Why Reflock a Saddle?

Don’t like sleeping on a lumpy mattress?   Your horse probably doesn’t like working under one!   Flocked saddles have many advantages but they do need to be maintained and periodically checked to be sure the flocking is even and smooth.    Hours of riding and horse sweat tends to make flocking migrate and pack down.   Over time this can lead to sore backs most importantly but also uneven wear on the saddle.

When to Reflock?

Flocking adjustments may need to be made whenever there has been a change in the horses’ physique (moderate weight gain or loss due to change in work or fitness).    Flocking adjustments may be needed if you notice that you’re not sitting the same way you were at one time or your horse is reacting negatively to the saddle.   Flocking should be checked 6-8 months after the purchase of a new saddle depending on frequency of use.   New flocking tends to settle as many saddle makers will pack panels softly for break in.   After the initial break in period, flocking should be thoroughly checked annually and minor adjustments taken care of but complete gutting and reflocking probably won’t be needed for years, again, depending on type and frequency of use.

Symptoms of a Saddle in Need of Reflocking

Turn the saddle over and run your hands flat over the length of the panel.   If you feel lumps or soft spots or if the panels don’t look even it’s probably in need of reflocking.    If  it’s not sitting balanced on the horse as it once was or it’s sitting too close to the withers or spine or if it feels hard to the touch with no give or softness the flocking is probably packed down and in need of a total gutting and reflocking. Mixing types of flocking is not usually a good idea since the properties are different and most don’t blend well. We always pull out the old flocking (gutting the saddle) before we add new unless we’re using the same type of flocking that was in it to start with and it’s still soft and mixes well. Over the years many types of materials have been used for stuffing in saddles from horse hair to old socks or rags (talk about lumpy!)   We use several different types of flocking materials in order to match the make of saddle. Some are synthetic which are very soft and springy. We also frequently use long fiber natural wool which is very soft and works quite evenly into the panels.

Flocked Saddles or Foam Panels?

We are often asked “How do I know if I have a flocked saddle or a foam one?”   The flocked saddle will have flocking slits or holes under the panel which are sometimes difficult to see but can usually be felt by running your fingers down between the tree and the panel.   The slits are cut into the panel by the saddle maker for flocking purposes. There will be no holes in the foam panels as there is no flocking that can be adjusted.   The only way to adjust those saddles is by therapeutic padding. As for the flocked saddles, the best way to get at the original flocking holes is by dropping the panels which are stitched on thus giving the saddler complete access to those flocking holes. Once finished and checked for symmetry, the panels then has to be stitched back on to the tree. This can be a little more time consuming but makes for a much more thorough job and certainly more even throughout.  Some saddle fitters will try to make adjustments to flocking by cutting new flocking holes into the panels so that they can get access without dropping the panel.   Although less laborious for on site reflocking it can affect the integrity of the panel, as well as cause soft spots wherever the new holes are cut.   It may also void the warranty on some new saddles.

Flocking for Fit

The saddle fit depends to a great degree on the pitch and size of the panels as well as the shape of the tree. Flocking can’t make the saddle fit if the tree and panel angles were not right to start with but if the general shape and angles work flocking can fine tune the fit and make it better.

Corrective Flocking or Padding and Asymmetries in Horse or Rider

Corrective saddle pads can often help when a saddle is a bit wide or the horse is more developed on one side.   The horses’ dominant side tends to push both saddle and rider over to the opposite side which puts the rider at a disadvantage in relaying aids evenly.   If the saddle won’t stay in the center of the horses back he can’t work and develop equally on both sides.   We often recommend a Mattes correction pad for this problem once the saddle is even and symmetrical. Corrective flocking doesn’t work well because the flocking will migrate over a short period of time and is not as readily adjustable as just changing a shim in a saddle pad.   If you want to check yourself have someone stand behind you as you ride away on a straight line and snap a picture.   See if your spine is lined up with your horses’ spine.   Are you collapsed at the hip on one side or does your stirrup appear longer on one side than the other even though they are on the same hole?   It could be you or your horse (or both) but either way it adversely affects your saddle over time. Addressing the flocking and the source of the problem sooner rather then later could save your tree and your horses back.   Before investing in a course of veterinary therapies a good look at saddle fit is often a wise starting place.   The saddle fitter is just one member of a group of professionals including the vet, chiropractor, farrier, trainer and even accupuncturist who work together as a “team” to insure the health and wellness of your horse.

How long will I be without my saddle?

Once it’s determined that some reflocking is called for we set up a convenient appointment to have it brought in or shipped.   A saddle evaluation can be a good way to start the process if you are within an hour’s drive from the store.   We can travel to the barn and actually see the saddle on the horse, write up an evaluation and take base line pictures and a tracing.   Otherwise I’ll ask for pictures and whatever information about problem areas the owner or trainer can provide. I can then usually turn the saddle around in 24 to 48 hours. Cost varies depending on the type and condition of the saddle. Please call or email with questions or for an appointment! You can easily contact me at The Paddock Saddlery!

About the Author

Carey Smith of  The Paddock Saddlery is a trained saddle fitter and reflocker for such brands as Amerigo, Prestige, and Freedom Holistic, but can work her magic with most any flocked saddle!

This entry was posted on Monday, February 15th, 2010 at 6:14 pm and is filed under Equipment. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.