Caring for Your New Saddle
Important Documents
If you are looking for your horse‘s tracing, your invoice, warranties for your saddle or our guarantee to fit, they can all be found in your original quote and/or invoice email.
It is important that you keep your invoice in a safe place. It includes details about your saddle such as the serial number, the make and model and any special customizations.
Signing your saddle agreement activates all warranties on your behalf.
Saddle Insurance
Proper insurance for your saddle is highly recommended. It is best if it is purchased immediately after your saddle is paid for.
Many provincial or state equestrian organizations have tack insurance as an added option. For example, the Alberta Equestrian Federation allows you to purchase a Tack Policy in addition to your basic AEF membership for $50/year*. This option provides you with worldwide coverage for up to $10,000* for any one occurrence per calendar year and is subject to a $500* deductible. For more information on tack insurance policies, please contact your local equestrian federation or organization. Should you wish to purchase an alternate policy you can do so through many agencies including CapriCMW Insurance, BFL Canada or Henry Insurance in Canada, or AIG in the United States.
*Please note that insurance rates and companies are subject to change. Please contact your provider for up to date information.
Storing Your Saddle
Once you get your new saddle, it is important to think about how and where to store it. Improper storage of your saddle could result in significant damage.
We recommend that you store your saddle in a dry area that is well aerated. You should avoid storing your wool flocked saddle on metal bar-type saddle racks. This can cause indenting in the flocking on the underside of your saddle. It is recommended that instead you store your saddle on a padded wood, plastic or metal rack with mild angles.
Cleaning Your New Saddle
1. Grease all areas of the saddle once, including the billets. Apply liberally.
2. Allow to dry and then apply an ample layer of oil.
3. 24 hours later, for any hard leathers (stamped, full grain, or smooth), apply a second layer of grease/oil.
4. Going forward for soft leathers such as calf and buffalo, only apply soft oil/grease as needed, and oil/grease 3-4 times a year before the leather looks dry.
5. Your saddle will darken the more you oil it!
Grease and oil will result in colouration of saddle pads and breeches when breaking in saddles. Blacks are recommended. We also recommend regular oiling/greasing during the summer to ensure the leather stays supple and does not dry out. Dried out leather can cause cracking and damage to your saddle.
If your saddle gets wet, let it fully dry out in the house or trailer. Once dry, soap then grease to revive. Greasing a wet saddle can cause staining, warping, or mold.
We recommend using the care kits provided by the saddle manufacturers as they have been tested in conjunction with the leathers' tanning process to ensure maximum life expectancy for your saddle.