English Saddles & Reflocking
Reflocking refers to the addition to or replacement of wool to the panels of an english saddle. A complete reflock involves disassembling the saddle, removing the wool flocking, and replacing it with new material. This is generally done in a saddler's workshop. Wool flocked saddles will periodically require complete reflocking, as over time, wool may become compressed and hard, uncomfortable, and/or lumpy. High quality wool flocking which is replaced skillfully is less likely to become lumpy. Partial reflocking entails adjusting or adding flocking to a saddle, generally without taking the saddle apart. This is typically done during a saddle fitting session. Most saddles come with pre-cut flocking holes. Flocking should be adjusted for your horse when a saddle already fits the horse well, as it will not alter the shape of the saddle as dictated by the saddle tree or the panel shape.
English Saddle Anatomy
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English Panels
English saddles contact the horse through panels on the underside of the saddle. The panels of the saddle should conform to the shape of the horse's back, providing a broad, soft area of contact between the horse and rider. One analogy would be to think of the panel like the insole of your athletic shoe. The insole should conform to the foot, providing cushion and comfort. Panels may be filled with a variety of material. Most commonly english saddle panels are filled with wool or foam. Felt may also be incorporated. New technologies include polymer panels and air bags for cushioning. High quality wool is an ideal fill material because of its softness and adjustability. A newly soft-flocked wool saddle will conform to your horse to provide a “custom” fit. Other panel materials will work well with some horses, but fit becomes even more imperative with less moldable panel materials. Foam tends to retain its shape from horse to horse, making it quite durable, but less conforming, and not easily adjustable.