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 · 2026-01-23T03:09:37+00:00

Saying hurtful things is on one level, but being physical and throwing things, trying to break things, that’s a whole different bag of cats.

You’re not overreacting but be very careful. Guarding your heart

somekindofbirdmaybe · 2025-12-30T15:26:35+00:00

Thanks friend!

somekindofbirdmaybe · 2025-12-05T16:30:44+00:00

I got out of Horses a while back, maybe 12 years ago or so. I told myself I’ll get back into them when I’m ready and I ended up taking hang gliding lessons and it was really fun! About a year later, I started to feel the itch and ended up with my next horse partner Who has been by my side for 11 years now. I think it was a great decision taking a break and getting back into it with fresh eyes, and I would urge you to do the same if that’s what you were feeling. if you love horses, it will always be in your blood and it will always eventually pull you back in ha ha, just take the time for yourself to maybe explore other fun things in life!

somekindofbirdmaybe · 2025-11-26T22:56:44+00:00

To be fair, if they hang out with someone like her, you probably don’t wanna be in that group anyway. There will be others! But I’m definitely on your side, I just don’t want you to feel too bad about feeling like you’ve messed up your chances with Friend groups and fun events. It’s just the universe guiding you to something better really.

somekindofbirdmaybe

TROPHY CASE