Does anybody here restore leather saddles?

[EweAreKiddingMe!]

I just cleaned up a bunch of leather saddles for the first time before I sold them and I found it quite therapeutic, does anybody do this as a side hustle or just for fun or even as a career? Are there any tips or tricks on it?

 

[Alaskan]

Not me.

How bad was the leather? Just dirty? Or also some rot?

 

[Baymule]

There are people who build custom saddles, but I never heard of anyone having a saddle cleaning business. If you can do minor repair, that would be an added bonus. I think you might be able to make it a nice side job.

 

[EweAreKiddingMe!]

There are people who build custom saddles, but I never heard of anyone having a saddle cleaning business. If you can do minor repair, that would be an added bonus. I think you might be able to make it a nice side job.

yeah, and I live in an area with LOTS of stables and competitions so if I'm able to do a decent job (I have lots of saddles to practice on) I could make it a little side hustle

 

[EweAreKiddingMe!]

Not me.

How bad was the leather? Just dirty? Or also some rot?

I just wanted to clean it up as best I could before selling them so we would get top dollar

 

[Alaskan]

I just wanted to clean it up as best I could before selling them so we would get top dollar

Sounds like a brilliant idea.

 

[Mini Horses]

Offering a cleaning service -- if you know how to treat the materials well -- could be a nice little side. It can be a tedious, time consuming job!! Not every rider has the time for the deep clean/treatments needed even knowing the expense of a good saddle! Leather needs care to last.