life span of saddle company saddle?

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Perce

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as title really.
How long would you expect a new one to last if used on average about 3 times a week for hacking or schooling. doesn't get cleaned as often as i should but lives in the car on a saddle rack so kept somewhere clean and dry.the serge panels seem to have stretched so the tree is touching my horses back.
anyone have experience of saddle company saddles having problems?
 
Have no experience of these saddles, but would question leaving a saddle in the car for prolonged periods of time due to extreme changes in temperature. Maybe this is what is affecting it? (also not sure if you are covered under insurance if it is stolen)
 
The last 2 posters took the words right out of my mouth about extremes of temperatures, leather needs to be stored out of the sun and at around 56 degrees, leathe rloses moisture EVERY single day whether it is used or not.
How many of you have bought new saddlery only top find it quite dry, it's been sitting in the shop for ages drying out!
The serge stretching sounds like it needs flocking up to lift it off the horses back, best way is to get a Saddler out who can fit it and flock up on site as well as advise you of the general condition of your saddle, Oz
 
I suspect it is nothing to do with the serge stretching and all to do with your horse changing shape, therefore the saddle is too wide and needs refitting, it also sounds as though it needs reflocking. I know of people who have had these saddles for over 10 years and are still very happy with them
 
Serge panels are fantastic, the best material to go against the back of a horse, very soft, natural material (it is wool). kay humphries reintroduced sege while working with Barry swain and Dave Johnson has used it on his saddles for years. It moulds to the shape of the back.
 
MiJodsR2BlinkinTite said:
Ehm, sorry to be daft (and to interrupt off-topic) but I didn't know that you could buy new saddles with serge panels nowadays? I can remember the nightmare of them in my youth (long-gone), and thought they'd gone the way of the dinosaurs?
Click to expand...

MiJodsR2BlinkinTite, it's not the serge that you and I remember, that stuff was grim!:D This is black felt (ish) type stuff ;)
 
I've had one of these saddles for about five years, recommended and fitted by master saddler to suit round, witherless native pony. The serge/felt/fabric panels really fit well. It is great apart from the suede seat which has worn quite a lot but it has had a lot of use. My saddler has adjusted the flocking two or three times, which I think is necessary for most saddles. The only thing he has said to me recently is that he has stopped using them as he felt the quality of material used wasn't as good as in the past, which is a shame as he had rated them very highly for the money. Perhaps you've got one of those. Definitely have the flocking looked at and seek alternative solution for storage.
 
interesting thoughts about saddles in cars - don't leave my tack at yard for obvious reasons and no room in house - more secure in car than elsewhere - have always kept saddles in cars with no noticable effect, but will bear it in mind.

saddle is actually leather upper and synthetic under with serge panels.
have had it reflocked several times as horse has grown and changed shape. it's also an adjustable saddle - saddler adjusts.

Have just had had saddler out hence my questions - saddler is looking to see if total reflock will do the job or has saddle had it! after about 5 or 6 years i don;t think this is an acceptable life span for a new saddle.

So wondered what experience others had. is my sadlle just a duff one?
One panel seems to have stretched greatly and slipped to the side so that edge of tree rubbing horse. Had it checked and reflocked approx a year ago.

nothing i have done to be honest.
 
who is your saddler? has the saddle actually ever been back to the Saddle Company. Many saddlers are just not skilled at flocking a serge panel. you cannot just stuff in flocking it has to be down correctly, If it is over flocked it will cause the panel to stretch. obviously your saddler has not done a total reflock in the past - he has simply stuffed some more in. I personally have my saddles completely reflocked every couple of years - not saddle company - mine are all Barry Swaines.

I would speak directly to dave Johnson at the Saddle Company, see what he says. That way you will get an expert to give his opinion on the saddle.
 
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