How do you flock a saddle? (verb) To flock a saddle means to add, subtract, or move the position of flock within the panel. On a traditionally build English saddle
English saddle
English saddles are used to ride horses in English riding disciplines throughout the world. The discipline is not limited to England, the United Kingdom in general or other English-speaking countries. This style of saddle is used in all of the Olympic and International Federation for Equestri…
- Wool under the tree points to lift the front of the saddle.
- Wool in front lower panels to address lateral (left to right) shifts.
- Removal of wool lumps.
- Overall softening of the panels.
What is the best flocking for a saddle?
There is also siliconized flock which looks a little like teddy bear stuffing. This is used in some really popular brands of saddle such as Monarch, GFS, Amerigo etc. Siliconize flocking is quite bouncy, springy and does not ball up at all.
How to put a saddle on a horse?
Position the saddle correctly on your horse's back. Don’t use a saddle pad because you want to see how the saddle sits directly on your horse. Place the saddle slightly forward on your horse’s withers, then slide it backward so that it stops at the natural resting place as dictated by his conformation.
What happens if you over flock a saddle?
Over flocking will cause the saddle to curve into a U shape, and will reduce weight bearing surface. Once the flocking is complete, the same process is repeated on the other panel. When both panels are flocked evenly, the two parts of the saddle must be restitched together.
How do you fix a saddle that is too small?
The fit on the narrower side can be adjusted by a professional saddle fitter through the use of flocking, shimming or correction pads. This is an example of a bad fit because the tree is too small. Points press straight down into the shoulder blade.
What does it mean to flock a saddle?
(noun) Flocking is a wool fiber used to stuff the panel of a traditionally made English saddle to fine tune the fit of the saddle tree and to protect the horse's back from the tree parts. (verb) To flock a saddle means to add, subtract, or move the position of flock within the panel.
How do you put a flock on a saddle?
1:165:54DC Saddle Flocking.m4v - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWhat we're going to want to do is just take our flocking tool. And go into one of the slots. And we'MoreWhat we're going to want to do is just take our flocking tool. And go into one of the slots. And we're going to do is take the tool by putting it into the saddle.
How much does it cost to re flock a saddle?
When the time comes to completely reflock your saddle, it is much less painful to re-flock wool than it is re-panel foam. It typically runs $250-350, and you are usually only without your saddle for a few days.
How often should your saddle be Reflocked?
about once a yearAnswer: These old saddles are often well made and can fit many horses due to their design. Since your horses are not sore, you may be in luck and need to do very little. However, all saddles need to be reflocked (restuffed) on a regular basis, usually about once a year, depending on the amount of riding you do.
How do you identify a flock on a saddle?
0:151:14How to Check if Your Dressage Saddle Needs to be Reflocked or ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd you can see how soft it is from both sides right under the stirrup. So simply just turn this aMoreAnd you can see how soft it is from both sides right under the stirrup. So simply just turn this a little over and running your hand down the panel. And you start to feel these big holes.
Why is it called flocking?
Flocking is the process of depositing many small fiber particles (called flock) onto a surface. It can also refer to the texture produced by the process, or to any material used primarily for its flocked surface.
What brand saddles are wool flocked?
As with the Amerigo saddles, the Amerigo Vega line is made with wool flocked independent panels.
Where can I get my saddle Reflocked?
Where can I get my saddle reflocked? The Saddle Bank offer a total reflocking service nationwide. Once the saddle has been reflocked, it will need refitting to the horse. A saddle fitter should come out to assess the fit, and see if any additional flocking is required to get the perfect fit for your horse.
How long does it take to Reflock a saddle?
A fitting appointment can vary in time depending on what is happening at the appointment. Check of your existing saddle = approximately 45-60 minutes with you. Try on new/used saddles = approximately 2-2.5 hours. Checking your existing saddle and looking to purchase an additional saddle = approximately 2.5-3 hours.
Can you take flocking out of a saddle?
Your saddle fitter may be able to adjust the tree if the shape is correct but the size is not. Additionally, it's possible that flocking can be added or taken out to accommodate the shape difference.
How often do you need a saddle fitter?
It's recommended by the Society of Master Saddlers (SMS) that saddles should be checked at least twice a year. However, some horses change shape more often, due to fitness, condition and age and would obviously require more regular visits.
Can foam saddles be Reflocked?
Both foam panel and old hard wool panel saddles can be fully reflocked with fresh wool. It is something you will need to ask for specifically because only some saddle fitters provide the service. A full reflock will give you some leeway in allowing for the panels to mold to your horse's.
How are saddles held together?
Once the stitches have been cut, the saddle is then in two parts; the seat with the top flap, and the panel with the bottom flap. The panels are stitched together to hold the flocking in.
Why is the saddle stitched back together?
It is crucial at this point, that the saddle is stitched back together in the same way, as one wrong stitch could cause the saddle to be imbalanced. Firstly the pommel is restitched, then finally the cantle. It takes some time to ensure this is done accurately, and professionally.
What type of wool is used for flocking?
The most common type of panel is the wool flocked panel. However, there are many types of wool; some better than others.#N#Long fibre wool, which is white/cream in colour is the best wool to use for flocking as it is less likely to ball up, causing hard lumps. Eventually, all flocking will ball up. However, this one is the best for the job. Being the best, it is also the most expensive.#N#Synthetic wool, which is commonly found in saddles that have not been reflocked for a while, is cheap, and less than ideal. This will ball up quicker than the long fibre and has a more gritty texture to it. Synthetic wool is usually grey in colour with multicoloured flecks to it.#N#Jacobs wool, from a different breed of sheep is also commonly use, and is perfectly acceptable. Jacobs wool is usually light grey in colour, and feels much softer than the synthetic.#N#Short fibre wool, which at first glance looks similar to the long fibre, as it is also cream/white in colour. However it feels slightly different. Short fibre wool has a tendency to ball up quicker than long fibre, and is not used as frequently as the other types.#N#Do you know what your saddle is flocked with?
What is a cair saddle?
Most people think that Cair is air filled bags, similar to that of the Flair panels. However. Cair is actually a foam/spongey panel concealed within a bag.
Does flocking cause saddle to curve?
It takes time and care to ensure the flocking is even throughout the panel, and is not over flocked. Over flocking will cause the saddle to curve into a U shape, and will reduce weight bearing surface. Once the flocking is complete, the same process is repeated on the other panel.
Can you change foam panels on Devoucoux saddles?
Foam panels. Foam panels are often found in close contact European saddles such as Devoucoux. It’s not possible to alter them by adding additional foam. The only way to adjust them is to replace the entire panel. This is something the manufacturer would have to do, not your local saddler.
Do saddles have flair panels?
Flair panels are not pumped full of air, they have a little give in them. Some saddles are manufactured with Flair panels. Brands such as Sue Carson often have Flair panels. However, you will need a saddle fitter who is trained in adjusting flair panels if you are considering opting for this type of saddle.
How to fit a saddle for a horse?
To begin, ask your horse to stand squarely on level ground with his head and neck facing forward. You may find it helpful to have someone keep the horse still. As you go through the steps outlined here, monitor your horse.
How to feel pressure under saddle?
You want to feel even pressure under the saddle points; you don’t want the front of the panels to pinch the horse’s withers. Next run your hand under the entire panel along the back, on both sides, feeling for even pressure. Any unevenness in pressure that you feel would be felt by your horse as you ride.
What happens if a saddle is too wide?
If the points are too wide, the saddle will sit low in front, putting pressure on top of the withers or the back.
What is the point of a dressage saddle?
In a dressage saddle, the point of the cantle is designed to be higher than the point of the pommel —maybe a couple of inches higher—so your imaginary line should hit the cantle at such a point that there is space above the line. Good relationship of pommel to cantle. Saddle fits well behind shoulder blade.
How to preserve saddle tree?
To preserve the integrity of your saddle tree, use a mounting block. If you consistently mount from the ground on the same side of the horse, and pull on the cantle as you mount, the saddle tree can become twisted over time. Advantages of Synthetic and Leather Saddles.
Why don't you use a saddle pad?
Don’t use a saddle pad because you want to see how the saddle sits directly on your horse. Place the saddle slightly forward on your horse’s withers, then slide it backward so that it stops at the natural resting place as dictated by his conformation.
Where is the saddle tree located on a horse?
When a rider’s weight is then added to the saddle, the points of the saddle tree located on each side of the pommel press on the horse’s shoulder blades , where they can hinder movement or cause pain. 2. Test wither clearance.
Can sheepskin pad be used on horses?
They can work quite nicely on several horses as long as you have a high-quality shim pad. I recommend any shimmable sheepskin pad that will hold its shape well. As for the shims themselves, felt is my favorite material because it is breathable and works well in a sheepskin (or any kind) of pad.
Do you need to shimm a horse saddle?
Shimming is almost always a necessity for off-the-rack foam saddles as they were not custom made to your horse’s back.
Is a wool flocked saddle heavier than a foam saddle?
Wool flocked saddles are often heavier than foam saddles due to the amount of material used. Some riders also feel that they are further from the horse in a wool-flocked saddle than in a foam paneled saddle. Wool flocked and foam paneled saddles are both viable options in today’s equestrian world.
