How Do You Break In An English Saddle?
Breaking in an English saddle helps it fit both the rider and horse better, which provides a better riding experience. Plus, new leather is stiff and may squeak or creak until it gets broken in, making it more difficult to tighten the girth. Read on to learn how to break in an English saddle. Ask the saddle shop for their recommendations on breaking the saddle in. Different saddle makers use different leathers. Some saddle makers condition the leather to get it soft before they use it. Other makers expect the new owner to condition the leather. Leave the tallow, which looks like white film, on the saddle. Tallow occurs on an English saddle as the natural fats and oils of the leather rise to the surface. As you ride in the saddle, you natural body heat rubs the tallow back into the leather. Use older but well maintained stirrup leathers with your English saddle as you break it in. New leather roughs up the saddle flaps. Ride in the saddle without putting a heavy blanket under the saddle
