United States Eventing Association

Saddles are one of the most important pieces of tack for horse and rider. Ensuring your saddle is maintained properly through correct leather care is vital to ensure your saddle’s performance. Prevention is the best cure for leather, and regular care will dramatically increase the life of your saddle. Remember to protect your leather before exposure to sun, rain and sweat.

It is important to regularly assess your saddle to determine the level of leather care required. To do this, look for signs the leather in your saddle is starting to become dry—has the color started to fade, is the leather feeling stiffer and boardy, is the surface grain intact? If you’ve answered yes to any of these questions, your saddle needs some love!

We have included some handy links below to find the latest information in leather care from ”The Official Saddle of the USEA,” Bates Saddles!

Make sure you get the most out of your leather saddle with this handy guide to leather care.

If you have recently purchased a new saddle and are wondering how to prepare your saddle’s leather for your first ride, click here or watch the video below for a step-by-step guide to giving your new saddle its pre-ride treatment.

You can also find an informative guide to assessing the condition of your saddle and if it is ready for use here.

Follow these tips from the saddle specialists at Bates Saddles, “the Official Saddle of the United States Eventing Association.”

About the United States Eventing Association

The USEA is a non-profit 501(c)(3) educational organization committed to providing eventing enthusiasts with a competitive level suited to their individual skills. By assisting and educating competitors, event organizers, and officials; maintaining responsible safety standards; and registering qualified competitions and clinics, the USEA offers a strong and continuous training opportunity for an ever-expanding field of world-class competitors. Just as importantly, the USEA provides a means for all riders, regardless of age or ability, to experience the thrill of eventing. To learn more, visit www.useventing.com.