We've been tanning leather for 156 years. Suffice it to say, we've seen it weather trends and criticism, and yet it remains one of the most widely used materials in the world.

From its benefits to the way it is perceived—both in everyday life and in the equestrian world—this living material still has much to teach us. 

A perception that doesn't match reality

Let's take a simple example: a leather bag. You've probably received, bought, or carried one before, and yet few people really know what this material is all about.

People attribute to it the flaws of cheap or poorly made leather, and forget that there are as many different types of leather as there are uses for it: saddlery leather is nothing like upholstery leather, and the grain, tanning process, and thickness make all the difference. It is a living material, not a standardized product that comes straight out of a mold.

Fact or Fiction 

The most common criticism is the environmental impact. Except that leather isn’t produced “for its own sake”: it’s a byproduct of thelivestock, made from hides that already exist and for which we’re continuing the cycle. Turning them into leather allows us to make use of them rather than throwing them away. Today, a responsible tannery operates within a regulated framework, with specific standards for waste management and water consumption.

Another common misconception is that leather is fragile. In fact, the reality is almost the opposite. Leather is specifically designed to last: when properly cared for, it develops a patina, improves with age, and, most importantly, can be repaired. This is undoubtedly what sets it apart most from materials that cannot be repaired once they’re worn out.

In the equestrian world, leather has never had to prove itself

There’s one area where no one really questions the use of leather: equestrian equipment. And that’s no coincidence. A saddle, reins, and a halter are safety equipment as much as they are technical gear.

Leather breathes, wicks away moisture, and molds over time to the shape of both the horse and the rider. No synthetic material can truly replicate this ability to adapt over time. 

It is also a world where repairability matters in practical terms: a well-maintained saddle is passed down, reupholstered, and sometimes lasts through several generations of riders. In a world where contact with the animal and the reliability of the equipment take precedence over everything else, leather has not remained the standard out of nostalgia; it has remained so because no alternative has yet done the job as well. 

At Radermecker, we’ve been honing this craftsmanship for 156 years: leathers designed to last, capable of accompanying both horse and rider for years to come.
Want to see how an hide turns into leather? 👉Click here

The evidence in numbers  

To support this article, we came across a study conducted in France by the Economic Observatory of the Alliance France Cuir, which gives us an idea of this perception: 90% of those surveyed consider leather to be durable, and 94% find it sturdy.

This is a trend seen across Europe: in fact, COTANCE—the confederation representing European tanners—is headquartered in Brussels. In Belgium, too, the tanning industry recognizes saddlery as a distinct craft within the field of leatherwork.

These figures, unsurprisingly, reflect what we see every day in the tannery and what our customers confirm—a leather saddle continues to have a long life in their hands, long after its first owner.

Leather doesn't need to be rehabilitated. It just needs to be better understood and appreciated. 

Check out the Alliance France Cuir post here