Changing panels on a Wow - is it easy?

[LusoLover]

I put a post yesterday about Strada saddles (thanks for the replies). I need a decent dressage and a jumping saddle, so originally considered a WOW. A saddler told me though that they aren't that easy to change the panels, hence the change of thought to a strada. What are people's experiences, please?
Thanks

 

[amandathepanda]

5 minutes with an alan key. My non-horsey dad does mine for me with no difficulties! You simply need to undo about 5 screws with the alan key and it all comes apart/goes back together easily. I happen to have a spare pair of dressage flaps at the moment

 

[ann-jen]

Do you mean the flaps rather than the panel. Both can be changed quite simply. The flaps unscrew with a hexagonal screw driver (you'll get these provided with the saddle). It takes a bit of practice but you tend to get quite efficient at changing them after a while.
The panels are easy to change too - each side slots on at the back and then is secured at the front with another hexagonal screw. There are then some standard type screws that nip up into the cantle on either side. Not sure you would need to change the panel on a regular basis though but takes a few minutes tops. I had to change mine as Jenny's topline increased so much she needed a wider gullet to accommodate her.

 

[mrussell]

I just changed from jumping to dressage flap at the weekend (first time Ive done it as I just bought a pair of second hand flaps from ebay) and it took me about 5 minutes. Its easy-peasy.

(oh and it feels fab with the dressage flaps on - worried me at first that it would change the balance of the saddle but it doesnt....)

 

[Sags_Deer]

takes me about 5 mins