Torsion saddle pommel blocks...

[Nudibranch]

Can (should) they be removed or not? The block in mine is too narrow for my elephant and I have replaced it with two rolled up tea towels for now, but having since Googled it, I have found conflicting information. Anyone have any definitive advice or experience of removing the block?

 

[Arzada]

Anyone have any definitive advice or experience of removing the block?

No. But the Dartmoor Treefree which is very similar to the Torsion can have its pommel block changed. I think they used to have 3 widths available.

 

[Gloi]

I took mine out and padded the pommel with sheeps wool because it was uncomfortable for me and narrow for pony. The saddle was then comfy to ride in but slipped sideways on the pony if I wasn't careful . I rode in it for a while as I had a bruised coccyx and I couldn't ride in anything else but when I recovered I put the blocks back in and sold it. My pony had a very flat back and wither.

 

[Baois Glas]

You can remove the pommel inserts, I've used Barefoot and Treefree inserts in the Torsions I had, I also stuffed with pillow fibre, but found it collapsed a bit on the standard flap model, the close contact models were fine with it though.
I have a Barefoot at the moment with the soft pommel insert in it and that is holding it's shape well (not collapsing) so not sure of the Barefoot pommel insert might be a better option.

 

[Nudibranch]

Thanks all. Not too worried about slippage as he is newly backed so always wears a breast girth. Will give it some extra stuffing and look into a BF insert as well.

 

[BlackRider]

I did this with my barefoot, I replaced it with socks, and it worked a treat.