native eventer
Well-Known Member
I have had a really amazing saddler out today who opened my eyes to saddles, fitting, saddle making process and various saddle companies in Walsall! After pointing out my saddle (an ideal grandee, which I thought was a very reputable company) was majorly unlevel and showing me on various panels ect how bad it was and how its been made I feel like I need to share it with you as a horse owner.
My saddle had been stuffed with manmade stuff used to fill sofas, it balls up and is quite hard, he is reflocking the lot with wool! 85% of saddles in the UK are made in Walsall saddle companies whop manufacture using these methods of saddlery. It was obvious that this flocking has been shoved into the panels with no regard to evenness and this was really obvious once it was pointed out to me! The girth straps are sewn on wrong and are stitched across making them prone to ripping and breaking, so those are also being changed and sewn on properly!! As well as D rings on the back of the saddle causing pressure points! I have had many saddlers out previously but they all try to sell me a new saddle, this man was the best by far as he does't hold stock to sell me!
This was only one mans opinion but it shocked me as I thought my saddle was well made!! I am sure there are v good saddle makers out there I am not having a go, just wanted to let people know as I didn't have a clue before today!!
My saddle had been stuffed with manmade stuff used to fill sofas, it balls up and is quite hard, he is reflocking the lot with wool! 85% of saddles in the UK are made in Walsall saddle companies whop manufacture using these methods of saddlery. It was obvious that this flocking has been shoved into the panels with no regard to evenness and this was really obvious once it was pointed out to me! The girth straps are sewn on wrong and are stitched across making them prone to ripping and breaking, so those are also being changed and sewn on properly!! As well as D rings on the back of the saddle causing pressure points! I have had many saddlers out previously but they all try to sell me a new saddle, this man was the best by far as he does't hold stock to sell me!
This was only one mans opinion but it shocked me as I thought my saddle was well made!! I am sure there are v good saddle makers out there I am not having a go, just wanted to let people know as I didn't have a clue before today!!
