Best way to condition new bridle??

[Ty2003]

So I caved and got the Smartpak Harwich padded bridle and now I need to get it conditioned/softened up. I hate to admit it but I've never oiled anything before because I bought my Butet used and my other tack has been around so long I can't remember how it was originally conditioned :) So what's the best product to use and what method works for you? I've heard some people say olive oil...I've heard others say it's a terrible idea and to only use pure neatsfoot, and on and on and on. Do you let the leather soak in the oil overnight? Some people have told me to do this and others say it will make the stitching rot. And don't new bridles have some type of wax coating to them when you buy them? How do I get that off? I'm a bit lost! Thanks in advance for the help :)

[mickeydoodle]

I like the Pesoa brand oil- it has very little smell where I find Neatsfoot smell annoying. I put the tack in a ziploc, and pour enough oil in to coat everything with a 1-2mm layer. I turn the bag around and around to make sure everything has oil, and i leave it overnight. Then I take it out and leave it in the sink to dry and so the excess oil goes down the drain.

If you use Neatsfoot, make sure it is pure. I grew up using Olive Oil, and it works just fine. I used to use either of these until I smelled the Pesoa. I also really like the Hermes saddle oil, it is almond oil and smells devine, but it is really hard to get in the states.

To take off the wax coating clean it with a mild soap, like glycerine, Murphy's, castille or something like that, then dry it and oil it.

I have had tack for 30 years stay in good condition with these methods.

[Seven-up]

What I do is clean first with a glycerine soap. I prefer a liquid spray to a bar, but it's all pretty much the same thing.

Then I take a paint brush and apply thin coats of oil. The only thing I've used in the past 15 years is Hydrophane leather dressing. Love it love it love it. Then, while there is still oil on the surface, I gently roll the leather back and forth to soften it. If the oil soaks in right away like a sponge, don't roll yet. I continue to paint on thin coats and roll until the leather is as soft as I want it. If oil is still on the surface after sitting for about 30 min., I wipe off the excess. With new leather, you won't need very many coats. Older, dry leather will need more.

Finally, I like to finish with a product called Supple. You buff it on with a damp sponge and it gives the leather a soft glow. Not mirror shine, which I don't like. It smells wonderful, like jasmine.


***Some people like to use ammonia to get the protective wax off. If you're going to do that, I STRONGLY recommend you test it on a small spot that can't be seen first.

ETA: And don't soak in oil. Apply thin coats and let it completely soak in between applications.