Originally Posted by
David Newton
I have a Wrights that was hard as rock also. I heated some proofhide and soaked it into the leather several times.
It came back a little, but I think once leather dries out over a long time, it cracks rather than stretches.
The thicker and older the harder they are. You are correct, at this stage it won't stretch and should not have too. I have a few old Brooks and Ideale saddle that are hard as rocks to the touch but they are comfy. I proofide them regularly to keep them going.