Remove Old Wool and Start Fresh

Complete strip flocking service for saddles in Marlborough, New Hampshire, replacing all panel material.

When the wool inside your saddle panels becomes hardened, lumpy, or unevenly compressed, strip flocking removes all of the old material and replaces it with fresh wool shaped to fit your horse. This service is necessary in Marlborough when topping off or adjustment no longer restores proper contact, or when the flocking has deteriorated to the point that it no longer cushions or supports the saddle correctly. You will notice that the saddle feels entirely different after strip flocking, with consistent firmness and even pressure across both panels.

SaddleFit and Solutions opens the panels completely, removes every bit of old wool, inspects the panel construction and tree, and refills the panels with new wool that is carded and shaped by hand. The result is a saddle that fits as it did when new, with no lumps, voids, or uneven spots. This process also allows for adjustments to panel shape or density to better match your horse's current conformation, which is especially useful if your horse has changed shape due to age, conditioning, or muscle development.

If your saddle feels hard, uneven, or no longer makes good contact in Marlborough, contact SaddleFit and Solutions to discuss whether strip flocking is the right solution.

What Happens During a Complete Reflocking

Strip flocking in Marlborough begins with removing the panel lining and extracting all of the old wool, which may have become dense, matted, or contaminated with sweat and dirt over years of use. You will see that the panels are completely empty, allowing a full inspection of the panel structure and saddle tree for any damage or wear. New wool is then added in layers, carded to an even consistency, and shaped to create uniform contact along the entire length of each panel.

After strip flocking, your saddle will feel soft but supportive, with no hard spots or gaps. The panels will make even contact from front to back, and your horse will move more freely through the back and shoulders. You may also notice that the saddle stays in place better and that your position feels more stable, since the wool now distributes your weight evenly instead of concentrating it in worn or compressed areas.

This service typically takes several hours to complete, and the saddle must remain with the fitter during the process. Strip flocking is recommended when the wool has broken down significantly, when the saddle has not been reflocked in many years, or when you need to adjust the panel shape to match changes in your horse's conformation. The panels are stitched closed after the wool is properly shaped, and the saddle is ready to use once the work is finished.

It Helps to Know What Strip Flocking Involves

Riders often ask when strip flocking is necessary and how it differs from topping off, so the following questions cover the most common concerns about complete panel replacement.

What is strip flocking and when do I need it?
Strip flocking removes all of the old wool from your saddle panels and replaces it with new material that is carded and shaped by hand. You need this service when the flocking has hardened, become lumpy, or lost its ability to cushion and distribute weight evenly.
How is strip flocking different from topping off?
Topping off adds wool to specific areas where flocking has compressed, while strip flocking removes everything and starts over. Strip flocking is more extensive and is used when the wool throughout the panels has deteriorated or when the saddle needs a complete refit.
What does new wool feel like after strip flocking?
The panels will feel firm but not hard, with an even density that cushions your horse's back without creating pressure points. You will notice consistent contact along the entire panel and a softer, more responsive feel compared to old, compressed wool.
How long does strip flocking take in Marlborough?
Strip flocking typically takes several hours depending on the saddle type and the extent of work required. The saddle must stay with the fitter during the process, and you will be able to use it as soon as the panels are stitched and the work is complete.
Why does flocking break down over time?
Wool compresses naturally with use, and sweat, dirt, and moisture can cause it to mat, harden, or lose its shape. Regular riding accelerates this process, which is why most saddles need reflocking every few years depending on how often they are used.

If your saddle feels hard, uneven, or no longer fits your horse properly in Marlborough, SaddleFit and Solutions can perform strip flocking to restore the panels to like-new condition. Reach out to schedule an evaluation and discuss whether complete reflocking is the right option for your saddle.