Hey, I have an older hardened brooks saddle. The leather is almost rock hard, but no cracks and otherwise looks good. I want to re-hydrate it so that it will form to my shape (my butt) better. Also, I am kind of afraid that being hardened it will be more liable to cracking if I use it (maybe I am wrong about this).

I've searched the forum - I see a million different exotic product suggestions, some less exotic suggestions and some suggesting a soak in water before using proofide. I have brooks proofide. I don't have easy access to a horse saddle shop or freshly squeezed cod oil or whatever. The proofide doesn't seem to be rehydrating the leather. I am looking for a definitive answer on a product that will work to rehydrate/soften up the leather a bit and is not sourced from a small archipelago off the horn of Africa (can be easily obtained). Not something for regular conditioning - I have the proofide.

Suggestions appreciated. Thanks!