PRESERVING LEATHER SADDLES AND TACK
Obenauf's natural ingredients are recommended for preserving leather saddles and tack. Bridles, straps, and reins can become brittle to the point of breaking if not regularly nourished with leather preservative. Consider the following three main issues that highlight the need for protecting and preserving leather saddles and tack.
- Leather saddles and tack are constantly subjected to dust, sun, dehydration, and rain, causing loss of the natural oils and leading to premature cracking and dry rot. Obenauf's leather preservatives provide beeswax & resin to maintain the surface, while a blend of natural oils penetrates to condition the inner fibers. Apply oil often with a clean cloth. Two applications may be necessary to restore, protect, and waterproof neglected or dried out tack. After every ride, or before storing away, apply an overcoat to prevent dehydration and hardening to maintain tack in the utmost condition. Always remove excess oil with a clean cloth after application.
- The second issue, to preserving leather saddles and tack, is horse sweat. Body acids (also from the rider), salt and dehydration cause dry rot and premature cracking. Obenauf's Heavy Duty LP, with its time-release formula and chemical resistance properties, must be applied to all leather surfaces that contact the horse. This provides the necessary chemical and waterproof (sweat proof) barrier on the underside of bridles, breast straps, saddle skirts, fenders and harnesses required to extend the service life.
- Last, but not least, is the damage to skin from chafing (rubbing). Dry, hard, new, stiff leather has harmful effects on horses. Chafing causes sore areas and open wounds. Pack saddles are notorious for shifting on mountain trails. New tack or dried out tack should be treated with Obenauf's oil to make it pliable & comfortable before putting it on a horse.
For waterproofing saddle blankets use Water Shield. Saddle blankets should be sprayed with at least two applications of Water Shield for protection but may need up to four applications.
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