09/01/2026
1994 Shiloh Saddles X Cecil Phillips
Something oddly cool about this saddle is, I was born in 1994 and the Ramona Rodeo is held in California, I’m from there! 🤯
Every time I work on a saddle I say “this has been the most challenging yet”
And this one really takes the cake.
Layer after layer after layer of locked in grime, sweat & dirt, covered with oil & conditioner..
This saddle was no joke!
Luckily, the roughout restored way better than I could have hoped for (it’s still soft and fuzzy) with some deep oil stains by the seat conchos, the fenders are in good condition with no rot, though they were quite challenging to bring back.
You have to be real careful with roughout because you can absolutely get down to slick leather & knowing when to call it is a must!
😮💨
Wash x 4
Insanely diligent tooling scrub
Oil / condition x 2
Roughout restoration
Suede seat restoration (though it could stand to be replaced entirely)
New conchos
New rosettes (I did have to cut down a rosette because one of the conchos was in a very odd position against the seat)
Repainted the trophy lettering
Back billets could also be replaced, they are quite brittle resulting in subpar knots.
