Changing saddle from Cair to flock?

[saddlesore]

I recently bought a bates GP (old model) but as the flocking has settled in front the back of the saddle is starting to lift. Saddler has reflocked the front and fitted point straps but it is still lifting and I now feel miles away from the horse! Do you think it would be possible to rebalance the saddle by totally replacing the cair with flocked panels?

 

[welsh_monster]

Yes it is possible. My friend lent me a bates caprilli gp to try on another friends horse. She discussed the immediate problems we saw with our saddler, who suggested that it could be done as long as the saddle fitted well.

This was all discussed before saddler could come out, (my friend was in the middle of a saddle crisis!) but sadly it didn't fit well enough to do it, as it was a lovely saddle! Hope this helps, just discuss it with your saddler.

 

[saddlesore]

I know all about saddle crisis! my weirdo horse is shaped like a dorito, fairly narrow but low withered in front, then spreading out onto wide, flat back! I'll talk to saddler again and see if this would be an option in my case and find out how much it would cost me! I should've taken up tiddly-winks!

 

[celia]

I had the cair in my Bates replaced with flock a couple of years ago. Feels much nicer to me so I'd imagine it's comfier for my horse and way easier to adjust! Cost me about £40-50 I think.

ETA: just read your second post and the Bates may not be the best saddle for the shape of your horse. I think the Bates has quite a curved tree - great for TBs but often doesn't suit flatter backs. I'm sure saddler will be able to advise better but you might find a different make easier to fit.