How to maintain a western saddle?
To best maintain a saddle, it's recommended to do maintenance every six months.
Start by checking all parts subject to wear and tear, such as the off billet, tie strap, fender straps, and slides. Also, make sure all the small nails are securely fastened.
Clean and care for your western saddle using the following method:
If the saddle is very dirty, start by removing all the dirt with a very soft brush and then clean the saddle with saddle soap.
Let the saddle dry thoroughly for at least half a day.
Afterward, you can oil the saddle. For any saddle, 100% pure Neatsfoot Oilworks well. You can slightly warm the oil for the best result, but it's not necessary. You can heat it on a gas stove or camping gas stove. Use a sponge or a piece of sheepskin to apply the oil in circular motions on the leather. Start with the underside of the leather and then move to the top. After that, rub it with sheepskin or pantyhose. Don't forget the top of the fender straps!
Note: The oil should not be left standing on the leather; if that happens, too much oil has been used. In the case of a very dry saddle, you may need to oil it again after half an hour.
For a perfect shine, apply a thin layer of Urad, and the saddle will look like new!
The silver on the conchos and saddle trim used for our custom-made saddles is of high quality, either "sterling Overlay silver" (heavy silver-plated) or "Silver" (silver alloy) or 'silver plated,' and it is manufactured by Hansen Silver in the USA. Due to weather conditions such as light, rain, saltwater, or salty air, this silver can tarnish. For cleaning, use a mild silver polish, but avoid Hagerty. Nevr Dullis very useful – it's a cloth and silver polish in one. Convenient and effective!
Here is the link for all the necessary supplies for maintenance.
Here is the link for replacing the off billet and tie strap.
Here is the link for the slides, blevin buckles, stirrup hobbles, etc.