WHAT WE SELL
SADDLERY
BRIDLE WORK
LEONARD COOMBE MASTER SADDLERS stocks a massive selection of complete bridles and individual bridle components. All the bridles we stock are well made from good quality leather.
There is no point investing your money and your time tack cleaning in poor quality leather that isn't up to the job.
It is important you understand why and how to choose good quality leatherwork for your horse.
The old saying goes 'you get what you pay for' and this is as true for leather work as it is for anything else. Of course cheap imported leather won't be as good as more expensive English or European leather which are preferable as they are renowned for their superior quality. This is due to the quality of the original hides as well as a meticulous traditional manufacturing process.
SADDLES
At any time we stock hundreds of new and used saddles covering most disciplines of riding. Whether it is jumping, dressage, showing, hunting, x country or general hacking. We always recommend that when you purchase a new saddle you have the fit checked by a Society Of Master Saddlers UK Ltd qualified saddle fitter. To find out more about our saddle fitting service please click here.
OTHER LEATHER ITEMS
Also in stock is a wide variety of other leather saddlery items including stirrup leathers, breastplates and girths.
All made by the same quality manufactures to the same high standards as their bridles.
LOOKING AFTER YOUR NEW LEATHER WORK
If you want your new leather to last and stay strong and safe it is important to clean and condition it on a regular basis. Now for the technical bit, leather is made of approximately 10% oils and fats and 14% water which help to lubricate the fibres that give the leather its natural resilience and strength, it is important that these moisture levels are maintained to keep the leather in good condition.
TO START
New leather items often feel stiff and will usually benefit from a dressing before use.
( BUT PLEASE CHECK THAT YOU ARE HAPPY WITH THE FIT BEFORE TREATING)
We always recommend you first check the type of leather, how it has been finished and if there are any manufactures guide lines before starting treatment. As a general guide a thin layer of leather dressing or neatsfoot oil should be applied to the grain side and two coats to the underside. Care should be taken not to over treat the leather as items such as stirrup leathers only need a light coat as over oiled leathers will stretch more easily.
This process should be repeated whenever the leather feels dry or stiff.
Once it has been in use for a short time new leather will soften and give so minor fitting adjustments may be required.
TACK CLEANERS
Ideally saddlery items should be wiped after use to remove the damaging salts found in sweat and grease. They should be thoroughly (including taken apart) cleaned at least every five times they are used depending on the conditions. LEONARD COOMBE sells a selection of products specifically designed to remove grease and dirt quickly and easily without over wetting the leather which can cause the collagen fibres to swell and the leather to stretch and weaken.
SADDLE SOAP
Saddle soap should be used on a regular basis, normally about once a week to help maintain the leathers moisture content. Most are glycerine based which helps form a barrier against water, sweat, and dirt. Available in bar, tub or spray apply with a damp cloth (some products spray directly onto the leather) and work in well. Leave on for a matt finish or buff with a dry cloth for a polished finish.
CREAMS AND BALMS
Conditioning creams and balms are a deep nourishing treatment, they are generally softer than soap and contain ingredients such as lanolin and beeswax. They should be applied to dry leather that is free from dirt and grease.
OILS
Leather oils are usually used on stiff new tack or tack that has been drenched in water and become dry. If you've bought a new saddle or bridle please check manufactures care instructions as some leather is not suitable for oiling. The oiling of these products or the heavy oiling of other new leather work can break down the fibres causing the leather to weaken. The trick is not to over oil.
When treating wet leather always allow it to dry naturally before conditioning it. Towel drying it first if it is saturated.
NEVER put it near a heat source including the effect of sun through glass.
OPEN MONDAY TO SATURDAY 9AM-5:30PM
TELEPHONE: 01626 204099
EMAIL:
mail@leonardcoombe.co.uk
13 HIGHWEEK
STREET, NEWTON ABBOT, DEVON. TQ12 1TG