Caring for your leather Total Contact Saddle: A guide to using Lincoln leather products

Total Contact Saddles are all about precision, connection, and freedom of movement—but their minimalist build means every piece of leather works hard. Keeping your saddle clean and supple isn't just about aesthetics—it directly affects your comfort, your horse’s welfare, and the longevity of your gear.

A Lincoln Leather Care Routine That Works

1. Clean Gently After Each Ride
   Wipe down your saddle with a damp cloth, then use Lincoln Glycerine Tub Soap or Lincoln Glycerine Spray Soap for a deeper clean. Its traditional formula lifts sweat and grime while replenishing lost moisture—perfect for preserving the saddle’s natural flexibility without over-softening it.

2. Condition Weekly (or More in Harsh Weather)
   Lincoln’s Superior Leather Balsam hydrates deeply and creates a barrier against wear and tear. Apply with a sponge in light layers and allow it to soak in. 

3. Underside Awareness
   The part in direct contact with your horse can easily be forgotten. Make sure to gently clean and condition the underside, too—especially after sweaty rides or wet conditions.

4. Mind the Stitching and Straps
   Billets and girth straps take constant tension. A touch of Superior Leather Balsam helps maintain pliability in these high-stress areas, preventing cracking before it starts.

5. Store it Right
   Use a breathable cover and keep your saddle in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing in direct sunlight or over radiators—heat is leather’s worst enemy.

Feeling Indulgent?
Treat your saddle to Lincoln’s Superior Leather 3-Step System—a complete care routine combining cleaner, conditioner, and protection for the ultimate in leather nourishment. It’s like a spa day for your tack, and your saddle (and horse!) will thank you.

Pro Tip for Saddle Nerds (We See You)
Glycerine soap adds that subtle tacky finish some riders love for grip. Just remember: a little goes a long way, and always buff off any excess after it dries.

How do you look after your leather? Let us know in the comments!