Leather Care
How to Break In a New Leather Saddle
New leather is stiff. A little conditioning and a few rides will soften it; here is how to speed that up without damaging the saddle.
By the Indus Saddlery team · · 4 min read
A new saddle made from quality leather will feel firm at first. That is a good sign: dense, full-grain leather softens and shapes to you and your horse over the first few weeks of riding. Here is how to help it along.
1. Condition lightly before the first ride
Apply a thin coat of leather conditioner, focusing on the flesh (rough) side and on parts that bend: fenders, stirrup leathers, billets and latigos. Let it absorb, then buff off the excess. Do not soak the leather in oil; one or two light coats are enough. Our leather care guide covers products and technique.
2. Ride in it
Nothing breaks in a saddle like use. Short, regular rides let your weight and the horse's movement shape the seat and flaps. Expect the saddle to feel noticeably softer after 10 to 20 hours of riding.
3. Turn the fenders on a western saddle
Stiff fenders twist your knees and ankles. To train them to hang straight, dampen the fenders slightly, turn the stirrups 90 degrees so they face forward, and slide a broom handle through both stirrups behind the saddle to hold them in place overnight. Repeat a few times.
4. Even out new stirrup leathers
New English stirrup leathers stretch unevenly because riders put more weight in the left stirrup when mounting. Swap your leathers from side to side every few weeks so they stretch evenly.
What to avoid
- Soaking the saddle in water or oil to soften it quickly
- Leaving it in the sun or near heat to 'loosen it up'
- Heavy coats of neatsfoot oil on new leather, which can darken it and over-soften stitching
- Skipping the fit check: re-check your horse's comfort as the saddle settles (see the saddle fit guide)
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to break in a new saddle?
Most leather saddles feel noticeably softer after 10 to 20 hours of riding, with light conditioning at the start.
Should I oil a new saddle?
Apply one or two light coats of leather conditioner, mainly to the flesh side and parts that bend. Avoid soaking new leather in oil, which can darken it and weaken stitching.
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