How to Clean an English Saddle

The saddle is one of the most important pieces of your tack. It’s also one of the most significant investments you'll make in terms of your riding gear. In order to keep it in good condition your saddle needs proper care and maintenance. English saddles are exposed to sweat, dirt, dust and the elements when in use so it’s wise to set up a regular cleaning routine that you can follow after every ride. A great practice is to have a clean damp towel handy after your ride to wipe down the saddle with. Sweat alone has a lot of salt in it that is harmful to leather when left unaddressed repeatedly. Use this guide to make sure your take great care of your English saddle so it lasts for years to come.

Supplies for Cleaning English Saddles

The first step in learning how to clean an English saddle is to figure out which supplies you need to keep on hand. Having these items organized and stored in a convenient location will make it easy to complete an efficient cleaning routine after your rides. Using products recommended by the brand of saddle you own is always your first choice. In fact in many cases a brand may void any warranties on your English saddle if you are using other than the recommended products.

Here are some of the essentials to stash in your saddle cleaning kit:

• For leather saddles: Leather cleaner and Leather conditioner
• For synthetic saddles: Saddle soap and Synthetic conditioner
• Bristle brush
• Sponges
• Towels
• Small bucket

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Steps for Cleaning a Leather English Saddle

If your English saddle is made of leather, you’ll need to make sure you treat the material properly in order to keep it strong and smooth. Here is your ultimate guide for tack cleaning and keep your English saddle beautiful and ready for riding and shows:

1. Remove any fittings from the saddle and unfasten all buckles.
2. Use a soft, damp towel or sponge to remove sweat, dust, dirt and other debris. (Don’t use too much water because the leather will stretch and the steel work and rivets inside the saddle may rust.)
3. Apply a leather cleaner using a damp sponge. Use small circular motions over the entire saddle surface, except for any non-leather areas.
4. Wipe the saddle down with a damp towel to remove cleaner/soap residue.
5. Let it dry in a shaded ventilated area. Don't leave it out in direct sunlight; it's too easy to lose track of time and the harsh sun can dry out the leather and leach out the emollients leaving. This can lead to hard cracked leather.
6. Apply leather conditioner according to the product instructions. If the product disappears immediately, apply another layer. Leave overnight and polish off the next day.

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Steps for Cleaning a Synthetic English Saddle

Synthetic saddles should be cleaned with different products than leather saddles. Follow these steps to clean your English saddle made from synthetic materials:

1. Remove any fittings from the saddle and unfasten all buckles.
2. Use a damp towel to remove sweat, dust, dirt and other debris.
3. Combine warm water with a gentle soap and clean the synthetic material with a wet sponge or cloth. A soft bristled brush can be used to gently remove any stuck-on dirt or stained areas.
4. Wipe down the saddle with a damp towel to remove soap residue.
5. Allow the saddle to air dry.

Saddle Deep Cleaning Tips

Cleaning an English saddle shouldn’t take very long after a typical ride. However, you should regularly set aside time for a more thorough cleaning, especially if you are using your saddle frequently. Here are some helpful tips for giving your English saddle a deep clean:

• Use a soft bristled toothbrush to clean in hard-to-reach areas, like between flaps.
• Clean the underside of the saddle, which often absorbs sweat from the horse.
• Check for any cracks, tears or rips and have them repaired.

TIP: Use a cocktail stick to poke out dirt and product deposits from the holes in bridle pieces and stirrup leathers carefully not to enlarge hole. Soft toothbrushes are also effective.

If a build-up of dirt or grease is resistant to a sponge, ball up some tail hair or the back of a blunt knife to carefully scrape it off without damaging the leather.

If you see any mold, be sure to clean the saddle outside in a well ventilated space and not in the sun to avoid spreading spores. Wipe off the mold with a cloth you can throw away and treat the leather with a specific mold inhibitor, let it dry and add your conditioner. Check all stitching to be sure it hasn’t rotted and that the mold hasn’t spread to other items.

For more tips on how to care for and store your English saddle, be sure to check out the Mary's Tack and Feed blog.