Is Your Saddle Worthy of Rehab?
Older wool-flocked English saddles often get pushed aside—not because they’re unsafe, but because they need work most owners don’t have the time, tools, or budget to take on.
Likely, they just didn't seem to sit well, ride well. Horses just don't go well in them and they don't fit as many horses as they seemingly used to. It's now the saddle nobody likes to ride in.
This is likely due to uneven panels and hard flocking... No, the horse will not go well in it and you will feel like you are sitting on a brick!
I’m currently looking for quality, older wool-flocked dressage and jump saddles that are no longer being used and may not feel worth the investment to refurbish. These saddles are evaluated as potential rehab projects, with the goal of returning structurally sound saddles to safe, functional use.
If your saddle has been sitting unused, this page will help you decide whether it’s a good candidate.
Likely, they just didn't seem to sit well, ride well. Horses just don't go well in them and they don't fit as many horses as they seemingly used to. It's now the saddle nobody likes to ride in.
This is likely due to uneven panels and hard flocking... No, the horse will not go well in it and you will feel like you are sitting on a brick!
I’m currently looking for quality, older wool-flocked dressage and jump saddles that are no longer being used and may not feel worth the investment to refurbish. These saddles are evaluated as potential rehab projects, with the goal of returning structurally sound saddles to safe, functional use.
If your saddle has been sitting unused, this page will help you decide whether it’s a good candidate.
What Makes a Saddle a Good Rehab Candidate
Many saddles that appear “worn out” are actually excellent candidates for rehabilitation, especially those with:
What Disqualifies a Saddle
Not every saddle should be rehabbed. I’m not looking for saddles with:
Why Wool-Flocked Saddles Matter
Wool flocking allows a saddle to be rebuilt, balanced, and adjusted over time in ways that foam-paneled saddles simply cannot. When the tree is sound, reflocking is often the single most important step in returning an older saddle to proper function.
Many of these saddles, once rehabilitated, go on to serve riders who cannot afford new saddles but still deserve safe, well-balanced equipment for their horses.
What I Need to Evaluate a Saddle
To determine whether a saddle is worth taking on as a rehab project, I need a small set of clear, specific details to confirm structural viability.
At minimum, I will ask for:
Why I’m Doing This
A surprising number of high-quality English saddles are quietly retired long before the end of their usable life. With proper reflocking, billet replacement, and thoughtful rehabilitation, many of these saddles can safely return to use instead of sitting unused—or being written off entirely.
This work helps extend the life of good saddles and, in many cases, makes sound equipment accessible to riders who would otherwise go without.
How This Works
If you’ve been directed here after contacting me about a saddle, this page explains the next step in determining whether it’s a viable rehab candidate.
First, I confirm basic details such as the type of saddle and the asking price. For this step, I’ll need the brand, model, seat size, discipline (jump, dressage, etc.), and a clear photo of all stampings, including the serial number. No additional saddle photos are needed at this stage (I do not review photos sent via fb messenger, too messy)
If the saddle appears to be a possible fit for this project, you’ll be asked to submit a small, specific set of saddle photos.
Use the buttons below to
1) See the " 8 Required pictures of your saddle" requested photos and the angles at which the photos should be taken.
2) Get the link to the Google Folder "Saddle Rehab – Temporary Photo Uploads" to submit your photos to. Photo Upload InstructionsClick the upload link below.
Click “+ New” → “Folder.”
Name the folder: *Name your file with the same name you used for our first contact and the saddle brand
Please upload photos only after you’ve been asked to do so.
- Wool flocked panels that have never been reflocked
- Uneven, compacted, or lumpy flocking
- Billets that are stretched, cracked, or due for replacement
- Cosmetic wear that doesn’t affect structure
What Disqualifies a Saddle
Not every saddle should be rehabbed. I’m not looking for saddles with:
- Broken, twisted, or compromised trees
- Structural cracks or unsafe prior repairs
- Seat tears, holes in seat or flaps, etc.
- Severe distortion that affects rider or horse safety
Why Wool-Flocked Saddles Matter
Wool flocking allows a saddle to be rebuilt, balanced, and adjusted over time in ways that foam-paneled saddles simply cannot. When the tree is sound, reflocking is often the single most important step in returning an older saddle to proper function.
Many of these saddles, once rehabilitated, go on to serve riders who cannot afford new saddles but still deserve safe, well-balanced equipment for their horses.
What I Need to Evaluate a Saddle
To determine whether a saddle is worth taking on as a rehab project, I need a small set of clear, specific details to confirm structural viability.
At minimum, I will ask for:
- Clear photos of the saddle from the front, side, and rear
- Photos of the panels and channel
- A clear photo of all brand and serial number stampings
Why I’m Doing This
A surprising number of high-quality English saddles are quietly retired long before the end of their usable life. With proper reflocking, billet replacement, and thoughtful rehabilitation, many of these saddles can safely return to use instead of sitting unused—or being written off entirely.
This work helps extend the life of good saddles and, in many cases, makes sound equipment accessible to riders who would otherwise go without.
How This Works
If you’ve been directed here after contacting me about a saddle, this page explains the next step in determining whether it’s a viable rehab candidate.
First, I confirm basic details such as the type of saddle and the asking price. For this step, I’ll need the brand, model, seat size, discipline (jump, dressage, etc.), and a clear photo of all stampings, including the serial number. No additional saddle photos are needed at this stage (I do not review photos sent via fb messenger, too messy)
If the saddle appears to be a possible fit for this project, you’ll be asked to submit a small, specific set of saddle photos.
Use the buttons below to
1) See the " 8 Required pictures of your saddle" requested photos and the angles at which the photos should be taken.
2) Get the link to the Google Folder "Saddle Rehab – Temporary Photo Uploads" to submit your photos to. Photo Upload InstructionsClick the upload link below.
Click “+ New” → “Folder.”
Name the folder: *Name your file with the same name you used for our first contact and the saddle brand
Please upload photos only after you’ve been asked to do so.
Once I’ve reviewed those photos, I’ll let you know whether I’m interested in moving forward and what price range makes sense based on condition and value. If we proceed beyond this point, communication will move to email so details can be handled clearly and efficiently.
Photo submission is for evaluation purposes only. Pricing and next steps are determined after review, and there is no obligation to sell.
Photo submission is for evaluation purposes only. Pricing and next steps are determined after review, and there is no obligation to sell.