Reflocking must relate to both the horse and rider. If there is a problem with a saddle not fitting properly, a horse not moving correctly or the horse has become sore because of the saddle, then it must be seen with the rider on it.

The horse’s reaction must be seen when the saddle is introduced to him. Does he put his ears back or go to the back of the stable? Does he show an adverse reaction when you run his hand along his back and withers – this may relate to lumps in the panel.

The tree must also be tested to check that it is not broken. If the head plate has broken then the rider’s weight will press down on the withers. The waist of the tree must also be checked and signs of trouble underneath may be found under lumps in the seat. The panels should be even and free from any lumps. The wither area is sometimes an area where a saddle has re-stuffed the panels badly by shoving flock into the wither area. The result is horrible lumps in the most sensitive area.

Flocking used in saddles can be white, brown or grey. I use 100% white flock containing long fibres. It has a superior springiness and resilience, which enables it to recover quickly from compression. Whilst in the panel, it soaks up oil and moisture from the horse, which enables it to bed in and form a well-fitting panel, which conforms to the horse’s back. Stubben recommend that a new or newly re-flocked saddle should be used without a numnah for at least the first 20 hours.
When a saddle comes into my workshop for a reflock, the panel is unstitched at the front and rear of the saddle enabling me to check the tree and stirrup bars. At the same time, the point pockets, girth straps and webbing can also be looked at.
The flocking is then emptied and the stitching on the panels is checked to make sure it is all intact. The panel is then laced in at the back and the front and then reflocked using the wool to make a flat and firm panel. Whilst reflocking, I am continually checking that each side is the same and will only move on to the next bit when I am satisfied with the smoothness.

This process takes quite a few hours but is worth it from the horse’s point of view who ends up with a far comfy saddle.
I then have a cup of tea!!!!