Saddle Flocking

[jroz]

I asked this once on another forum, but didn't get many replies. Do you think the rider's weight has any influence on how often a saddle needs to be re-flocked? For example: with a heavier rider on board, does flocking bed down much quicker thus hardening the panels on the saddle? Would you be wary of a heavier rider using your saddle?

 

[sbloom]

Yes it can have an effect. A relatively large rider in a smaller saddle may need a deeper rear gusset, or might even need a deeper panel right the way through. I have had instances where there was there fingers clearance at the pommel and the rear panels were good after the first ride when I originally fitted the saddle, but a week later and the clearance is down to one finger, and the rear panel has also squished down so much that the seam is on the horse's back which can cause issues.

It's hard to say how much effect a heavier rider would have on a well bedded in saddle though, certainly much less.