Saddle flocking and servicing
Improving comfort, balance and pressure distribution
Saddle flocking is either jacobs wool or synthetic wool inside the saddle panels that provides structure, stability and shock absorption between the saddle and your horse’s back. Correctly adjusted flocking is essential for maintaining even contact, balanced weight distribution and long-term comfort for both horse and rider.
Over time, saddle flocking naturally compresses, settles or shifts. This can lead to uneven pressure points, changes in saddle balance and reduced freedom of movement through the horse’s back and shoulders. These changes often happen gradually, meaning discomfort or performance issues can develop before they are obvious.
Saddle flocking is done on site at yards across West Sussex and surrounding counties, whilst full reflocks are done off site.
Why correct saddle flocking matters
Even well-fitted saddles can develop uneven pressure patterns as panel wool compresses or shifts with use. This can lead to areas of discomfort, reduced freedom of movement or compromised muscle development. Correct flocking helps to:
- Encourage even pressure distribution along the horse’s back
- Maintain correct saddle balance and rider alignment
- Support freer, more comfortable shoulder movement
- Reduce the risk of compensatory behavioural responses
- Can be used to help redevelop muscle
Saddle flocking is a maintenance service as well as a fix. Like a health check for panels, it keeps your saddle functioning as intended and adapts the internal makeup where subtle changes have occurred over time.
What is involved when flocking or reflocking a horses saddle
A saddle flocking session consists of an evalutation and practical adjustment of the filling in the panels – whether jacobs wool or synthetic – that sit between the saddle tree and your horse’s back. Skilled flocking ensures that the flocking is evenly distributed and shaped to suit your horse’s unique conformation, rider weight and the horses way of going, especially around the shoulder or scapula.
During a session, I will:
- Assess panel contact and pressure distribution across the saddle panels
- Check the condition, depth and suitability of existing flocking materials
- Adjust or reflock where needed to improve stability and balance
- Assess how the changes affect both horse and rider in motion
Where appropriate, a short ridden assessment may be included to refine adjustments and ensure the saddle behaves consistently when your horse is working.
What is flock?
The two different materials used for flocking are Jacobs wool and Synthetic.
- Jacobs wool is a natural fibre, brown or grey in colour
- Synthetic is generally white and has more of a coarse feeling
Alternatives to flock include foam or air filled panels, such as Cair or Wow systems, both of which use different method for adjusting and balancing the saddle.
How do we reflock or adjust flocking in a saddle panel
On older, non-adjustable saddles, flocking involves using a flocking iron, which is slid into the slots in the panel and can be used to then move the flocking round. The aim of this is to get rid of lumps, drag out hard clumps and replace with softer, new flock.
Reflocking on the older saddle, is a big jog as we have to un-stitch the seat from the panel and effectively take the saddle apart so we can get the flocking out completely, before refilling.
On more modern adjustable saddles, we can drop the gullet and panels down and more easily access the flocking slits, to extract the existing flock and refill or make adjustments
That said, the final balancing of flock is generally done, once the panels are back in place as it tightens the panels down. It is also important to test the saddle back on the horse to check balance and bridging.
After reflocking a saddle we do a follow up check
If a saddle has been reflocked, it is important to do a 6 week follow up as the new flock will compress and drop the saddle down on the horses back.
What is a shim?
A shim is often a thin piece of foam that can be used to balance and fill spaces under a saddle. Sometimes attached to a half pad or numnah, shims are very useful if used properly, especially when trying to redevelop muscle.
Many pads are available into which you can slide shims, whilst others are a permanent fit. In my opinion you need to be able to adjust and adapt as the horses back develops.
I like to pad a saddle even when it is a good static fit as it helps to reduce impact, compression and if done right can improve the dynamic fit, but that is a skill in itself.
When to book saddle flocking
Saddle flocking is recommended when:- Your saddle feels “hard” or uneven under the rider’s seat
- You notice white hairs, rubs or sore patches on your horse’s back
- Your horse’s shape has changed (weight, muscle development or age)
- You feel imbalance, tipping or inconsistent contact in motion
- It’s been more than 6–12 months since the last saddle check
book for a saddle check and flocking
What happens during a saddle flocking appointment
1. Discussion and history
We begin by talking through your horse’s recent work, any changes in shape, and the issues you’ve noticed – such as pressure points, soreness or changes in movement.
2. Panel and saddle assessment
Your saddle’s panels are examined to assess how the flocking lies against the tree and how it relates to your horse’s back shape.
3. Flocking and adjustment
Using flocking irons and hooks, existing wool or synthetic fibres are redistributed or replaced to achieve consistent contact, correct balance and improved pressure dispersion.
4. Optional ridden check
If practical for your situation, a short ridden assessment helps ensure the adjustments work dynamically – under your weight and in movement.
5. Clear feedback and next steps
At the end, I explain what changes were made, why they matter, and any follow-up recommendations – including when your next check might be beneficial.
Booking a saddle check and flocking
Just click on the button below and complete the form to book a saddle check, partial adjustment or flocking appointment. We also provide saddle checks for general 6 month follow-ups to improve the health and wellbeing of the horse and rider.
Contact
Tel: 0781 805 5691
West Sussex, UK and surrounding counties
Opening hours
9 am – 6 pm – Monday to Saturday
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