Leather or serge panels

[jess2353]

looking at getting a new saddle for my 4yo but have heard good and bad reviews about leather and serge panels. The one I have seen has serge panels which I really like but I've heard that these need reflecting regularly :/

In your opinion what is best ?

 

[pansymouse]

I use serge with a Courtley sheepskin numnah which is seriously back friendly and my mare loves. Two friends who have had major problems with their horses backs have also gone over to serge with fantastic results. We don't have our saddles reflocked anymore frequently than we did when we used leather.

 

[HaffiesRock]

I have just bought a saddle with serge panels and my pony is much more comfortable. Have the fitter out again today for the 6 week check and saddle will definitely need reflocking, but I am assuming that is it just naturally settling.

 

[blood_magik]

I have serge panels on three of my saddle.
They don't need reflocked any more often than my other saddles.
the only downside is that serge is a pain to clean.

 

[Pearlsasinger]

I like serge, as does my saddler, who is seriously into side-saddle. I used to have a very sensitive horse who was far more comfortable in a heavy serge-lined side-saddle than a leather-lined modern saddle.