Effect on the horse of the saddle flocking becoming hard/being reflocked

[maya2008]

I have known forever that if it goes hard it needs changing - but have also had times when I used ancient saddles on ponies who were hard to fit and we left the flocking as it was. They seemed fine, contrary to what I would have expected. I am sure that was just a fluke though. Anyway, my newest second hand saddle has flocking so hard it might as well be a lump of wood, so off to the saddler it is about to go. Just to satisfy my curiosity, can anyone list the differences to the horse in having lovely soft new flocking vs older, harder flocking?

I would guess better absorption of rider concussion, and it would feel more comfortable on their backs?

 

[Regandal]

I would assume so. Any really hard bits risk damage to the back. My fitter showed me how to rest the cantle on my feet and look down the panels and then feel all the way down. The wool will compact with regular use over time. Horses can be very stoic.

 

[sbloom]

Soft flocking actually isn't good, though it's touted as such. It needs to be slightly firm, with some give, in order to support the rider and protect the horse from the tree. I see some saddles, especially one brand that does a ton of flocked show saddles, that come in with ultra soft flocking which is absolutely useless IMO.

Hard flocking won't conform or absorb any shock/concussion. The panels are likely to be overflocked and rounded out, so sausagey in shape, reducing the weight bearing area and causing them to press in much more.

And yes, horses are stoic, in the wild their lives depend on it.