How about shoe shine on a saddle?
Use leather cleaner, lots of rubbing and then start againIt will work outI like the wear old pants when riding strategyIt may make it a little easier and less elbow greaseFor the rust, use aluminum foilMake sure it is dry (saddle and foil)At first it will get black (and your hands), but then it will be gray and what isn't damaged and pitted out by the rust will shine up like newSwap out foil as needed (you will know when to)Once you get it as good as it is going to get, you can take a slightly damp cloth to it to wipe off anything extraBrasso will help shine up the rest if you want to do something easy for resultsTake a clean, dry cloth and get a little bit of Brasso on itIt will be a cream color to start out with - have ventilationRub it in small circles to get the best effectAt first it will turn black as you rub it - keep goingIt will rub right off as you go and leave a great shineIt is used on all shinning stuff in the military and on my tackRepeat as desired for more shineI was able to make my stirrup irons into great mirrors! :-)