Question about saddle color...

[luv4chance]

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x119/Kyhorsemom69/Picture924.jpg



http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x119/Kyhorsemom69/Picture1442.jpg


The first pic is when I just got my saddle.

The 2nd pic is just a couple weeks ago. See the difference in the color. :0(

First mistake I made was putting oil on it to stop it from squeaking. Once I noticed the change in the color of my seat, I didn't put anymore oil on it.

I don't know if there's anything I can do to get the lighter color to come back or if I'm just out of luck.

Any suggestions?

I have baby powder soaking in my saddle now b/c 2 people within a weeks time heard my saddle squeaking while I was riding and they both said, "Use baby powder." Well, that seems to be working, it doesn't squeak nearly as bad.

But I wud really love to get that lighter color back........if I can't, I just want to put something on it for cleaning, oiling, etc. that won't change the color.

[carla]

Are you asking which we like best? I vote for 2. But both are nice. :)

[luv4chance]

Are you asking which we like best? I vote for 2. But both are nice


:cry::cry::cry::cry:

[carla]

LOL- so you really liked "#1" better, huh? ;) Well, I'm certainly no expert, but I'd say you're likely stuck with the darker color. But I like it! Does it not look good in person? Or is it just that you liked it lighter?

My bff has a very similar saddle/color and while hers has darkened a tad with oil, it's nothing like that.

But who knows, maybe someone else will come along who knows what might help! Maybe? :(

edit: And BOY, am I glad that I voted for "#2"! LOL!

[luv4chance]

That's funny Carla. Yea, I love the lighter color on Chance. Don't get me wrong I LOVE MY SADDLE!!! But just wish I hadn't put that oil on it. Didn't realize it was going to make that huge of a difference in the color.

Keeping my fingers crossed

[carla]

*When* did you oil it? The oil will "sink in" for a while, and it could possibly lighten back up some.. but I don't think as much as you'd like. I don't think...

[AppyLover]

Did you use Neatsfoot oil? If so the darker is pretty much there to stay.

[WashingtonBay]

There are particular oils and saddle soaps you should have used to keep the light color. The more you oil it, the darker it will get. And it won't get lighter now again, I'm afraid.


That said... I have to say I think the darker color is really pretty.... much richer looking than when it was new. :)

[carla]

I agree with WB. But I like richer-colored leathers in general.

[AppyLover]

I have had luck with "saddle soap" and glycerin spray if you don't want it to get any darker.

[luv4chance]

Did you use Neatsfoot oil?


With my head bowed, unfortunately, YES... That's what I was told to use. (sigh)



That said... I have to say I think the darker color is really pretty.... much richer looking than when it was new.


I agree with WB. But I like richer-colored leathers in general.



Thanks WB and Carla.... I still do like my saddle just wished it stayed the lighter color. Even b4 I put the Neets foot oil on it, my seat was darkening up............I guess just due to wear & riding.

And no, I don't want it any darker.

Here's a pic just a few weeks ago. I was getting on here, but you can see the saddle pretty good.

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x119/Kyhorsemom69/Picture1162.jpg

[AppyLover]

Bummer.

Leather New puts out a really nice cleaning and conditioning spray that won't darken leather, make sure you read the back though to double check. (they have multiple products out so I don't know which to tell you to stay away from)

[WashingtonBay]

Thanks WB and Carla.... I still do like my saddle just wished it stayed the lighter color. Even b4 I put the Neets foot oil on it, my seat was darkening up............I guess just due to wear & riding.

Affectionately, it's called patina... leather will absorb oil and age and darken in time.

Some say it makes it look richer.

I don't honestly know how people with the really light show saddles keep them that light... they use the special soaps intended for that, certainly, but I think they also just don't use them and keep them put away except for show.

I think the ones that have richer patina look better, and have the look of experience and miles, not just show. :)

[Remali]

That is why I never used oil on my saddles. It can change the color permanently. I like Lexol.
It's still a beautiful saddle tho!

[mare]

I like the saddle. :) I bet a saddlemaker could help you lighten it again. Also like the barbed wire stamping on it.

Have to ask. Is that someone standing on the fence with "keep off the fence" painted on it? lol

[BlaiseGlaze]

I like it with the darker color . I like the richness of it

[gabhainn]

unfortunately for you if you use neetsfoot oil u are gonna be stuck with the darker color it looks good tho. all the baby powder is gonna do is dry out your saddle not change the color............Kevin

[Reinmaker]

I don't honestly know how people with the really light show saddles keep them that light... they use the special soaps intended for that, certainly, but I think they also just don't use them and keep them put away except for show.


That is exactly how they keep them so light. They don't use them except for showing. Most of the pleasure folks have work saddles and a second for showing that stays covered and protected. You can't keep a saddle ridden regularly in the sun, or any other elements very much, perfectly light. It is going to darken in places over time.

Personally I like a saddle that has darkend some and has some wear look to it. I like a saddle that looks like it has been ridden in. :)

[WashingtonBay]

Have to ask. Is that someone standing on the fence with "keep off the fence" painted on it? lol

Heh Good catch! LOL :D

[WashingtonBay]

Personally I like a saddle that has darkend some and has some wear look to it. I like a saddle that looks like it has been ridden in. :)

Me too :)

[Country Girl 43]

I like it both ways. ;) But the darker color does look better.

What is the brand of the saddle? It looks really nice.

[Kowgirlkate]

Try Bickmore. It's a very aggressive cleaner and takes the oil out of leather, and you cant use it on suede, but it preserves light colored tack, even white. It comes in a black bottle and has a draft horse logo. It's a 2 step process, use the cleaner, let it dry, then use the conditioner and let it dry. You have to use the Bickmore conditioner or your tack wont get supple again, but it does a wonderful job of conditoning without darkening. You may have to clean it a couple times to get it all out first though.
For it's use I can testify, our cattle broke into the horsebarn a week ago and annihilated my tackroom. There were many bridles that got trampled into their mess and I thought my show stuff was history but Bickmore brought the lite color back.
You could give it a try. I think your saddle is pretty either way.