Leather care – the basics

Leather is one of the most premium materials in the textile industry. In order to sustainably maintain the numerous advantages of this natural product, regular care plays an important role. There are numerous types of leather, all based on different manufacturing and processing methods. But which types of leather are preferred for equestrian sports and what are the advantages of smooth leather, suede leather & Co.

Detail view of leather riding boot in stirrup

Not all leather is the same – types of leather and their properties.

Leather is a natural material obtained from animal hides. In several manufacturing steps, the rawhide becomes the final product for the production of riding clothes and horse accessories. The most important step in production is the tanning. After intensive pre-treatment, the leather is preserved by tanning. Nowadays, this is usually done with the help of chrome tanning, which, in contrast to the original plant-based method, only takes a few days.

The leather is then dried and can be further processed. There are various ways to give the material the finishing touch, such as applying colour, coating, smoothing the surface, embossing, etc.

How exactly do the different types of leather come about? We explain which leathers are most commonly used in our range and what distinguishes them.

Smooth leather

Smooth leather is the term used for all types of leather that are obtained from the grain (= outside of the animal skin). The grain (= surface structure of the leather) varies depending on the type of leather. Smooth leather is often used in equestrian sports because it is very durable and the smooth surface is dirt-repellent.

Use: Saddles, bridles, headcollars, reins, riding boots, leather hats

Feel: smooth and cool

Properties: dirt and water repellent, resilient and robust

Variants: oiled leather, which is additionally oiled and/or waxed

Seat of a black leather saddle — Smooth leather is characterised by its smooth and cool feel. In equestrian sports, smooth leather is considered an all-rounder – it is used for horse accessories and for high-quality leather riding boots.

SELECTED SMOOTH LEATHER PRODUCTS

Felix Bühler

Paddock Boots Torino

£129.00

Felix Bühler

Felix Buhler Bridle Gently Anatomical Innovation

£99.90

CLARIDGE HOUSE

Dressage Saddle New Generation

£599.00

20 %

CLARIDGE HOUSE

General Purpose Saddle Royal Sports

~~£799.00~~

£639.00

CLARIDGE HOUSE

Leather Girth Naira

£69.90

Suede leather

Suede leather is often referred to as suede in conventional usage. However, suede is exclusively leather that is obtained from wild animals. Depending on the type of split used, suede is divided into suede (= obtained from the flesh split or the reverse side of smooth leather) and nubuck leather (= polished smooth leather from the grain split).

Use: riding boots, seat & pommels of saddles, western chaps

Feel: warm, velvety, soft

Properties: high wearing comfort, breathable, protection against cold, robust but sensitive to UV radiation, stains and scratches

Variants: Suede leather, nubuck leather

SELECTED PRODUCTS MADE OF SUEDE

STONEDEEK

Leather Full Chaps

£59.90

STONEDEEK

Bareback Pad Kowi

£189.00

STEEDS

Winter Boots Roughlander CX

£159.00

STONEDEEK

Western Saddle Gold Line Comfort

£699.00

STONEDEEK

Western Chinks

£139.00

Imitation leather

What used to suggest a lack of quality is now enjoying ever-increasing popularity – imitation leather has become a cost-effective alternative to real leather. The main argument for the higher demand for imitation leather products also results from the growing animal welfare and environmental awareness. Over the years, the textile industry has been able to refine the look of the material to such an extent that, at first glance, it is almost impossible to distinguish between genuine and imitation leather. The basis is a simple textile fabric to which a surface of PVC or PU is applied.

Use: riding boots, saddles, horse accessories, trimmings on riding breeches, riding gloves

Feel: analogous to suede or smooth leather, depending on the finish

Properties: inexpensive & easy to care for, however the material does not come close to the natural properties of real leather (breathability, robustness, thermal insulation, etc.)

Variants: SYLKA