[Fancy's Joe]

luvs2ride79-
Hmm, I'll try Hydrophane.
I dont think its because I dont take care of it. I wipe it down after every ride and I clean once a week. When I bought it I oiled it twice before riding in it.
I'll try oiling it again, and I'll see if it makes a difference.
Thanks for your help =]

[Rhythm 'n Blues]

Another thing to mention is that if the leather that your stirrup leathers are made out of are a completely different leather then the saddle flap, then you will have rubbing occuring. Some leather is very very soft - like French leather, and other reather isn't as soft - pretty much every other kind. But I'm sure we've all witnessed how "rough" feeling a very cheap pair of leathers can be - use those on a really soft leather - like French leather - saddle and there will be more wear marks then if you'd used french leather stirrup leathers on a french leather saddle.

I personally wouldn't ride with socks over the leathers. I would image that would cause more color to come off for a few reasons: 1) socks can bunch 2) they will not slide against the leather as well as leather & 3) they are going to be more absorbent then leathers which could lead to oil coming out of the leather.

I just had another thought, and that is if you leg isn't very steady you could be causing more wear then is acutally normal.

[HoofPrints11]

Thats weird... when you oil your saddle make sure you buff the oil off and give it at least 24 hours to dry before you ride in it. idk how to get color back though

[Fancy's Joe]

Hmm...
The saddle is a Collegiate, and the leathers are HDR. Could that be it? or is it pretty much the same quality leather?
Oh... you're right... I'll stop using socks now.
And I think I have a pretty steady leg. But I'll still check next time =]

[sirius-dressage]

The is really no way to get that color back permanently...it is the way the leather was made that is making it rub out. Both of my Dover jump saddles are lightened under the leg on the flap and I can get them to darken again by cleaning and oiling but after a few more rides they are rubbed white again.

BTW - just saw your above post, yes it is probably because your saddle is a Collegiate. They are not made like the more expensive saddles, the dye isn't done very well and it will continue to rub. Just comes with the territory. I have a very nice County and the leather is still pristine under the leg, but both my lesser Dover saddles have the same rubbing as your are describing.

[Fancy's Joe]

Oh ok.
Oh well, I might get a new saddle in a year or two, I'll make sure I get a nice quality used one instead of a not so good quality new one =]

[luvs2ride79]

Originally Posted by Rhythm 'n Blues

Another thing to mention is that if the leather that your stirrup leathers are made out of are a completely different leather then the saddle flap, then you will have rubbing occuring.

Very true! I like Courbette Microfiber leathers, called Smart Choice. They'll work on almost any saddle without leaving rub marks.

Another thing to look for is to make sure your leathers are "flesh side out", so the smooth side (skin side) is on the inside. The flesh side on regular cow hides is softer and less likely to make rubs on your saddle. Crosby, Courbette, Stubben, and most other premium brands of leathers will be made flesh side out.

[Fancy's Joe]

Hm... Thanks! I'll check those leathers.

Another thing.
Somebody told me to oil under the leather... If that makes any sanse?
She said it absorbs the oil better, is it true?

[luvs2ride79]

Originally Posted by Fancy's Joe

Hm... Thanks! I'll check those leathers.

Another thing.
Somebody told me to oil under the leather... If that makes any sanse?
She said it absorbs the oil better, is it true?

You should oil ALL available surfaces of your saddle that are not strictly suede (if it has suede knee pads). I use a soft toothbrush to get the oil in ALL of the nooks and cranies .

[Fancy's Joe]

Well... I cleaned/oiled the saddle and the color sort of came back on one side, but didnt on the other XD
And my saddle got pretty dark. I'm going to go look for something that doesnt darken the leather this weekend. Any suggestions?