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Not-So-Speedy Dressage

From Endurance to Dressage

More on the Higher Standards

5/19/2014

 
PictureI am loving this product line!
I've had a chance to use the Higher Standards Leather Soap a few more times. I can now say with no hesitation that this stuff is great. I don't know how it works on really dirty leather, but for leather that has a typical layer of sweat and dirt, it is fantastic.

I've used it to clean both of my bridles several times. It still has a lovely scent; sometimes scented products bother me, not this time time. I also like how it is continuing to clean my bridles without leaving any residue. Each day that I come out, my bridles feel clean and soft without that tackiness so many cleaners leave behind. The product wipes off easily and very little scrubbing is necessary.

I finally got a chance to try it on my saddle and was even happier with the job it did there. My saddle is made from buffalo which is very soft and porous. Most soaps are difficult to use on such soft leather. the Higher Standards Leather soap went on easily and without much effort removed some buildup from where my boots and stirrup leathers rub my panels. Big score for that!

I also used the conditioner on my saddle. I chose a warm day so the conditioner came out of the tub more easily. The first time I used it, I wasn't as happy with how hard it was. With the warmth of the day, the conditioner had melted a little and came out much more easily. I loved how it spred across my saddle; it seemed to melt into the leather. I let it sit for a  little while and then went back with a soft cloth and was pleased with how easily it buffed to a smooth finish. My buffalo leather doesn't seem to "shine" like some leather saddles do, but I knew it was clean and soft. 

I am not a big fan of contests, but I'd like to thank Libby, the creator and owner and Higher Standards Leather Care, for letting me try out her products. As a way to "share the love," I'd like to send one of you a container of leather soap and conditioner.  Here's how to "enter":

  1. I am going to ask that only folks who haven't yet tried the HS products put their name into the "hat." And if you're local, feel free to participate.
  2. If you're interested, just leave a comment saying that you'd like to try the stuff out. If you've already tried the soap and balm, you can still leave a comment about your thoughts on the product.
  3. Make sure you leave your name and email address so that I can reach you if your name is drawn.
  4. If I draw your name, I'll send you an email asking for a mailing address and your choice of scent. You can see the soap and balm package here.
  5. Once I know which scent you like, I'll place an order and have it mailed directly to your address. (I promise not to share your address and no stalking will occur.)
  6. I'll draw a name on Sunday evening after 5:00 p.m. Pacific time, so if you're interested, make sure to leave a comment before then.
  7. No sharing of my blog is necessary. I just want someone else to have a chance to try this stuff out for free like I did. :0)
Hannah link
5/18/2014 10:33:29 pm

Very kind offer! I would love to be entered -- I keep hearing good stuff about this soap but am a cheapskate who only buys tack-cleaning stuff when I am in desperate need (and thus I always hit the local Dover) and so have not gotten my hands on any thus far.

sharon t
5/18/2014 11:06:03 pm

Thanks for the chance to win. I have read lots of good reviews and would love to give it a try.

Erica
5/18/2014 11:18:42 pm

I would loooooove to try this stuff out! I'm all for tack cleaning products that don't leave a residue

Katharine link
5/18/2014 11:50:03 pm

Sounds like a great product!! I would love to try it out sometime :)

savvy.kitmarie@gmail.com

debbie cervenka
5/19/2014 01:09:53 am

I found one expensive polish that didn't leave residue but it isn't a cleaner

Amanda link
5/19/2014 01:30:31 am

I would love to give it a try. I'm in a weird in-between place with my tack cleaning products right now and have been eyeing this product for a while. Thanks for the offer, and I'm glad to read another positive review!

Ashley
5/19/2014 01:58:16 am

This stuff sounds lovely! I was just cleaning my terribly neglected and filthy dressage bridle the other day and was disappointed by how sticky my cleaner left it and it still looks dirty! My new trainer is a Grand Prix rider and I am really embarrassed for her to see my tack when she comes out to meet Wynd! Would love to give this product a try! Ashley.c.graham@live.com

Carol Holm
5/19/2014 02:43:37 am

I would love to try it too, if I don't win, I'm going to order some anyway. Like your blog too!

Carly
5/19/2014 02:52:05 am

I keep getting as far as putting this in my shopping cart, but then never taking the plunge and actually buying it. I'd definitely love to give it a try!

Austen link
5/19/2014 03:20:39 am

I'm a sucker for scented cleaning supplies, and supplies that do quality work. I've been dying to try this stuff, but can't justify the splurge when my "adequate" soap is still kicking around. Luckily, that stuff is almost gone. Sign me up!! :)

design.austen@gmail.com

Sandy Orloff
5/19/2014 03:39:30 am

I would love to try the products out! Is there a website for their products?

Thanks!

Hollyn
5/22/2014 05:29:48 am

Hi Sandy! Higher Standards is sold on etsy. You can do a search on etsy.com and it will come right up. Libby is also super fast with her shipping. Good luck! :)

Sarah link
5/19/2014 04:34:08 am

Is this the 1st Not-So-Speedy Dressage Blog giveaway?! Awesome! I'd love to enter, since I've been interested in trying HS for a while now, given all the great reviews its getting on the blogosphere.

Kelly
5/19/2014 06:11:45 am

I have wanted to try this stuff out for ages! I visit the website every now and again and practice putting some in my basket ;). Promise I'll pay for the shipping if I win.

Amanda link
5/19/2014 06:20:37 am

I would love to try this stuff. I keep hearing wonderful things about it.

Lori
5/19/2014 07:03:50 am

Can an endurance rider be considered???
I ride in a English saddle. :-)

Annye
5/19/2014 07:11:10 am

I would love to try Higher Standards! I've had it in my Etsy cart since it came out but haven't wanted to spend the money...I want to try it first!

Thank your for hosting a contest :D

Genny link
5/19/2014 07:29:25 am

I'd love to be able to try this stuff! I've read the reviews and just never had the chance to get myself some. Thank you for hosting this!

Sandra
5/19/2014 08:17:45 am

I would love to toss my name in the hat! The product I use now (which shall remain nameless) is awful. It cleans well but leaves a horrible stickiness. I feel like I need to clean my tack after I clean my tack to get rid of it! HAHA This is a wonderful give away~ Thank you!

Rachael
5/19/2014 09:42:52 am

I would love to try it, I am in graduate school right now and only catch ride but I always try to leave owners' tack in better condition than I found it. This looks like it would work great - and I love that it is safe to use on boots - one item I actually own myself :)

Mallory
5/19/2014 02:38:46 pm

I would love to try out this leather balm! I've been using fiebing's saddle soap and not only have I found it doesn't work for me the way I might like, but I'm allergic and get rashes on my hands from it if I forget to wear gloves!

lytha
5/19/2014 06:41:27 pm

As you know I got my first piece of leather equipment since the 90s - a new saddle, and I have no cleaning supplies for it. It's been 9 months, I think it's time to clean the saddle!

melinda faubel
5/21/2014 11:48:00 pm

Would love to try. I dont clean my leather ever because ive not found a product that made it eas
Y or enjoyable.

Olivia
5/22/2014 02:00:50 am

I can't wait to try this stuff.

Kristy
5/22/2014 02:01:25 am

Would love to try! Have heard great things about it.

David
5/22/2014 02:01:36 am

This seems like an interesting new product and I'd love to try it.

Rachel Masen
5/22/2014 05:49:48 am

I've been eyeing this stuff for some time and just haven't gotten the guts to order it (as dropping $30 on a leather cleaner and conditioner isn't really something my husband would be all that happy about). I would LOVE to try it. I've tried so many leather cleaners...and all of them disappoint. They either don't work or leave residue. Ditto Conditioners. They usually make everything sticky...which makes me need to clean it all over again.

Beth
5/22/2014 06:47:38 am

I've heard a lot about this soap and I'd love to try it!

Scott
5/22/2014 06:52:16 am

I want to try it!

Annette
5/22/2014 09:25:40 am

I have been dying to try her products for sometime now!

Heather
5/22/2014 12:25:23 pm

I would love to try them! I love supporting small business, especially when it's a natural product !

Paola link
5/23/2014 01:04:33 am

I've heard so much about this product and would like to try it sometime. Thanks for hosting!

Rachel Hosier
5/23/2014 02:43:02 am

I've been wishing I could order some Higher Standards for months! I'd love to try it!


rachelehosier@gmail.com

kiersten
5/23/2014 04:44:52 pm

I would love to try out their products! I've heard great things about them. Thanks for doing another giveaway!


Comments are closed.

    About the Writer and Rider

    ​I am a lifelong rider. 
    I began endurance riding in 1996 where I ultimately completed five, one-day 100 mile races, the 200-mile Death Valley Encounter, and numerous other 50, 65, and 75 mile races. I began showing dressage in 2010.
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    About Speedy G

    ​Speedy went from endurance horse to dressage horse. After helping me earn a USDF Bronze medal in the summer of 2020, he is now semi-retired. Speedy is a 2004, 15'1 hand, purebred Arabian gelding. His Arabian Horse Registry name is G Ima Starr FA.
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    Izzy was started as a four-year old and then spent the next 18 months in pasture growing up. I bought him as a six-year old, and together, we are showing at the lower levels. He is a 2008, 16'3 hand warmblood gelding. His Rheinland Pfalz-saar International (RPSI) name is Imperioso.
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