Everything You Need to Know About Saddle Maintenance

If you’ve ever wondered when to go beyond basic tack cleaning and conditioning (which was the subject of my last blog post), you’re in the right place! Saddle maintenance can involve more than just regular care—it’s about keeping your equipment safe, functional, and comfortable for both you and your horse.

Saddles, especially Custom Saddlery products, are built to last, but natural wear and tear happens over time due to factors like how often you ride, weather conditions, or even the number of horses you work with each day.

Lucky for you, I’m here to help! In this post, I’ll break down two key aspects of saddle maintenance: billet replacements and strip flocks.

Whether you’re heading over a jump, down centerline, or just hacking out on the trail, keeping your saddle in top condition is essential for safety and performance.

Why Saddle Maintenance Is More Than Just Cleaning

Sure, regular cleaning and conditioning keep your saddle looking good, but maintenance goes beyond appearances. Components like billets and wool flocking are critical to your saddle’s performance and your horse’s comfort.

Ignoring wear and tear in these areas can lead to major issues, from discomfort for your horse to safety hazards for you.

Custom Saddles, like the ones I work with, are incredibly durable, but even the best saddles require upkeep. Here’s what you need to know about when and how to maintain these essential parts.

Billet Replacements: Why They Matter

Let’s start with billets—the unsung heroes of your saddle. The billets are the straps that connect your saddle to the girth and, ultimately, to your horse. They’re attached to the saddle tree (the internal structure), so they play a big role in keeping your saddle secure. Imagine your billets breaking mid-jump or during a test—yikes!

Healthy billets are strong, supple, and free of cracks. Over time, however, they can become dry, stretched, or brittle. Cracked or weakened billets are a sign that it’s time to replace them.

So, how do you know when your billets need attention? The good news is you see them every time you tack up, so it’s easy to keep an eye on their condition. If you notice any cracks or stiffness, it’s time to act.

When you need billet replacements, I’ll take apart your saddle to access the tree and replace the damaged billets. Because this involves dismantling part of your saddle, it’s a time-intensive job. I can sometimes handle this during fitting appointments, but please let me know in advance if you need this service so I can plan accordingly.

The billet on the left is new. You can see just how much wear and tear is on the old one on the right!

There’s no set timeline for when to replace billets since their lifespan depends on factors like how often you ride, the weather, and even the type of riding you do. Regular checks are your best bet for spotting issues early and avoiding surprises.

What Is a Strip Flock, and Why Is It Important?

Another key part of saddle maintenance is the strip flock. This involves removing all the old wool from the panels of your saddle and replacing it with fresh, new wool.

Why do this? Over time, the wool in your saddle compresses, losing its shock-absorbing qualities and becoming less comfortable for your horse. Sometimes, the wool can even get balled up in certain areas, creating uneven pressure points that make your horse’s back stiff and sore.

A strip flock essentially resets your saddle’s flocking to “factory settings,” restoring comfort and balance.

Strip flocks are especially useful for older saddles or consignment saddles that have been adjusted for multiple horses over the years. It’s also a great option if the wool in your saddle has become too compacted for minor adjustments to fix.

How Strip Flocks Work

When I perform a strip flock, I completely remove the old wool and refill the panels with fresh wool. This isn’t a quick job, which is why I don’t currently offer this service on the road—I need time to ensure it’s done perfectly. Clients typically ship their saddles to me for this service.

The old wool on the left is replaced with fresh wool on the right. 

After I finish the strip flock and return your saddle, the new wool will begin to mold to your horse’s back as you ride. I recommend scheduling a follow-up appointment about 60-90 days later (or the next time I’m in your area!) for a touch-up. This follow-up adjustment is included in the price of the strip flock.

For most riders, strip flocks aren’t something you’ll need to do often. If you’ve purchased a new saddle, you might consider a strip flock after 2-3 years, depending on how often you ride and how the wool holds up.

When to Consider Saddle Maintenance Services

So, how do you know when your saddle needs a little extra love? Here’s a quick guide:

• Billet Replacements: Check your billets every time you tack up. If you see cracks, dryness, or brittleness, it’s time to replace them.
• Strip Flocks: If your saddle feels harder than usual or your horse starts showing signs of discomfort (like stiffness or resistance), it might be time for a strip flock. Older saddles or those used on multiple horses are more likely to need this service.

Why Regular Maintenance Matters

Maintaining your saddle isn’t just about preserving your investment—it’s about keeping your horse comfortable and safe.

Worn-out billets or compacted wool panels can lead to performance issues, discomfort, or even accidents. Regular maintenance helps you catch problems early, so you can keep riding confidently.

The great thing about Custom Saddlery products is that they’re designed to last. With proper care and occasional maintenance, your saddle can serve you and your horse for years to come.

How to Get Started with Saddle Maintenance

If you’re not sure whether your saddle needs maintenance, feel free to reach out! I’m always happy to answer questions or take a closer look during a fitting appointment. Whether it’s billet replacements, a strip flock, or just general advice, I’m here to help you keep your saddle in top shape.

You can contact me directly or check out my schedule to see when I’ll be in your area next. For services like strip flocks, I’ll guide you through the process of shipping your saddle and what to expect from start to finish.

Take The Time To Maintain Your Saddle--You Won't Regret It!

Saddle maintenance is more than just a chore—it’s an important part of your partnership with your horse. Taking the time to care for your saddle not only extends its life but also ensures that you and your horse stay safe and comfortable.

Whether you’re checking your billets or considering a strip flock, a little maintenance goes a long way. And remember, I’m just a call or message away if you have questions or need expert help.

Now, go enjoy your ride—your horse (and your saddle) will thank you for it!