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Post by desperate on May 17, 2007 10:11:18 GMT
Can anyone help me i have had to buy 2 new bridles but no matter what i do the reins are very stiff the daughter wont ride with them so i am changing reins over between 3 bridles she will onnly ride with the old reins which are very supple what can i do the new leather will not absorbe anything, i have tried neatsfort oil, renupar (sorry about spelling) and conditioning saddle soap I bought the bridles from Fylde Saddlery at Christmas and i am at my wits end.
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Post by justjay on May 17, 2007 10:48:16 GMT
I'm surprised you're having this problem - having bought stuff from Fylde before - and a new bridle 2 weeks ago haven't had problems. You could try totally immersing the reins in neatsfoot and leaving for about 24 hours JJ
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Post by ednalad on May 17, 2007 12:15:32 GMT
Baby oil is brilliant for softening leather and is not as greasy/oily as neatsfoot oil.
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Post by desperate on May 17, 2007 13:08:02 GMT
Please do not think i am blaming Fylde Saddlery i am not, i have always bought all my tack etc from Fylde, I would not shop anywere else the service from Peter and Susan is first class, i am just saying that this new leather seems sealed and wont let any oil in when i have soaked the reins they seem to just repel the oil. The reins are laced and just seem really stiff.
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Post by justjay on May 17, 2007 14:37:22 GMT
Have you tried asking Fylde for their advice?? They may offer the perfect solution!
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Post by papahotchie on May 17, 2007 14:48:10 GMT
Personally I think that the only thing that works is using them....it seems to be the combination of horse sweat, oiling and saddle soap matures them.....having the same problem at the moment just bought some new reins, and they feel like cardboard.....
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melody
Junior Member
Posts: 186
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Post by melody on May 17, 2007 19:47:11 GMT
What about giving them to someone else to wear in for you? If they ride using them everyday, it shouldn't take long. Offer them a bribe/pressie or something!!
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Post by slippyfingers on May 17, 2007 21:39:00 GMT
Just had a similar problem with a set of stirrup leathers and a bridle (not from Fylde I might add). The leather seems so reluctant to take the oil. Never used to have this problem so I don't know if saddlers are using a new type of sealer or something. Anyway, the only solution I came up with is a finger cramping massage. Used rubber gloves, soaked the leather with oil and then bent it back on itself. and ran it backwards and forwards every which way until it started to soften. It's quite easy with longer lengths of leather like reins as you keep the loop small and keep moving it along all the time. Very difficult to describe so sorry if it doesn't make sense but I got a great result!
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Post by GM on May 17, 2007 22:41:04 GMT
Effax leather balm is fantastic and also smells delicious!
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Post by shug on May 17, 2007 23:10:52 GMT
Hang them up on a peg with lots of neatsfoot oil on
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Post by Philippa on May 18, 2007 7:43:37 GMT
Anyway, the only solution I came up with is a finger cramping massage. Used rubber gloves, soaked the leather with oil and then bent it back on itself. and ran it backwards and forwards every which way until it started to soften. It's quite easy with longer lengths of leather like reins as you keep the loop small and keep moving it along all the time. Very difficult to describe so sorry if it doesn't make sense but I got a great result! I have always used this method with new tack. It is called rolling. It breaks the seal on the leather. The other thing to try is soak the reins in very very hot water. Dry with a soft cloth and then do the process above.
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Post by daffodil on May 18, 2007 7:50:42 GMT
My saddler always swears by Kocaoline (think that' s how you spell it), it is messy...sort of a red jelly, but it is excellent for reviving 'dead' leather , aprt f rom that using on a daily basis
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Post by desperate on May 18, 2007 19:49:55 GMT
Thankyou to everyone i have just ordered on line 1 Ko-Cho-Line 1 Effax leather combi and 1 Effaxleather balm and as soon as they all arrive i will try the lot as well as bending the leather as suggested cost me a fortune but anything is better than daughters moaning.
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Post by Softy on May 18, 2007 19:58:46 GMT
Put them in a washing up bowl and cover in neatsfoot oil. Place above or under a warm radiator overnight. Saddle soap them after use and use Stubben leather treatment. works every time.
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Post by dobbin on May 18, 2007 20:04:29 GMT
often new bridles are coated in wax so ive found that giving it a clean with hot water and saddle soap and heating up neatsfoot oil seems to soak in better kochaline is great for old tack is good heated up too!
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