True
Actually the smell is more from the chemicals used after tanning to make it soft and pliable and colour it.
( Afinkawan is trying to write some comedy for Greenbelt, Wed 23 Apr 2008, 19:52, archived)

Well whatever it is that makes it smell nice
I love it very much. My saddle stinks of saddlesoap and horse now.
( Captain Wow Don't fuck with me now, man, I am Ahab, Wed 23 Apr 2008, 19:55, archived)