Stop the Squeak

Is your light-colored show saddle squeaking like a door on rusty hinge? There's nothing tackier than squeaky Western tack! Light-colored show saddles lack oil and are prone to be squeaky. The culprit is usually the stirrup fender, right where the leather strap falls over the saddletree. As soon as you apply weight to the stirrup, you put pressure on this area, which causes the squeaking. Have no fear, however, there is a solution. Baby powder is the miracle cure—it will lessen the friction between the tree and your fenders. To apply baby powder, place your saddle on a soft surface, upside down. Then move the stirrups and fenders and expose the area that is underneath the jockey. Sprinkle a generous amount of baby powder in the area between the fenders and jockeys, and apply some to the skirts as well. Dust off any excess baby powder with a towel. Then, saddle your horse, and wipe off any residue. You should now be squeak-free!