Olga on leather care and repair

Back to Ask Lena!

Basic leather care: Choosing a leather cleaner or leather conditioner. Cleaning and conditioning leather. Restoring neglected leather. Storing leather and preventing mildew. (0.1 MB)

Leather conditioner trial: What leather conditioner will work best for you? The results of this informal test of 6 leather conditioners might help you with your decision.

Basic leather repair -- Supplies: What kind of tools, leather, hardware, and other supplies are handy for fixing tack, harness, and saddles? Sources for where to buy this stuff and where to get more information and instruction. (0.3 MB)

Basic leather repair -- How to: Have tools . . . so now what? This illustrated guide shows how to use the tools and hardware described in the previous article. (8.5 MB)

Basic leather projects: Learn how to install a regular buckle or a conway buckle. Find out how to make Western stirrup hobbles, twist-loop rein ends, slobber straps, and a no-buckle curb strap. (5.2 MB)

Buckles: What are the parts of a buckle or different types of buckles? Why would you choose one type of buckle over another? (0.4 MB)

Names: What are the parts of a harness, bridle, halter, English saddle, or western saddle? These illustrations provide all the details, courtesy of master leather artisan Verlane Desgrange. (1.0 MB)