I brought Fagan a leather show lead on Saturday but its really stiff and the man said as it is made from bridle leather it would take a while to become more supple.  Does anyone have any tips on how to make it softer ?

Claire :)

Hi, Saddle soap would do it.
Dawn R.

Thanks, ill give it a go :)

I bought an oil,just brush it on or rub with a cloth,difference is amazing even after 1 coat,go into a saddlery and explain what you need it for,sandra.

Bee's wax works wonders on the leather hubby buys for the hawk !!

Neats foot oil from the saddlers will help 'break it in' - coat well with brush/cloth and bend the leather so it absorbs as much as it can, then for regular maintenence saddle soap/wax is ideal (apply with a barely damp cloth) - makes leather last for years. I reapply neats foot once or twice a year to 'top it up'. Hope this helps.

Neats Foot oil or Liquid Dubbin does the trick but can make leather feel oily until it has well soaked in for a few days so dont do it immediatly before you want to use it. I used to use it on motorcycle boots and found that they lasted for years.

Regards, John

Soak it in hot water, then soak in hydrophane oil for 24 hours, then hot water, hang up; you will never need to dress it again.

Otherwise work some kocholine into it and repeat as and when necessary.

here is me being dumb, but where would I get hydrophane oil  from ?

I tried the vaseline and ended up with orange hands it did go a bit softer, but still a bit stiff for his little neck :)

I would not put vaseline on to make the leather soft; if I store bridles etc I would coat them in vaseline :D

Hydrophane leather dressing is available from saddlers.

Thank you, I shall pay the saddlers a visit at the weekend :)

even baby oil johnsons and johnsons leave it in for a while to soften leather-works on new shoes!

Hi guys,

I use kocholine on my leads. I was once told that Neatsfoot oil is very good but it can rot the stitching (?), so I use it on my tracking lines and leave the kocholine for the leads/collars.

I smear the kocholine on and then seal it in a plastic bag over night, next morning-hey presto, no more stiff leads.

Cheers :)

Ali