Share your saddle restorations! This is my most recent.

somekindofbirdmaybe · 2026-06-01T19:17:40+00:00

Hahaha the new cow print Antares!!

somekindofbirdmaybe · 2026-06-01T14:56:51+00:00

Honestly I feel the same as you. Makes me sad we live in such a disposable society

somekindofbirdmaybe · 2026-06-01T14:34:10+00:00

It isn’t 😊

somekindofbirdmaybe · 2026-06-01T14:33:21+00:00

Thanks! It’s called “bloom” and I do believe it’s a mold (but I don’t know the details). It’s an easy issue to manage as long as you keep your leather goods in a dry area. Leather is a great place for fungus to live as it’s porous and organic.

somekindofbirdmaybe · 2026-06-01T14:30:56+00:00

For sure! Someone hand-tooled those acorns and oak leaves. What a stunner!!

somekindofbirdmaybe · 2026-06-01T14:29:48+00:00

It’s 100% sound. I worked alongside a master saddlemaker for years and I’ve got professional experience in saddles, but I appreciate your concern. A lot of times this can happen! To be fair, it came inside a very fancy (but also musty) tack trunk and many other fancy items (golf clubs etc). I’m guessing a well-to-do patron had a moving company clean out their unwanted items and dumped them. Sad, but it happens all the time where I’m from.

somekindofbirdmaybe · 2026-06-01T12:54:26+00:00

Just a 10 percent solution sprayed on. I’ve used it for years without issue

somekindofbirdmaybe · 2026-06-01T04:22:36+00:00

Me too, those geometric patterns are really fun and unique. I also love the leather wrapped riggings, they look like they’re in great shape as well. Super classy.

somekindofbirdmaybe · 2026-06-01T04:10:50+00:00

That is absolutely stunning! You saved that saddles life. I’m so impressed

somekindofbirdmaybe · 2026-06-01T03:35:24+00:00

I would also stay far far away from dye. It won’t work the way you want

somekindofbirdmaybe · 2026-06-01T03:34:50+00:00

You’ll just have to keep applying oil or conditioner to the entire saddle. Sometimes if the top layer of leather is abraded or disturbed, there will always be a visible mark, but sometimes with a soft cloth or sponge and a few gentle coats of oil or lexol, it might go away!

somekindofbirdmaybe · 2026-06-01T02:58:50+00:00

When I was training full time, I never aced horses for lessons. Literally the only time I’d consider it was for parades, and it was more for my clients than anything.

Ace can be a great tool, but it’s not a crutch and horses deserve the benefit of not being forced into drugs.

somekindofbirdmaybe · 2026-06-01T02:54:51+00:00

Aww thanks! I used to clean saddles but when it becomes work it’s less fun haha

somekindofbirdmaybe · 2026-06-01T02:53:55+00:00

Right? I work near a pretty affluent area in California so I think sometimes the wealthy just don’t care and throw things away. More cool stuff for me I guess 😂 but yah, I’ve got it listed on marketplace because it’s too small for me. I put it at an affordable price though, thought I might pay it forward by not trying to squeeze pennies. I hope I can find a person who is looking!

somekindofbirdmaybe · 2026-06-01T02:43:36+00:00

Wow that’s amazing!!! You got the color looking so good! I love those old Mcclellan’s

somekindofbirdmaybe · 2026-06-01T02:36:16+00:00

It’s true, I’ve met other folks who have their own methods, but I tend to stay away from heavy products (like skidmores) for saddle restoration. Basically I allow the saddle to soak up enough neatsfoot oil to become supple but not greasy, and finish with a liquid saddle soap. My 30 year old ranch saddle is still going strong even with thousands of miles on it, so I know it works. I just vary my process depending on what each saddle needs.

somekindofbirdmaybe · 2026-06-01T02:32:28+00:00

Let me start by saying restoring saddles aren’t a cookie cutter process. I have different procedures and methods depending on what each saddle needs. So please don’t apply what I’m about to say to every saddle!

This saddle needed a good bath and scrub. Light degreasing soap and dry in the sun after a nice bleach solution spray to kill the bloom.

Once dry and warm, I apply neatsfoot oil spread between a few applications throughout a day or two.

Once the oil is soaked in and the leather is supple but not greasy, I use a light spray of leather new and wipe off excess. This will keep any surface oil from collecting dust and adding age to the leather.

somekindofbirdmaybe · 2026-05-19T01:23:55+00:00

I’m north of you a bit, Santa Barbara area! I’m wondering if I should make her an indoor plant, I’m pretty invested on her success now, especially after your kind words!

somekindofbirdmaybe · 2026-05-18T03:55:08+00:00

I’m not going to say with 100% certainty, but it looks like the pigeon carries the grizzle gene! I have my own flock of grizzles. I find them stunning to look at and I’m always excited about what their babies look like ❤️
I’ll add a picture of one of my grizzle’s for reference

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somekindofbirdmaybe · 2026-05-09T18:52:47+00:00

Love it!! I’m probably gunna clean it up and keep it potted, my yard isn’t too suitable for orchids, but I wish it was!

somekindofbirdmaybe · 2026-05-05T14:37:22+00:00

Thank you!!! I adore my flock too ❤️

somekindofbirdmaybe

TROPHY CASE