse. Its materials are very light, and provided that it is properly fitted on the horse especially to those with wider backs. Another advantage with the treeless is that the horse’s movements are not restricted thereby allowing him the freedom to move without any strain on his back and shoulders. Also, the horse can easily react to its rider’s leg cues and so they have a closer contact when riding. Lastly, most saddles of the treeless type can fit most variety of horses therefore choosing a saddle for your horse won’t be too difficult provided that you are very much aware of the contour on your horse’s back.

Treeless saddles for different riding purposes

Treeless saddles today are chosen by both amateur and professional riders because of its major feature of providing the rider a feel of bareback riding. When you are new to horseback riding, there are plenty of ways for you to enjoy it according to which form of riding you are most interested in.

On the other hand, there are certain guidelines in the selections of saddles for your horse, as much as there are important facts about how each part of the saddle contributes to the overall performance of the horse with attention to its certain conditions that will either make or break his duty of providing you with the most comfortable ride. One of these guidelines is to make sure that the padding on the saddle is accurate enough to provide clearance on the withers and spine so as to protect the back of the horse from too much stress.

Dressage riding is one of the many forms of riding that requires a saddle that properly fits the contours of the horse’s back. It is not just some form of simple riding as it involves classical approaches and techniques to horseback riding. Just like any sport, dressage riding is a step-by-step process of learning how to ride properly; giving you the opportunity to learn the basic ideas in dressage competition should you decide to join one day.

Barrel racing is another form of horseback riding where a rider mounted on his horse makes three quick turns around barrels in a cloverleaf pattern. This is a very quick sport thereby requiring the horse to quickly react to its rider’s leg cues.

Western riding is when you desire to quickly adapt that form of riding the way cowboys did. This is also pretty much a complicated form of riding in that it requires speed, focus, plus a whole of exceptional skills and method to survive the basics in running a huge farm.

Trailing is a perfect horseback riding form to maintain as a hobby especially when you are fascinated with nature’s beauty and discovering new places.

Endurance riding is a great way to test your skills in long distance riding.

Features of Barefoot and Torsion treeless saddles

Treeless saddles have become popular these days as the need to ride a horse with the feel of bareback riding is increasingly demanded by even the newest riders. We all know that there are many purposes for riding the horse. Whatever the purpose may be, using the saddle of the treeless type is just as effective as the treed saddles. The only difference is that the absence of bars and the use of adequate padding instead in the treeless improve the movement of the horse thereby making room for quick reaction to its rider’s leg cues. Ongoing debates have flourished regarding which among the treed and treeless is better to use. People say that the absence of bars can cause more friction or strain onto the horse’s back or that the treeless cannot give adequate clearance on the withers and spine. This is not really true. Whichever one you choose, treed or treeless, the basic approach here is to make sure that the saddle’s pommel and cantle adequately blends with the contours of the horse’s back, the weight of the rider is properly centered on the seat and not distributed on the front and back arts of the saddle, the saddle is not too long for the horse, and most of all, clearance on the withers and spine is exhibited. When these guidelines are not followed, whether you use the treed or treeless, the horse’s performance cannot meet your expectations and worse, your horse will suffer from serious conditions.

The Barefoot treeless saddle is one of the very popular and widely used saddles. They fit the horse like a second skin. They have a high spinal clearance making sure that both you and your horse have movement freedom. They have plenty of models to choose from according to which purpose our riding is for.

Another brand is the Torsion treeless saddle which is exposed by most amateur and professional riders as one of the finest saddles ever made. They are made of leather and synthetic materials, and are available in different colors.

Choosing the Right Horse Saddles for the Ride

While many people often enjoy horse back riding, they often find it can be uncomfortable at times.  The secret to riding comfortable is to have a good solid seat and this, of course, starts with the horse saddles.  To find the perfect fit, there are many factors that must be considered, including what type of riding discipline is being practiced and the size and shape of the horse and rider.

One of the first factors to consider when choosing a horse saddle is what type of riding will be done.  For those who find they ride in several disciplines, several saddles will be needed.  Thankfully, many will find the horse easily adapts to a variety of both saddles and riding.

Western riders will have a wide variety of options to choose from in both styles and the material the saddle is made with.  Of course, the one chosen will depend upon the type of riding.  For example, there are some that are made for everyday riding, while others are for specific activities, such as cutting.  This activity requires the rider to be able to be close to the horse’s back and a smaller horn to allow for easier reining.  Should the wrong saddle be chosen, the rider could risk injury.

Many options are also available to those who prefer English riding.  Some of the option may include saddles that have a flatter seat for the rider, as well as those with a deeper or higher seat.  Depending upon the activity the horse and rider are participating in, the saddle should be chosen with care.  An example would be the rider and horse who plays polo.  The polo saddle is often made from a lighter weight material, such as latex and then covered in fine leather.  This ensures a greater strength and it also provides a better fit for both the rider and horse for maximum comfort.

On another note, riders may have a particular type of horse that requires a specialized saddle.  The draft horse, for example, is one of the largest horses and demands an oversized and heavier saddle.  As draft horse saddles can be one of the more expensive styles, buyers may want to search for used horse saddles that will be more affordable.  For those who ride gaited horses, a special gaited horse saddle may be ordered for a better ride.

In either one of the disciplines, you will find similar type saddles.  For example, side saddles can be found for both the English and Western form of riding.  If the rider has any question to the type of saddle that would best suit them and their horse, the best thing to do is ask an expert trainer and they would be able to explain all of the options that are available.

When purchasing horse riding saddles another item is needed for best results.  Horse saddle pads will actually protect the horse’s flesh from being damaged by the wear of the saddle.  As each horse has a different shaped back and each saddle may fit the horse differently, several saddle pads may be needed.  They come in a variety of shapes and styles to make sure the saddle and rider fit comfortably on the back of the horse and neither do not cause damage to the horse’s flesh.

One of the problems facing many horsemen, no matter the type of riding being done, is that owning several saddles may be overextending their budget.  However, cheap horse saddles can be found.  The best thing to do is search horse saddles for sale online.   Keep in mind, though, that when ordering saddles online, you don’t actually get to really see what you’ve ordered and the quality may not be what is expected.  For this reason, always make sure you order from a respectable company.

The biggest question in anyone’s mind is how the saddle is fitted to the horse.  A good seat is required for the rider and a saddle without a good fit can easily discomfort to the horse.  The saddle is basically made of two parts.  The tree or underside of the saddle is what is fitted to the horse.  The seat itself is fitted to the rider.  To make sure that the saddle is the proper one for a horse, it should be fitted by a professional.

Far too many people do not understand the complexities of choosing the right horse saddles.  This can, unfortunately, lead to much discomfort for the horse and may even put both horse and rider at risk for injury.  Whether you need gaited horse saddles for your ride or a simple pleasure saddle for Western riding, always make certain that it is of the proper fit.  Choosing one may take time, but in the end, both horse and rider will be much happier.

Is a Treeless Saddle Right for You?


Bareback riding is something that many people would like to experience, but the fear of falling off a moving horse is just too much to overcome. One of the closest experiences possible to bareback riding is using a treeless saddle instead of a standard treed saddle. This allows you to get the closest feeling to bareback with a little something to keep you on the horse. A saddle of this type puts you in close contact with a horse as physically possible, while riding with some type of tack on the horse.

Treeless saddles as a whole are basically the same as a standard saddle, minus the tree of course. A saddle tree is simply put, the “framework” of a saddle. This is the plate around which the saddle is constructed for even weight distribution and giving it the ability to hold its shape. The treed saddle will also aid in relieving certain pressure points along a horses spine and back.

Here are our top treeless saddle picks:

Premium Forest Green Treeless Saddle By Sydney Saddleworks

Hilason Western Treeless Trail Pleasure Saddle

Premium Blue Suede Treeless Saddle by Sydney Saddleworks

Leather Trail Horse Bareback Pad Treeless Saddle

Hilason Treeless Trail Endurance Pleasure Saddle

Hilason English Treeless Saddle Trail Riding Endurance Pleasure

Hilason New Dressage English Treeless Saddle

16" Premium Treeless Leather Horse Saddle with Brass Hardware + Dressage Pad + Girth (Black)

Premium Black Leather Treeless Saddle By Sydney Saddleworks

Barefoot treeless saddles are an anatomically designed saddle to fit to the horse like a second skin. These saddles are made to have a high spinal clearance, yet allow freedom of movement for you and the horse. A treeless saddle like this will shape and mold itself over time to the exact contours of your horse insuring a perfect fit for years to come.

Saddles, treeless or otherwise, are needed to be chosen for comfort. Yours and the horses ultimately, as he is the one wearing it and the more comfortable he is, the more you are and that makes for a much more pleasant ride. Finding one to fit your particular horse is not as daunting a task as it may sound and with the addition of a treeless saddle pad, the comfort is increased that much more. Many manufacturers recommend that you use a pad with your treeless saddle and normally have a line of these to choose from.

There are treeless saddles for sale both on the internet and at your local tack shop. The internet, however, will give you a much wider range of choices and prices, giving you access to every major manufacturer and supplier there is. There will also be consumer reviews by horse people who may have already used the particular saddle you are looking at and you can get a better feel for which one may be right for you. This saves you buying one and finding out later it was not quite right when someone may have already had the same experience.

For those more serious about their riding, particularly if they ride dressage, they may want to consider changing from a standard dressage saddle to a treeless dressage saddle. These saddles fit much closer to the horse, thereby giving much more contact and communication, which in turn leads to a much cleaner looking dressage session as the horse is receiving signals much quicker. This allows much more freedom of movement for the horse and lets them move about without feeling restricted or adding any unnecessary pressure.

The Bob Marshall treeless saddle line is a work of art on top of being very function. These are constructed with a mix of fabric and very intricate hand tooled leather to make them unique in their own right. There are also basic models available with the same high quality as the hand tooled ones. Bob Marshall treeless saddles are one of the leading sport saddles in the industry and an investment that will be well made.

The Torsion treeless saddle is considered to be one of the finest made. Manufactured in Italy, and available all over the world, these treeless saddles are touted by amateur and professionals alike as being one of the best all around treeless saddles on the market. These are available in leather, buffalo leather and synthetic materials and in a wide range of colors to suit anyone’s taste.

The Trekker treeless saddle is made in Europe by master saddle makers and each is hand crafted to rigid specifications. These saddles are very unique in that the underside is constructed with memory foam that returns to its original form once removed from the horse. They also are individually numbered, making it easy to identify and retrieve in the case of a theft of misplacement among other saddles.

The one thing that all the manufacturers agree upon is the use of treeless saddle pads under their products. Each one has more than one recommendation and usually has some to choose from. There are many companies that specifically make only the saddle pads for use with multiple manufacturers. These are constructed from simple padding material and even gel type pads that will give both the horse and rider the most comfort possible when using a treeless saddle.

The Classic Look of a Western Saddle

When one thinks of horses and horseback riding, their thoughts stray to the old cowboy movies and them sleeping on the prairie using their saddles for pillows or them rounding up cattle on a drive. The western saddle has come a long way over the years, but the basic look and style has not changed all that much. What changed, however, are the basic materials that they are constructed from. You can still find mainly leather, but many manufacturers have added synthetic materials such as nylon and manmade leather to the mix, helping to extend the life of the saddle and make it easier to care for.

Wintec saddles, based in Australia, have a classic look saddle with all the modern upgrades. The Wintec western saddle has a sleek design with synthetic suede and leather materials that will help make this saddle last a lifetime. This saddle is completely adjustable to fit almost any rider and a double fender design for added protection while riding. It is reasonably priced and available online through a few suppliers. Their Equileather and Equisuede is weather proof, easy to clean with just a damp cloth and require no oiling or waxing.

Western saddles in general are the mainstay of many people that ride horses. While the smaller, lighter English and dressage saddles appeal to some, many traditionalists are dead set on their western ones and with good reason. This is a tried and true design that has never disappointed the true rider. The western saddle keeps a timeless appeal for almost anyone who has ridden a horse. Odds are, the first time they were ever on a horse, it was in a western saddle.

Finding a used western saddle is as easy as a click or two away. The internet gives you access not only to private sellers but to tack shops and suppliers all over the world. This lets you shop around and choose exactly what you want at a price you can afford. Used western saddles are like used cars, if these were properly taken care of, an old one will look like new and work as well as the day it was made. Spend some time and do some research, you will be quite pleased with the selection you find.

As with any saddle, the use of a saddle pad is highly recommended by all manufacturers and suppliers. A western saddle pad can be purchased online through many different suppliers and with so many to choose from, finding a unique one that fits your style should be quite easy. These not only help protect the horse and your saddle, many are available that are able to assist in a more comfortable ride for you by adding gel or air incorporated into their construction to help absorb the shocks from riding. The western saddle pads available are almost as innovative as the saddles themselves adding modern technology to an old necessity.

When shopping online for a saddle, make sure to browse the manufacturers’ websites for the new western saddles for sale. These are the ones with all the new innovations in materials that make horseback riding even more pleasurable than before. With comfort for you in the seat and ride and comfort for your horse in the way the saddle fits, there are only benefits in looking at these websites. With the advances in modern technology, a horse can be fitted for the perfect western saddle without ever wearing it first by using computerized saddle pads and imagery. They have developed saddles that relieve pressure on the horse while giving you the best ride of your life.

Western show saddles are a thing of beauty. This is western saddlery at its finest. The works of art created by master saddle makers include hand tooled leather, silver and gold accents and engraving to rival the finest jewelers. These are some of the most beautiful saddles ever made, not to mention, extremely functional. A western show saddle has many hours of work put into the crafting of it and must still be used for riding so it not only has to look good, but be as solid as a work saddle on a ranch. Many different custom saddle makers can be found online and their websites have full color pictures of all the show saddles they offer.

Western horse saddles will always be a favorite among riders, no matter what they are made from, whether it is the new synthetics or plain leather. The look is timeless and the functionality of these saddles will always be a mainstay of the cowboy or cowgirl at heart. A western saddle can be both beautiful and practical at the same time, while still being affordable as well.

The Wintec Saddle Rated Number One for Synthetic Saddles

The Wintec Saddle Company, based in Perth, Australia, has been making synthetic saddles for over 15 years. The foam core design, coupled with a tough nylon outer shell makes these saddles weather and sweat resistant and much easier to conform to horses’ contours than the standard leather saddle. The unique manufacturing of bonding the material to the foam also extends the life of the outer shell by making this one piece. These saddles are extremely lightweight making them easy to handle and perfect for younger riders and older alike.

The Wintec dressage saddle is among the leading saddles of this type. These saddles are thin enough to provide extraordinary contact with the horse, yet durable enough to last a lifetime. There a few models to choose from including a pony dressage saddle designed specifically for young riders and their smaller mounts.  As they are very light, it makes these a great choice for the young horse person looking to do it all themselves, right up to carrying the equipment to and from the horse.

The Wintec Isabell dressage saddle is one of the premier dressage saddles on the market today. Designed with the assistance of Isabell Werth, a World Champion in dressage, this saddle has all the features you have come to expect from Wintec saddles with a world class touch. An adjustable block system allows you to custom fit the saddle to your exact leg size and the seat is designed to keep you in the correct position at all times.

A good close contact saddle is essential for even the casual show jumper and the Wintec Close Contact saddles are just that. This Wintec saddle is constructed with traditional leather like appearance and form fits to the horse for excellent communication while riding. The seat is well balanced and the knee contours are a much added comfort during long shows and is available in both black and brown to fit whatever your style is.

For the more traditional rider, Wintec Western saddles are the optimum choice for comfort and durability. These saddles are extremely lightweight compared to standard leather saddles and will give years of use while retaining their great look. Fully adjustable, these are designed to fit almost any rider’s needs whether it be for just pleasure riding or even barrel racing and trail runs.

The Wintec western saddle has a traditional look of the old west style saddle with all the modern innovations you have come to expect from Wintec. These are very easy to take care of and require no oiling to keep them looking like new. These come equipped with quick change buckles and constructed with a double fender pattern.  They are designed to last for hours and hours of comfortable riding.

A Wintec stock saddle is designed with the long ride in mind. Built for maximum comfort for the rider, these saddles will let you trail ride for hours because of their deep seats and comfortable padding.  These use the same technology in materials as the other Wintec saddles along with the added comfort of a lifetime warranty on the saddle tree. This lets you ride knowing you are well covered.

The Wintec Pro Stock saddles are built with all the features of the standard stock saddle but with the added benefit of adjustable fenders for added communication with the horse while keeping the rider seated correctly in the saddle. The Wintec Wide saddle is unique in the fact that it is adjustable to the width of your horse where many are not, this allows for a much more comfortable ride for both you and your horse. With a waisted seat, you can adjust this saddle for the horse while maintaining a perfect fit for the rider.

The Equisuede and Equileather that some of the Wintec saddles are constructed of is designed to be easy to care for and keep clean and to be weather resistant as well. There is no waxing involved and cleaning them is as easy as wiping them down with a wet cloth. There is always hosing them off too, as all these saddles are entirely weatherproof and very durable.

The CAIR panel system incorporated into some of the saddles insures a comfortable, even weight distribution across the entire saddle, not just at certain points. By using pockets of air instead of traditional filling in the saddle, this also helps to lighten the actual weight of the saddle itself. Another special feature of some of the Wintec saddles is the E-Z Change Gullet System. This allows the saddle to “grow” with your horse with four different gullet straps to choose from. You may also buy an entire kit with all strap sizes included or simply order one strap at a time as necessary.

Choosing the Right Dressage Saddle for You

There are many choices on the market today for good dressage saddles. A saddle however is not just something you buy and hope it is the right one. It is an investment so you want to make sure the one you pick is correct for your needs, style and particularly your horse. With variations such as treed and treeless, a dressage saddle can be a choice that will last for quite awhile, so you want to be sure before you ever purchase one that it is right for you and fits your breed of horse properly.

The Wintec dressage saddles are one of the best and widely praised saddle of its kind on the market today. Made from their own Equileather and Equisuede blends of material, these will last a lifetime of use and are one of the easiest saddles on the market to care for, being completely weatherproof and needing only a damp cloth for cleaning and upkeep with no oiling or waxing necessary. Their top of the line Isabell dressage saddle was designed with the help of World Champion rider Isabell Werth and her expert knowledge has allowed them to make some very efficient changes to an already great saddle. These changes are not noticeable in the outward appearance of the saddle, but in the riding design itself.

The cost of a good dressage saddle can range in price from the very expensive to downright cheap, but if you shop around online there are high quality used dressage saddles for sale in great condition. This is an opportunity to get a saddle that you may otherwise not have been able to afford brand new, but with only a few years of use behind it, still has a lot of life left in it. A used dressage saddle can be found at a very reasonable price online and is perfect for that beginning rider who may not want to spend a lot of money at the outset of their riding career.

When choosing your dressage, saddle there are two basic styles to keep in mind. There is the traditional treed one and a treeless dressage saddle which fits closer to the horses’ body. The treeless one allows for much more freedom of movement for the horse and that “bareback” feel when riding. The advantage to this in dressage is an increased communication with the horse for signals allowing for a faster response from the horse. This gives a much cleaner showing while riding and showing.

The Albion dressage saddle is one of the finest made saddles out on the market today. The saddles come in six different tree widths and will fit almost any horse with ease and comfort. These are manufactured with both high and low head trees to accommodate a wide variety of breeds and will most certainly fit any rider. The design allows for a very natural leg hand down the side of the horse making the overall ride much more comfortable. These dressage saddles are designed to seat the rider properly and balance them correctly.

One of the other leading manufacturers of this type of saddle is Bates. The Bates dressage saddle is one of the more unique ones out there. Instead of traditional filling for the padding underneath, some models use a patented system called CAIR. This system actually utilizes pockets of air built in to the saddle to help distribute the weight of the rider evenly across the horses back rather than at just certain contact points from the saddle. They also offer an interchangeable girth system on some models that will allow the saddle to “grow” with the horse as his or her body changes over time.

As with all saddles, every manufacturer, supplier and rider will tell you, use a dressage saddle pad. With all the advances in technology over the past years, finding dressage saddle pads to fit you exact saddle is quite easy, the most difficult thing will be which one to choose. These pads are designed to take pressure off the horse and give you a more comfortable ride as well as added comfort to the horse. These can be found with traditional filling and even air or gel fillings to help absorb riding shocks and smooth over the entire ride.

With the advent of the Internet, finding a dressage saddle for sale is as easy as turning on your computer. This opens up not only all the manufacturers to you but suppliers and private sellers as well. The other nice feature of shopping this way is the ability to see riders’ reviews on the saddles you may be interested in, which allows you to see if anyone has had any issues with them before spending your hard earned money on one to find out that it is not quite right.

How to Clean Your Saddle

Having a clean saddle means having a safe saddle, so although it is tempting to put off this rather time-consuming chore, it is important to protect your saddle against mold and other damaging conditions that can build up over time.  These problems can cause your saddle to deteriorate and wear in ways that will make it unsafe for riding.  Although a saddle should be wiped clean of sweat and mud after every use, a thorough cleaning can be done once or twice per year, depending on how often you use it and in what conditions you ride.  Follow these simple steps to make for an easy but thorough process.

  1. Take your saddle apart, to the best of your ability.  Remove metal fittings, straps, and buckles.  It is easier to clean these pieces separately than when they are attached, and this will also allow you to thoroughly clean underneath.
  2. Use a mild saddle soap made of glycerine to clean the leather.  Rub a damp cloth into the soap to create lather, and then apply to the saddle using small circular motions.  Do not use saddle soap on any suede or rough leather areas.
  3. Once the saddle has been thoroughly lathered, use a damp cloth to remove the soap.  Use a cotton swap to get the soap out of all cracks, crevices, and stitching.  Soap that is left behind will not only dull your saddle but will also trap dirt that will erode the leather.
  4. Use a dry towel over the saddle before applying leather conditioner.
  5. To condition your saddle, use a product such as neatsfoot oil or beeswax.  Don’t apply too much oil, as this can further damage your saddle.  Use a dry rag to lightly spread the oil over the saddle.
  6. Now is the time to work on all the fittings that you removed from the saddle, including stirrups.  If you have metal fittings, try using a metal cleaner to help them shine.
  7. Once the saddle and pieces have dried, you can then put it all back together.  Since it is often the sweatiest part of your horse’s saddle, don’t forget to wash his girth strap.