Jimmy Wiebe, a former professional rider, is famous for his strap goods. According to Jimmy, three things go into quality goods: proper raw materials, proper craftsmanship and proper care by the consumer. All Jimmy's 20th Century comes in London, which oils to a rich brown.

After years of experience, Jimmy's Saddlery has developed what they feel is the most satisfactory process for conditioning English leather. The adage "THE BEST THING FOR LEATHER IS USE, NOT ABUSE" holds as true today as it did a hundred years ago.

How then does Jimmy's Saddlery recommend you care for this fine investment? Initially, you will undoubtedly want to darken your equipment. For this we recommend using Neatsfoot oil compound at room temperature. Leather burns very easily, so apply oil sparingly with a small clean paint brush. Allow time to penetrate between coats, until desired shade is reached. No more than four coats, please.

The moisture content for English leather is 17 percent to 25 percent. Under that level leather dries out. Over that level the fibers start to break down and stretch. You can tell when it has reaced it's saturation point when the oil no longer penetrates readily, but just lays on top of the leather. Allow 24 hours drying time. Then apply several light coats of Tackmaster conditioner, allowing at least 1/2 hour between coats.

At this point you may start "breaking in" your tack. You do this by manipulating the leather with your hands as you apply the Tackmaster. After a couple of coats you can become more aggressive. When doing a saddle, roll your flaps and form a pocket for your knee. The more you put on it at this point the quicker it will break in. When doing strap goods take care not to bend any raised portions.

The final step is a lightcoat of Feibings paste saddle soap or Belvoir Glycerine bar soap. The key here is to use a dry sponge. This seals in the moisture and gives a rich, mellow patina. Do not try to rush this process.