i just bought a bridle, its stiched and padded, when i oil it, how should i oil the padded part? also, when i oil the stitching, should i whipe it off afterword, ect. so that it doesnt change color or something else?

You only oil the back side, the side that is not finished, and is slightly rougher than the pretty side. The raised part is usually just a wool string, and will absorb oil on and on.

Please do not use neatsfoot oil or any oil preparation that has neatfoot oil in it as it will rot the stitching over time. I have bridles that are 25 years old and still safe and good looking.

Yes, you should wipe off any oil that gets on the stitching as it will darken it slightly, but more to the point is will make the stitching attractive to dust and dirt.

used to work in a tack store

Too much of any kind of oil will soak in and ruin both leather and stitching. Neatsfoot *Compound* has petroleum oils in it. They will degrade the leather quickly. Pure neatsfoot is good for leather, and modern stitching thread is mostly nylon, which is very resistant to most oils. pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com

I use a paintbrush and a small re-sealable container, such as Tupperware. I dip the brush, wipe the excess off on the side of the container, then brush lightly over the leather. Try to do most of your oiling from behind, but some pieces are inaccessible from behind. Get the brush rather dry before touching the front side, so you don't have excessive oil to discolor the leather.

All oils will darken leather to some degree. It's a fact of nature. Lexol is pricey, but it's about the least darkening leather conditioner you can buy. If you have very nice new light-colored leather, go with Lexol.

Still doing saddle and tack repair and custom leather work, for over 35 years.