Saddle repair question - any saddlers around?

[TinseLeneHorse]

The stitching which attaches the seat to the panel is starting to come away on one side of my saddle. Its an old leather ideal vsd which has flair airbags fitted.
Would this be a straightforward repair or would the flair make it more complex. I just want an idea of what's involved before deciding where to take it. (There is one local saddler who is very good but also likes to try and convince you that you need a new one).

 

[Wheels]

If it's only to re-attach the panel to the seat then that is very straight forward, having flair should not make any difference to that. Anybody who has done a flocking course should be able to do that easily, you don't necessarily need a saddle maker if that is all it is

 

[Baywonder]

If you can attach a pic of the saddle where it needs repairing I'll ask my DH - he is a saddle maker.

 

[TinseLeneHorse]

If it's only to re-attach the panel to the seat then that is very straight forward, having flair should not make any difference to that. Anybody who has done a flocking course should be able to do that easily, you don't necessarily need a saddle maker if that is all it is

Fab - that's what I had thought but just needed some reassurance - thanks for replying

 

[TinseLeneHorse]

If you can attach a pic of the saddle where it needs repairing I'll ask my DH - he is a saddle maker.

I have a photo on my phone but have no idea how to upload it. I'm useless with technology!

 

[sbloom]

Sounds like the lacing around the back and yes, any saddle fitter should be able to do that (even me who doesn't touch ordinary stitching) as some adjustments require the panel to be dropped (detached).

 

[TinseLeneHorse]

Thanks everyone - I'm hoping to get a couple more years out of the saddle as horse is semi retired and all we do is gentle hacking so it would be great to keep her going in her old faithful saddle.

 

[cremedemonthe]

Lacing in is a very common and easy job, done hundreds
Oz

 

[TinseLeneHorse]

Just a wee update - I took it to a local saddlery (not the one referred to in my original post). It was the lacing right enough and she did it there and then and it was very reasonable. Not sure if I can give them a plug on here but they lived up to their name - Amazing!

 

[Baywonder]

Glad you have got it sorted!