Product Review - Passier Lederbalsam Leather Conditioner

Cleaning leather has never been so fragrant. Produced by master saddlecrafter G Passier & Sohn of Germany, Passier Lederbalsam is the gold standard of leather conditioning.

The waxy formulation is chemical-free and filled with natural nutrients. Lederbalsam protects, waterproofs and restores leather without leaving it feeling sticky, tacky, or oily. It smells lovely, too, as it silkens hands and harnesses alike.

Initially, I purchased this to protect my best leather saddle. The first time I used it, I was amazed at the results. Visible scratches disappeared, and my saddle leather became softer, smoother, and more supple immediately. As a bonus, I noticed my hands were soft and supple as well.

Since then, I have used Lederbalsam on all our equestrian tack, as well as our boots, shoes, belts, leather purses, and more. Dingy old barn clogs now look like new again!

Lederbalsam works best when applied with bare fingertips directly onto cleaned leather. Massaging the product into crevices and under flaps is important. Buffing with a soft dry cloth creates a shine. Regular cleaning and conditioning with Lederbalsam can actually prolong the useful life and beauty of expensive leather tack and other items.

Years ago, we stumbled upon a dried-out, tired-looking child's jumping saddle. I took it home and cleaned it thoroughly. Next, I literally caressed every inch with Passier Lederbalsam. That Christmas, Santa surprised my youngest rider with a shiny Crosby Prix de Nations saddle with the best of both extremes: a like-new appearance with comfortable, broken-in leather. The child could hardly believe what she saw under the tree!

I recently cleaned a faded ten-year-old leather Coach purse, as a last-ditch effort before donating it to a local charity. In minutes, it looked so stylish and new that it has regained its status as my favorite handbag.

At $14.95 (for a 500-ml. can), this product is a bit pricey. Passier has produced high-quality English equestrian saddles for more than 125 years, and their industry status virtually allows them to name their own price for their products. However, this formulation seems to be worth the investment.

Because this is applied by fingertips, very little product is required for a bridle or saddle. For the average horse owner, a single can of Lederbalsam may last a year of more. The restorative effects are well worth the cost.

A word of warning may be appropriate: This product is semi-solid, and it will melt in warm temperatures. If it is kept in a tack trunk or elsewhere at the stables, it may lose its consistence with freezing, thawing, and warm-weather melting. We keep ours at home and tote it to the stables when it's time to clean tack.