Saddle Care & Ownership Guide

Buying a saddle is an investment in both your horse’s comfort and your own performance.
Whether your saddle is new or second-hand, how you care for it — and how it fits — will have a direct impact on its longevity and effectiveness.

This guide covers the essentials to help you get the most from your saddle.

Leather Care

Good leather care will keep your saddle supple, safe and looking its best for years to come.

Day-to-day care

Wipe down after use to remove sweat and dirt
Use a damp cloth rather than soaking the leather
Pay particular attention to high-contact areas such as flaps and girth straps

Regular care

Clean with a suitable leather cleaner
Apply a quality leather conditioner to maintain softness and prevent cracking
Avoid over-oiling, especially on modern saddles

What to avoid

Household cleaning products
Excessive water
Leaving tack in direct heat or damp environments

Brand-specific guidance

Different manufacturers may recommend slightly different products or routines.
Where available, always follow brand-specific advice.

Click here for Erreplus leather care video

Second-Hand Saddles: What to Expect

A well-maintained second-hand saddle can offer excellent performance and value.

It is normal to see:

Light creasing to the leather
Softening of the seat and flaps
Minor cosmetic marks from use

All second-hand saddles supplied by us are carefully checked before sale to ensure they are suitable for continued use.

If you are unsure about anything, we are always happy to advise.

Saddle Fit & Ongoing Checks

Correct saddle fit is essential for your horse’s comfort and performance.

It’s important to remember:

Horses change shape over time
Saddles can settle with use
Fit should be reviewed regularly

Signs your saddle may need checking

Changes in your horse’s behaviour or performance
Uneven sweat marks
Movement or instability in the saddle
Pressure points or soreness

If you have any concerns, we strongly recommend a professional saddle check.

Book a saddle fitting or check with our team

Trial Saddles & Care

If you are using a saddle on trial:

Please take care to keep the saddle clean and protected
Use appropriate products only
Avoid excessive wear during the trial period

This ensures the saddle can be returned in the same condition if required.

For full details, please refer to our Trial Saddle Terms & Conditions.