Greasy feeling harness

Dynamic Equines · Feb 29, 2012

I have an amish made quick hitch harness that always has felt greasy. It is almost like they soaked it in some kind of oil.IT is a russet colored soft harness leather. It is nearly new but I have cleaned it several times and it is not getting less oily or greasy. I have never put any kind of conditioner or oil on it. Any one have any suggestions for making it less greasy.

shorthorsemom · Mar 1, 2012

Hi, I live in amish country. I was told by an amish harness maker quite a few years ago that they dip new harness in a big vat of oil and let it hang. I believe they use needsfoot oil but don't quote me on that one. It will take a while for it to get less greasy for you. I used to tell them not to dip mine because of exactly what you describe. I think if you just keep soaping it with regular saddle soap, it will eventually condition and lose some of that grease. Rub with a soft cloth. You mentioned russett... does your harness leave orange dye on your hands too? just curious

Sue_C. · Mar 2, 2012

Try washing it with Murphy's Oil Soap, rather than glycerine/saddle soap, that might help as well...and time...I think that will help the most.

candycar · Mar 3, 2012

There was a good article in EQUUS magazine about how to treat leather problems (March 2012). They suggested for over oiling to use a squirt of Dawn dishsoap in a bucket of warm water, wipe with a sponge or rag. Finish with a wipe down rinse with clean water. If after it dries, if it's too dry, then recondition with a very small amount of oil. Good Luck!

Dynamic Equines · Mar 3, 2012

I am going to try the Murphy's oil soap and contiue to use it. I guess I will learn to wear my gloves.

No the harness does not fad on you. It is made from very soft supple harness leather. It has no dye on it. This is a quick hitch which is not meant for showing but I have another one that is nice enough to use at pleasure shows. It looks nice on my chestnut gelding.

Barnmother · Mar 3, 2012

We used to use Kirk's Castile Soap (comes in a bar) from the local grocery store to clean that greasy feel off. I don't know if it is still available or not has been a while since I have had a need for it. I know since my return to horses (and now harnesses) I am glad I have a couple of bars in the tack room.