Leather

Used leather, most of the time, is definitely better than new for a few reasons, depending on what you are looking for. Used leather is more pliable, already has stretched and will be more waterproof than new.

Leather in saddles already has a "seat" impression that makes breaking in a saddle a lot easier and more comfortable. It is also more apt to absorb a cleaner and moisturizer if it is used leather. Used leather has tiny little cracks in it that makes it more pliable....also helps it to absorb any oils that are on it which in turn, makes it softer. The cracks just come from use, they are not visible, just surface marks, allowing the leather to breathe.

Although, it also depends on where the leather was treated or tanned. English leather is far superior to Argentine or Australian leather. It is even better than American leather as well as a bit more expensive. The chemicals used in tanning leather can make it either good leather or bad leather. I am not that familiar with the tanning procedure, except for the fact that some chemicals are too harsh and begin to tear down the leather which makes it hard and has big cracks in it. The better chemicals are not so harsh on the leather and it stays cleaner as well as a moisturized longer, which helps the leather to stay pliable.

Some people like new leather because they think it will last longer, which is not altogether true. If it has been well taken care of, leather will last indefinitely. As long as the tree in a saddle is in good shape, the leather on a saddle should last as long.

If leather has been exposed to a lot of moisture, it will mildew and that breaks down the molecules very quickly. It will dry it out and lose all its pliability. Keep your tack and saddle clean and well oiled and they will last a lifetime.