Should new saddles slip!?

[NellRosk]

Just a quick one, the youngster's brand new saddle came last week however the saddler said that I couldn't wear it for hunting/ fast work for at least 8 weeks as it has not 'bedded down' fully and may slip. I've never heard this before when I get a new saddle, is this correct?

 

[Clava]

I've heard of them needing time to bed down, but 8 weeks seems excessive. Interested to hear the answers (but I am bad and went XC with a newly reflocked saddle - it was fine and will be checked again in a couple of weeks).

 

[Tnavas]

Not heard that before, but a new saddle will change its shape to the horse if it has wool flocking as it packs and compresses under the riders weight. As for not hunting or fast work, I took my new Xmas present hunting on Boxing Day with no problems.

If you do need to do fast work/ hunt/ jump then a breastplate for the first few times to be sure it doesn't slip ack too far.

 

[NellRosk]

Not heard that before, but a new saddle will change its shape to the horse if it has wool flocking as it packs and compresses under the riders weight. As for not hunting or fast work, I took my new Xmas present hunting on Boxing Day with no problems.

If you do need to do fast work/ hunt/ jump then a breastplate for the first few times to be sure it doesn't slip ack too far.

Great thanks, I'm going cubbing tonight and really don't think I can stand to go in my grotty uncomfortable old one again. I'll stick a breastplate on!

 

[MrsNorris]

Yeah, mine needed a re-flock within 2 weeks, one side had much less flock than the other, became obvious after a few weeks as it bedded in, it didn't feel right at all.
Saddler did it for free and its great now ( its a thorowgood T4), but she also wants to see it in 8 weeks to assess again, so not that unusual I dont think.