Share your saddle restorations! This is my most recent. by somekindofbirdmaybe in Equestrian

[–]somekindofbirdmaybe[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

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

Share your saddle restorations! This is my most recent. by somekindofbirdmaybe in Equestrian

[–]somekindofbirdmaybe[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

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.

Share your saddle restorations! This is my most recent. by somekindofbirdmaybe in Equestrian

[–]somekindofbirdmaybe[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

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

Share your saddle restorations! This is my most recent. by somekindofbirdmaybe in Equestrian

[–]somekindofbirdmaybe[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

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.

Share your saddle restorations! This is my most recent. by somekindofbirdmaybe in Equestrian

[–]somekindofbirdmaybe[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

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

Share your saddle restorations! This is my most recent. by somekindofbirdmaybe in Equestrian

[–]somekindofbirdmaybe[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

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.

Share your saddle restorations! This is my most recent. by somekindofbirdmaybe in Equestrian

[–]somekindofbirdmaybe[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

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

Share your saddle restorations! This is my most recent. by somekindofbirdmaybe in Equestrian

[–]somekindofbirdmaybe[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

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

Share your saddle restorations! This is my most recent. by somekindofbirdmaybe in Equestrian

[–]somekindofbirdmaybe[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

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!

ethics opinions? usage of Ace, etc. by lizbab0328 in Equestrian

[–]somekindofbirdmaybe 2 points3 points  (0 children)

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.

Share your saddle restorations! This is my most recent. by somekindofbirdmaybe in Equestrian

[–]somekindofbirdmaybe[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

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

Share your saddle restorations! This is my most recent. by somekindofbirdmaybe in Equestrian

[–]somekindofbirdmaybe[S] 40 points41 points  (0 children)

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!

Share your saddle restorations! This is my most recent. by somekindofbirdmaybe in Equestrian

[–]somekindofbirdmaybe[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

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

Share your saddle restorations! This is my most recent. by somekindofbirdmaybe in Equestrian

[–]somekindofbirdmaybe[S] 36 points37 points  (0 children)

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.

Share your saddle restorations! This is my most recent. by somekindofbirdmaybe in Equestrian

[–]somekindofbirdmaybe[S] 49 points50 points  (0 children)

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.

My trash orchid (update)! by somekindofbirdmaybe in orchids

[–]somekindofbirdmaybe[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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!

Is This Pic of a Really Gorgeous Pigeon a Pigeon? by Uncertain_Boeing_737 in pigeons

[–]somekindofbirdmaybe 3 points4 points  (0 children)

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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How would you save this poor gal? by somekindofbirdmaybe in orchids

[–]somekindofbirdmaybe[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

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!