Buying a Bates Advanta Eventing Saddle for your child is a pretty big deal. The comfort, performance, and investment level of this saddle really mean you want to do your best to keep it safe, clean, and lasting for years.
It’s the kind of gear that encourages confidence in young riders, whether they’re in the ring or out on the cross-country field.
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After that exciting first ride, a lot of parents worry about how to keep the saddle in top shape. These concerns are totally normal! Leather tack needs a bit of know-how and regular care, especially when you’re aiming for a saddle that stays comfortable and safe for your rider and their horse.
Here’s a practical guide walking through all the basics and pro tips for keeping your Bates Advanta Eventing Saddle looking and performing its best.
Plus, you’ll stumble upon some bonus tips throughout to help you handle any curve balls that come your way with horse gear care.
Keeping the Saddle Safe & Comfortable
The number one priority for most parents is making sure the saddle stays safe for every ride. That means the leather shouldn’t crack or get too slippery, the stitching should hold up, and the fit needs to stay supportive for both your child and their horse.
Routine Saddling & Inspection
- Before every ride, check the girth straps, billets, and stirrup leathers for any signs of fraying or stretching.
- Use a soft, damp cloth to wipe away arena dust or sweat right after rides. Quick clean-ups prevent long-term grime buildup.
- If the horse is muddy or sweaty, wipe the underside panels as well; salt and mud can dry out the leather over time.
Staying on top of these small checks goes a long way in preventing issues. Small cracks or worn areas are much easier (and cheaper) to fix when caught early.
In addition, making these checks a regular habit helps kids learn responsibility and care for their equipment—an added bonus!
Understanding the Right Cleaning Products
Bates Advanta saddles are made from high-quality leather, which means not all cleaning products are created equal. Using the wrong cleaner can actually dry out or damage the leather finish. To keep your investment looking its best, always opt for products made with fine tack in mind.
Recommended Products for Bates Saddles
- pH balanced leather cleaner; mild, saddle-specific soap is super useful for removing sweat and dirt without stripping natural oils.
- Leather conditioner; look for a product recommended by Bates or one made for fine English tack. Conditioner keeps leather supple, but avoid anything greasy that can clog the pores.
- Nonabrasive sponges or cloths; microfiber or soft cotton cloths won’t scratch leather and help spread cleaner more evenly.
Make sure any product you use is free of harsh chemicals or alcohol. If you’re ever unsure, test a small, hidden area first to see how it reacts. And remember, sometimes less is more—a little product goes a long way!
Preventing Damage from Moisture and Mold
Moisture is one of the quickest ways to ruin a beautiful saddle. Mold and mildew love damp, dark tack rooms and can cause stains or ruin the leather’s structure.
Moisture Prevention Tips
- After every ride, make sure the saddle is dry before storing it. If it gets rained on or really sweaty, use a soft towel to dab off excess moisture, then let it air dry in a well-ventilated space.
- Avoid covering a damp saddle with a saddle pad or saddle cover. Trapped moisture is basically an invitation for mold.
- If you find any mold spots, gently wipe them with a slightly damp cloth and then apply a saddle-safe leather cleaner. For stubborn spots, a 1:10 mix of vinegar and water can help, just use it sparingly.
Humidity in the tack room can be a problem. Try using moisture-absorbing packs or a dehumidifier in really damp weather to keep saddles fresher for longer. Climates with high humidity need extra vigilance in keeping an eye out for mold and mildew.
Checking for Wear & Tear That Could Become a Safety Issue
Even the best-maintained saddles can eventually show signs of use. The stakes are higher with kids’ safety, so knowing what to spot is really important.
What to Watch For
- Cracks at stress points, especially near the stirrup bars, girth straps, and seat joins.
- Worn stitching; stitching that comes undone on the panels or billets can quickly become a weak point.
- Loose or damaged tree; if the saddle feels uneven or makes noises when flexed, have a professional saddler inspect it.
If you’re ever in doubt, check in with your local saddler or Bates dealer and ask them to take a look. Professional checks are worth it, especially as young riders grow and use the saddle more often.
Long-Term Preservation & Value
With regular care, a Bates Advanta saddle can look new for years and keep its value. Regular conditioning and careful use really pay off if you ever want to resell or pass the saddle down.
Plus, a well-cared-for saddle feels softer and looks next-level cool in any show ring photo.
Best Practices for Preserving Value
- Keep up with monthly conditioning, focusing on high-stress areas and any spots that look dry or faded.
- Avoid over-conditioning; using too much product too often can make leather too soft or sticky.
- Store manuals, warranty cards, and any original accessories; these are handy reminders of value for future buyers.
If you’re planning to pass the saddle down to a younger sibling or sell it, keeping a record of your care routine and any professional maintenance work can boost its resale value or hand-me-down appeal.
Safe Storage & Transport
Where and how you store the saddle makes a real difference for its lifespan, comfort, and safety.
Safe Storage
- Always use a well-padded, sturdy saddle rack to prevent warping.
- Keep the saddle out of direct sunlight or drafty barn aisles. Direct sun can fade leather, while hot or cold fluctuations dry it out or make it crack.
- Use a breathable saddle cover made from cotton or another fabric that wicks moisture instead of a plastic cover.
Transporting the Saddle Safely
- Use a padded saddle bag when taking the saddle to shows or lessons. Hard knocks in the trailer or truck can dent or scuff leather.
- Let the saddle breathe after rides, even when you’re on the road; don’t wrap up a sweaty saddle tightly.
Safe storage and careful transport go far in reducing scratches and dents and help your saddle last for all those lessons, events, and adventures yet to come.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
Even with the best intentions, every tack room sees a few mishaps. Here are a few things I wish I’d learned sooner, so you can steer clear of them:
- Don’t use household cleaners. Even baby wipes and all-natural sprays can hurt quality tack.
- Skip over-conditioning. More isn’t always better; stick to the product instructions.
- Avoid hanging the saddle in wet, dark spaces. Garage storage or low barn corners almost always mean a moldy mess.
- If the child rides multiple horses, check the fit on each. Using the saddle on horses it doesn’t fit can stress seams and stretch panels in weird ways.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I condition the saddle?
Light conditioning once a month is pretty standard, but if the saddle gets lots of use, more frequent care might help. Too much conditioning isn’t a good thing, though; it can clog the leather and make it too soft.
My saddle got soaked in the rain. What should I do?
Blot it with a soft towel, let it air dry out of direct sun, and avoid using a heater. Once it’s dry, apply a little leather conditioner. Don’t rush drying with heat; it can cause more cracks than the rain ever will.
What’s the safest way to clean sweat off after a long event?
Wipe sweaty spots with a well-wrung damp cloth right after the ride. Then let it air out before fully cleaning or conditioning that evening.
Final Tips Going Forward
Taking care of a Bates Advanta Eventing Saddle comes down to a few steady habits: regular cleaning, the right products, safe storage, and a close eye on any signs of wear.
Investing a little time after each ride helps the saddle stay comfortable for your child, and safe for their horse, and keeps it ready for whatever new riding adventures are ahead.
If you have any saddle care tricks of your own, I’d love to hear what’s worked for you! And remember, making a routine of it now pays off big time in the long run—your child’s saddle (and your wallet) will thank you.