Leather saddle

There are different areas where leather is used for saddles. The best known is the horse saddle. But also, seats of motorbikes or bicycle are saddles. The term "saddle leather" is used for various types of leather and not exclusively for leather that is used for saddles. The leathers which are processed for saddles is usually solid bovine leather which withstand the heavy load.

Horse saddle - Leather saddles

Horse saddles have been around for centuries.

Horse saddles and the bridle is mostly made of leather.

Horse saddles in the Pantanal in Brazil. Saddles often have coloured sheep's skins.

Horse saddle in Praia do Forte in Brazil and on the island "Isla del Sol" in Lake Titicaca in Bolivia.

Saddle maintenance - Saddle Soap

The care requirements for a saddle vary with the intensity of its use. Saddles are subjected to mechanical stress as well as to the action of sweat, skin fats and general soiling. Therefore, a saddle should be wiped off after each ride with a damp, not too wet cloth. Weekly (or after about five rides) a more thorough cleaning and care treatment should follow. Soiled and un-cared saddles not only look unattractive, but also tend to dehydrate and crack (which can be even dangerous, for example, in the event that stirrup loops are tearing).

The ideal storage conditions for saddles are dry rooms with slightly lowered room temperature, especially when saddles have become wet during riding in the rain. To avoid mould contamination, the humidity should not be too high. It is not necessary to dry the wet saddle with a heater, as this might provokes drying out and shrinkage. Better let the saddle dry slowly by itself.

American western saddle, saddle knob made of parchment with typical carving.

Videos About horse saddles

The production of a saddle in the saddlery.

Bicycle saddle

Bicycle saddles made of leather are usually made of thick, firm, smooth leather. Such leathers are stable and sturdy.

Leather bicycle saddles are special. The company BROOKS is the best known brand.

Bicycle saddle made of leather with nice embossing and bicycle handles covered with leather straps.

Very exotic: Stingray leather on a bike saddle.

Beautiful individual bike saddles: Shark leather and ostrich leather.

Beautiful individual bike saddles: crocodile leather and nubuck.

Very old: Saddle from a high wheel of 1890.

Very curious: An old bicycle saddle made of pig leather.

Videos about leather bicycle saddle

Craftsmanship of leather bicycle saddles).

A new cover for a bicycle saddles (von www.gusti-leder.de).

Motorcycle saddles

In former times, the saddles of motorcycles were like those of bicycles. Today, motorcycle seats are rarely leather. Synthetic leather is more weather resistant and therefore often the better choice.