Horse riding is a relaxing activity that requires some precautions in order to do it safely.
It’s an activity that requires a whole heap of gear to ensure a safe and enjoyable ride. And when it comes to gear, the saddle reigns supreme as the most crucial element that connects you to your majestic steed.
After all, you don’t want to be riding bareback like some sort of wild stallion. That’s a recipe for disaster. No, you need a trusty and comfortable saddle to keep you in place and provide a comfortable ride for both you and your four-legged companion.
But before you saddle up and hit the trail, there’s one important decision you need to make: what type of leather to use.
Now, I know what you’re thinking. “Leather? Ain’t that just cowhide?” There are a whole lotta different types of leather out there, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Horse jockeys in competitions such as the Kentucky Derby, care a lot about the comfort of their saddle, as you can read in this TwinSpires article.
So, if you want to make sure you’re picking the best leather for your saddle, make sure to follow the tips from this article.
Types of Leather for Horse Saddlers
Full-Grain Leather
Full-grain leather is the finest leather available. It is made from the top layer of the animal hide and is unprocessed, so all of the natural markings and grain patterns are preserved. This distinguishes and beautifies each piece of full-grain leather.
Full-grain leather is a great choice for horse saddles. It’s strong, durable, and resistant to wear and tear. Plus, it looks great and will develop a beautiful patina over time.
So, if you want the highest quality leather, then make sure to go for a full-grain leather saddle. However, keep in mind that these saddles are usually more expensive than others.
Top-Grain Leather
Top-grain leather looks just like full-grain leather, but it has been sanded down to remove any imperfections or blemishes. While this gives the leather a more eye-pleasing appearance, it also makes it substantially weaker than full-grain leather.
Top Grain leather is good if you mainly care about aesthetics and if you don’t ride your horse very often. It might be less durable compared to full-grain leather, but it is still good enough for casual rides and will last you for a long time.
Top-grain leather is still a great material for horse saddles. It’s durable and appealing, yet it’s less costly than full-grain leather.
Synthetic Leather
If you are looking for a less expensive option, synthetic leather might be the perfect choice for you. It’s constructed of materials like polyurethane or PVC and is meant to appear and feel like real leather.
This is also an option for people that want animal-free materials that still look good and will get the job done.
While synthetic leather is not as durable as genuine leather, it is still an excellent choice for horse saddles. It is simple to clean and does not retain moisture or sweat like real leather.
Which is the Best Leather to Go For?
So, which type of leather is best to choose for a horse-riding saddle? – Well, there isn’t a straightforward answer to this question since it all depends on personal preference.
Not everybody needs the highest-quality leather for a saddle if they go horse riding 4 times a year. So, before choosing the type of leather for your saddle, make sure you consider the usefulness of the materials.
Synthetic leather might be the material with the lowest durability, but it is perfectly fine for casual horse riders. This type of leather is also great for riders that don’t want the trouble of maintaining the leather since the other types require constant care in order to last for a long time.
If you’re looking for the highest-quality leather and don’t mind spending a bit more, full-grain leather is the way to go.
If you’re on a tighter budget but still want a durable and good-looking saddle, top-grain leather is a great choice.
No matter what type of leather you choose, just remember to take good care of your saddle. With proper cleaning and conditioning, it will last for many years and provide you with a comfortable and stylish ride.
