How to Properly Store A Saddle For A Long Time

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By nancys123
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Sometimes you get a new saddle for a new horse or you no longer have horses but want to keep your old saddle for sentimental reasons. Here is a few steps in how to properly care for the saddle for long term storage.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

saddle
saddle cleaner
saddle oil
rags
saddle stand

Step 1

Thoroughly clean the saddle using any good saddle cleaner such as Hydroplane, Passier, Leather Therapy, Oakwood, or Murphys Oil Soap - or another specially formulated saddle cleaner. Do not use "saddle soap" since it dries out the leather. To thoroughly clean the saddle, you need to take it apart. If it's a western saddle, that means undoing the cinches and disconnecting the stirrups and cleaning all of the straps. If it's an english saddle, remove the girth and the stirrup leathers and clean everything thoroughly.
Step 2

After cleaning, use a saddle oil and lightly go over the entire saddle including all the straps / stirrup leathers. Do not apply the saddle oil too heavily. Less is generally better. If the saddle was extremely dry to start, allow the oild to dry, rub it in, and apply another coat.
Step 3

Store the saddle inside on a good saddle rack. A rack the shape of a horse's back where the bars will lie flat is the best. Do not hang a western saddle by the horn as the fenders will hang too far back. Western saddles should have a broom handle (or any board) placed through the stirrups so the stirrups hang correctly instead of flat.
Step 4

If you are in a humid climate, check the saddle regularly (every 6-12 months) for mold / mildew. If the saddle is getting moldy, clean and oil again. If you are in a dry climate, you may need to oil the saddle every 6 months. With proper care, saddles can be stored indefinitely.