Here's the reply I received from Brooks:


Dear Terry Moistening of the leather should only be considered as a last resort measure; it is a dangerous procedure and is undertaken entirely at your own risk. The first actions that I would suggest that you try are:- Applying some Brooks Proofide to the leather. Leave this on overnight before buffing off. Proodide does soften the leather Add more tension. Give the tension pin one full turn. This is will encourage the fibres of the leather to begin their natural stretch and conforming actions. ------------------------------------------------- If you do decide to try the leather moistening, then please do not over-wet the leather. You should ride on the saddle while the leather is still wet (even though this might result in colour dye staining on your trousers). The leather is more pliable and easier to mould when it is wet