November 2004

The Ultimate Saddle Rehab: Reflocking

If your English saddle isn’t fitting well after years of satisfactory use, stuff it. Or, actually, restuff it.

The reflocking material is inserted through a small hole under the flap of the saddle.

Restuffing, also called reflocking, is the process of replacing the filling in a saddle’s panels. Saddlers unstitch the panels, remove the old stuffing and replace it with fresh filling. “Topping up” or “flocking up” refers to a saddle having wool added when the original wool compresses after riding.

Timing

Knowing when to restuff a saddle depends partially on the make of your saddle. Some have panels that you can put a lot of stuffing in and support the rider’s weight, and others have harder panels that break down more quickly. Your saddler or the saddle manufacturer will know which yours is, but you’ll notice differences in the panels yourself. …