Stiff Smooth Chaps? :(

My smooth leather chaps are sooooo stiff any ideas on how to soften them up? I heard mink oil is best, but it will darken the leather. My chaps are chocolate and match my top perfectly, so I can't risk darkening them.
Thanks :)

I would be tempted to find a leather cleaner that doesn't compromise of color (or maybe just apply it to the inside?) to help soften the leather and then I would be tempted to wear them around the house to break them in maybe?
Posted via Mobile Device

Thanks! I thought about just putting the mink oil on the underside of the chaps. My friend has smooth leather chaps just like mine and hers are so soft and moveable. I can't even get on my filly in mine, and they're big on me.