Saddle Care Instructions

The longevity of a saddle’s leather rests entirely on the care it receives. Exposed daily to the unforgiving elements, saddles endure demanding conditions that can take a toll over time. With proper maintenance, however, you not only preserve the leather’s strength and beauty but also significantly extend the life of your saddle.

Leather Care

Brand New Saddles:
Every new Tucker saddle is pre-oiled and finished with a protective seal, so additional oiling isn’t needed for the first six months. However, if you ride frequently in dry climates or variable weather conditions, you may need to oil it sooner.

Oiling & Conditioning:
Always choose high-quality oils and conditioners designed specifically for leather care. Follow product instructions carefully and use them regularly to keep your saddle soft, supple, and resilient. For cleaning, we recommend a liquid, glycerin-based saddle soap to gently lift away mud, grime, mold, and mildew, followed by a leather conditioner.

Important Note: Avoid animal fats, olive oil, or mink oil, as these can darken and compromise the leather.

Light or Show Saddles:
For light-colored leather, apply oil only to the underside to prevent darkening. Select a conditioner made specifically for lighter leathers to help preserve their natural color and beauty.

Seating Leather care

Leather Seating:
Regular maintenance helps protect the natural beauty of your saddle’s seating leather. Remove dust using a vacuum cleaner or a soft, damp cloth with clean water. Blot spills or spots immediately—never allow liquids to soak into the leather. Many minor stains will naturally fade within a few days, though some darkening over time is expected. Always allow the leather to dry naturally; avoid exposure to direct heat or intense sunlight, which can cause damage.

Suede Seating:
Suede requires special attention. Use only cleaners specifically formulated for suede leather. Begin by dusting or vacuuming away dirt and debris, then gently brush with a stiff suede brush to restore the nap. For spot cleaning, use a lightly dampened cloth. Do not use conditioners or saddle leather products on suede, as they can flatten the nap and permanently alter its texture.

silver care

Tucker silver is sterling silver electroplated and finished with a protective coating to guard against tarnishing. To clean, simply wipe with a soft, damp cloth. Avoid abrasive materials or chemical cleaners, as these can damage or remove the protective finish.

With regular use, it’s natural for saddle silver to develop fine scratches, which may expose the surface to tarnish. Should this occur, gently buff with a soft cloth to restore its shine and preserve its beauty.

CLEANING DOS AND DON'TS

Dos

For the best results and to ensure the longevity of your saddle, begin every cleaning session by unbuckling each strap and buckle. This allows you to reach all surfaces and prevents dirt or moisture from becoming trapped. Before applying any cleaner, remove as much dust and debris as possible—an air compressor works well for fine particles, while a soft, damp cloth lifts away surface dirt. Because leather is a natural material with pores, clearing away debris first prevents grit from being ground into the fibers and causing abrasion. Ideally, your saddle should be wiped down after every ride so that upkeep remains simple and consistent.

When applying a cleaner, always use products made specifically for leather care. Household cleaners or multipurpose soaps can strip leather of its natural oils. Follow product instructions carefully and apply regularly to keep the leather soft, supple, and resilient. For everyday use, a liquid, glycerin-based saddle soap—such as Doc Tucker’s Leather Cleaner and Conditioner—is excellent for removing mud, grime, mold, and mildew without overdrying the surface. Once clean, finish with a quality leather conditioner to restore moisture and flexibility, helping your saddle remain durable, comfortable, and beautiful for years to come.

don'ts

It is essential to remember that not all cleaning products are suitable for leather, and using the wrong type can cause permanent damage. Never apply products that are not specifically formulated for leather care. While some household items may seem convenient, they can actually strip the leather of its natural oils, clog the pores, or cause discoloration that cannot be reversed.

For example, baby wipes often contain chemicals and fragrances that may dry out or weaken the leather over time. Similarly, oils such as olive oil or mink oil can darken the leather unevenly and compromise its natural finish. Harsh substances like turpentine and mineral spirits may remove protective coatings and degrade the fibers, while waxes, silicones, and generic solvents can leave behind a residue that attracts dust and dirt, further shortening the life of your saddle. Bleach, of course, is extremely damaging and should never come in contact with leather under any circumstance, as it will strip away color and integrity almost instantly.

By avoiding these inappropriate products and choosing only cleaners and conditioners made specifically for leather, you ensure that your saddle retains both its strength and beauty for years to come.

Storage

Once your saddle has been thoroughly cleaned, oiled, conditioned, and allowed to air dry, proper storage is essential for preserving its condition. The ideal environment is a climate-controlled area where temperature and humidity remain stable. If that is not possible, choose a cool, dry location away from direct heat sources or sunlight, both of which can dry and damage the leather over time. It is important never to place leather tack in a plastic bag or an airtight plastic trunk. Leather is a natural material that needs to breathe, and sealing it off from airflow can trap moisture and encourage the growth of mold and mildew.

Rehabilitation

In humid environments, leather tack can become vulnerable to mold and mildew. If this occurs, wipe down every affected area with a glycerin-based saddle soap, which gently removes growth while being safe for the leather. Because cleaning will release mold spores, it is best to do this work outdoors or in a well-ventilated space. Depending on the extent of the mold, several applications may be necessary before the leather is fully clean. Once the saddle is free of mold, allow it to dry naturally, then apply a quality leather conditioner to restore moisture and flexibility. This final step helps the leather recover from the cleaning process and ensures it remains strong, supple, and ready for use.

7 secrets of saddle care

Proper care is the key to preserving both the beauty and durability of your saddle.

Never store saddles in plastic bags, airtight trunks, or non-porous covers. Leather needs to breathe, and trapped moisture will quickly lead to mold and mildew. If your saddle becomes wet, let it air-dry naturally, away from heat or sunlight. While it is nearly dry, apply a light coat of conditioner to restore flexibility, then condition more thoroughly once fully dried.

To prevent mildew, avoid excessive humidity; in dry climates, condition regularly to prevent cracking. Always choose leather-safe products—waxes, silicones, greases, and caustic cleaners such as alcohol, turpentine, or mineral spirits will damage the leather’s structure and finish. Likewise, avoid mink oil and animal fats, which darken leather and can even turn rancid, weakening both stitching and hide.

By following these simple but essential guidelines, your saddle will remain supple, strong, and beautiful for years to come.