Oiling – A New Directive
Over the years saddle makers have developed more and better ways to precondition the leather intended for saddle manufacture, and this has made for different regimens for new saddles.
Covered leathers are very soft, even when they are brand new. Oiling can make that top leather too soft and cause shifting in that leather. For this reason these leathers are preconditioned at the factory. The only prep they need before riding is some cream conditioner such as Pharmaka Bienenwachs.
The “sticky” leather saddles have received conditioning as well to make them feel tacky. However, we do recommend a light coat of oil on these solid leather saddles to avoid scratches or discoloration due to use.
Even those saddles that are neither of the above are preconditioned so the intense oiling of the past is not necessary.
However there are times in a saddle’s life when a light covering of oil is warranted. Sometimes with a long period of disuse, a saddle can become very dry. Also, a saddle may be subjected to wet weather and then after drying can become stiff. Arid climates also make it hard for leather to retain its moisture. Under circumstances like these a light oiling is necessary.Taken from All About Saddles - English Riding Supply