How Do I Clean My Arena Pony All Purpose Saddle?

Keeping your Arena Pony All Purpose Saddle clean shouldn’t feel overwhelming — even if this is your first time caring for a higher-quality English saddle. Arena designs these saddles to be durable and practical for busy youth riders, so routine maintenance is straightforward when you follow a simple plan.

You don’t need to worry about damaging the leather with regular care, but there are a few common mistakes to avoid to protect the stitching, billets, and finish long term.

This article may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them at no additional cost to you. I only recommend cleaning products and tools that are appropriate for Arena leather and suitable for pony saddles.

Quick Answer: How Do I Clean My Arena Pony All Purpose Saddle?

Wipe your Arena saddle down with a damp (not soaking) tack sponge after each ride, paying attention to sweat-prone spots under the flaps and around the billets. For regular cleans, use a gentle leather cleaner designed for European or top saddles.

Avoid heavy oils or harsh soaps. Condition lightly every few weeks, not every ride, and store the saddle away from direct heat or humidity. A deeper clean once a month will help your saddle last longer and keep its value for resale.

Step-by-Step: Daily Arena Saddle Cleaning Routine

First start with a dry, soft brush or cloth to wipe away arena dust and hair, especially after riding in an outdoor ring. Sweat and grime like to collect under the flaps, so flip them open and check for anything sticky. Then, use a lightly damp tack sponge (never dripping) to clean the seat, panels, and flaps. For the billets, wipe gently to remove sweat and sand, taking a little extra time around the stitching.

• Dry brush or cloth: For dust and loose debris
• Damp sponge: Wipe down saddle, focusing on underside and billet zones
• Quick check: Make sure all residue is gone before storing

If you clean off sweat and grime right away, deep cleans get so much easier and you won’t have layers of build-up to worry about later. This habit also gives you a chance to get a feel for any new scratches, spots, or loose stitching before they turn into real problems.

Weekly and Monthly Deep Clean Plan

Try to give your Arena saddle a slightly deeper clean once a week, especially if the weather’s been hot or rainy, or if rides are happening nearly every day. This stops sweat and dust from turning into stubborn buildup that’s tough to get rid of later.

Here’s what works:

• Weekly: Use a quality leather cleaner sparingly. Apply with a fresh tack sponge, working up a slight lather, then wipe dry. Don’t let cleaner soak into the stitching or billets.
• Monthly: After cleaning, use a conditioner designed for European leather. A pea-sized dab on your sponge is plenty; rub gently into high flex spots (seat, knees, billets). Let the saddle air dry well before covering or storing.

If you ride in very muddy or wet conditions, bump up your checks for mildew. Keep an eye out for salt lines from sweat, especially on light colored leather saddles, and clean these as soon as you see them to avoid lasting marks.

What Products Are Safe for Arena Saddles?

Arena saddles are made with European leather and sometimes have synthetic reinforcement points. Stick to these product guidelines for peace of mind and quality outcomes:

• Safe: Mild saddle soap, leather balms labeled for fine or European leather, conditioners with natural oils (but not heavy/mineral oil), glycerin-based sprays in moderation, and dedicated billet conditioner Arena Glycerine Soap is a great option.
• Use Sparingly: Glycerin bars (too much can leave stickiness), beeswax creams (light touch only), and commercial spray tack cleaners (check label for Arena saddle compatibility).
• Avoid Completely: Household cleaners, baby wipes (alcohol can dry leather out), heavy oils like neatsfoot or olive oil, and anything abrasive like kitchen scrubbers.

Glycerin-based soaps are fine if you use a small amount and don’t let residue build up. Never soak the saddle or pour on oil. Arena leather is already really supple and doesn’t need it. For billets, a billet specific conditioner, like Arena Leather Balsam, is worth checking out, especially if you ride a lot or notice them drying out.

How To Clean Billets and Sweat Prone Areas

I pay extra attention to the billets and areas where sweat and dirt collect under the saddle flaps. These parts often get overlooked, but are really important for durability and safety. For deep cleaning:

1. Lift the saddle flaps and use a damp cloth to wipe every billet, top to bottom.
2. Apply a tiny amount of saddle soap or billet conditioner directly to billets, rubbing in gently with fingers or a sponge.
3. Check all stitching for signs of wear, cracking, or mold. If there’s mold, wipe with a vinegar-diluted solution (one part vinegar, three parts water), then let dry thoroughly.
4. Clean around the sweat panels; these absorb most of your horse’s sweat, so a weekly wipe and monthly deeper scrub help stop salt build up and prevent cracking or stiffness.

I also keep billets flexible by rolling them gently and making sure they never dry out completely. Try not to let sweat sit on them overnight—this prevents mold and keeps stitching healthy.

How Often Should You Condition?

Conditioning is key, but more isn’t always better, especially with Arena saddles. Here’s how I space it out for the best results:

• Light wipe: After every ride (no conditioner needed)
• Condition: Every 3-4 weeks or when leather feels dry to the touch
• Deep condition: If the saddle’s been through a super wet or dusty spell, I’ll spot-treat stressed areas, but never soak the leather

Heavy, frequent oiling isn’t recommended; you want to keep the leather breathable. Look for light conditioners specifically labeled for European leather, like Arena Leather Leather Balsam is the best brand to use for your Arena pony all purpose saddle.

Additionally, it helps to check for signs of dryness such as stiffness, a dull look, or faint white marks—these are your clues that it’s time for a conditioning session.

Storage and Longevity: Keeping Your Saddle in Top Shape

Proper storage goes a long way toward protecting your Arena Pony All Purpose Saddle from cracking, fading, or mildew. Always store your saddle on a curved rack, not a narrow rail, so the tree doesn’t bend. A breathable (not plastic) saddle cover keeps dust away.

• Keep out of sunlight: Direct UV can fade and dry leather
• Store in a climate controlled tack room: Too much humidity causes mold, and too much heat dries leather
• Use a saddle cover: Something like the Stateline Tack fleece saddle cover is really useful and affordable
• Let air dry before covering: Never put a damp saddle under a cover

Set reminders to check storage conditions every season, especially in summer or during barn renovations. For re-sale value, keeping the saddle’s shape and avoiding heat damage are really important. If possible, prop your saddle in a spot where air can circulate around it.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using household cleaners or furniture polish; these strip natural oils and can stain or weaken stitching.
• Soaking leather with water or letting it air dry in direct sun; this can leave water marks and stiffen the leather.
• Oiling billets; most modern billets just need occasional conditioning, not soaking in oil.
• Skipping sweat zones; underflap build up is where mold and cracks start.
• Storing with damp saddle covers or in moldy tack rooms; this leads to mold growth and odors.

Final Arena Saddle Care Checklist

• Wipe sweat and dirt away after every ride
• Use only leather safe cleaners and conditioners
• Focus on sweaty areas and billets each week
• Condition lightly every 3-4 weeks
• Avoid heavy oils, baby wipes, or household cleaners
• Store on a curved rack with a breathable cover
• Keep away from direct heat or sunlight
• Inspect for mold or wear regularly

Caring for your Arena Pony All Purpose Saddle truly becomes second nature once you build it into your regular barn routine. These saddles are designed to be durable and rider-friendly, but consistent, thoughtful care is what keeps the leather supple, the billets strong, and your pony comfortable ride after ride. Clean tack isn’t just about appearance — it protects your investment, improves safety, and preserves resale value as your young rider grows and transitions to the next size or discipline.

If you want to go deeper, don’t stop here. Read my complete guide to cleaning the Arena Monoflap Jump Saddle, explore my in-depth review of the Arena Jump Saddle, and make sure your fit is correct with my full Pony Saddle Fit Guide before your next ride.

👉 Take a few minutes today to check your saddle, restock the right cleaning supplies, and give your tack the care it deserves — your pony (and your future resale value) will thank you.