Roughout Saddle Care

Roughout leather is turned flesh-side out, which gives it a napped, suede-like surface. That surface grips well and hides wear, but it behaves differently from smooth leather. Care is mostly about keeping dust out and the nap intact.

The two Billy Royal work saddles with roughout leather are the Pro Work Saddle II, which lists Grade A roughout leather, and the Two-Tone Roughout Saddle, which combines roughout with smooth leather.

What the sources say

The published guidance for roughout work saddles is short and practical: brush off dust and mud, cover the saddle when it is not in use, and brush or blow dust off regularly. That is the baseline. The steps below build on it with general leather practice.

Routine care

1. Cover it. Use a breathable saddle cover or cloth between rides to keep dust and light off the leather. Avoid sealed plastic, which traps moisture.
2. Brush the nap. Use a stiff, clean brush made for roughout or suede and work in the direction of the nap. Do it regularly, not only when the saddle looks dirty.
3. Blow out dust. Compressed air can clear dust from stitching, seams and the sheepskin edge where a brush cannot reach.
4. Knock off dry mud first. Let mud dry, then crumble and brush it away rather than rubbing it into the nap.

Cleaning stains

• Dab, do not scrub, a wet stain with a clean cloth.
• Let the leather dry at room temperature, away from a heater or direct sun.
• Brush the nap again once dry.
• Test any cleaner on a hidden spot first. Cleaners made for smooth leather can leave marks or harden the nap.

What to avoid

• Heavy oils and saddle soap. These are designed for smooth leather and can darken and mat roughout. If you are unsure, leave the oil alone.
• Soaking the saddle. Water stains roughout and can stiffen it as it dries.
• Heat. Radiators, hair dryers and a hot tack room dry leather unevenly.
• Leaving it on the horse or in the trailer. Sweat, grit and sun do more harm than a quick wipe-down.

The sheepskin lining

The Pro Work Saddle II is lined with sheepskin across the entire underside, which the listing says helps with breathability and resistance to crushing. After a sweaty ride, let the lining dry fully before covering the saddle. Brush the wool gently if it mats.

Two-tone saddles

On the Two-Tone Roughout, treat each leather separately: brush the roughout parts and condition only the smooth parts, using the advice in Oiling smooth leather. Keep conditioner off the roughout.

Storage

Store on a saddle rack that supports the tree, in a cool and dry room. See Saddle storage.

Models this applies to

• Pro Work Saddle II (roughout)
• Two-Tone Roughout Saddle (roughout and smooth)

For guidance on roughout versus smooth leather generally, see Work and ranch saddles.

What we can't confirm

• The listings do not name a recommended cleaner, protector spray or brush for roughout.
• Brand-specific advice on re-waterproofing roughout is not published in the listings reviewed. Follow the label of any product you choose and test it first.
• Warranty coverage for leather wear or stains is not stated; see Warranty.