Posts
Comparing & Adjusting Wool Stuffed vs. Felt Foam Panels
Should the panels need adjustment to better fit a specific horse, there are some differences in the process necessary to make them. With the felt foam panel, the panel is removed from the saddle and partially disassembled. Additional wool felt or foam is added to the panel. The panel is re-assembled and re-attached to the saddle.
The Wool panel adjustment is considerably easier. More of the loose wool material is stuffed into the panel (with a special tool) as needed through little stuffing slits in the shell of the panel. The saddle does not need to be taken apart to make the adjustments. This adjustment, however, should only be made by a good, qualified saddler as it is very easy to unevenly stuff the panels unless you know what you are doing.
At Beval Saddlery, our saddlers are experienced with all types of saddle construction. We are very comfortable working with either foam or wool stuffed panels and use only the finest natural wool flock or natural latex foam to make these adjustments. As always, if you have any questions about saddle fitting or adjustments, please contact one of our saddlers.
Both types of panels are constructed quite differently and they are both made from a different combination of materials. Likewise, these panel types are adjusted differently. This does not necessarily mean that one is better than the other, but they both offer different options as far as fit and adjustability. Hopefully, this has given you a little insight into the differences between the two types of panels.
If you have any questions or comments related to this topic, please post your comments here on our blog. Visit Beval.com for more information on our repair & saddlery services as well as custom tailoring.
Until next time, happy riding!
Monday, July 6, 2009
Friday, July 3, 2009
Saddle Panels - Part 2: Felt Foam vs. Wool
Felt Foam Panels
The basic components of this panel style are felt, foam and leather. The Felt is the shell or basic structure of the panel. It offers the basic form that the panel is constructed on. Next, there is usually a small foam bolster, or wedge, that is added to the cantle area to add some appropriate shape and thickness. Then the foam layer is added. This foam layer consists of several different types of foam based on the manufacturer’s specifications. You will often see harder closed cell foam, foam rubber and sometimes a combination of several different types. At Beval Saddlery, we use natural latex foam in the majority of our saddles and also for any adjustments or customizing that we do using foam. The latex is a very high quaility natural product and is quite expensive. The entire panel construction is then covered with a leather lining. The leather is usually soft calf-type leather that molds well to the shape and also adds to the softness of the panel. This leather is stitched to the felt shell, the layer mentioned earlier, with a whip or basting stitch. Most of the construction in this type of panel is done completely by hand.
Wool Stuffed (flocked) Panels
The structure of this panel consists of a leather shell, which is lined with canvas material (to give it some stiffness) and a leather lining. The facing (piping) usually found on the front edge of the flap, and between the panel and the cantle of the saddle, is built into this panel. The sweat flap and blocks, if needed, are added as part of the panel construction. Gussets are added in the cantle or pommel area if needed. Basically, this type of panel is like a big shaped bag attached to the bottom of the saddle and stuffed with loose wool flocking. The construction of this type of panel is a bit more complicated since it consists of as many as 10 different components. The panel is also made inside out so that all the seams can be sewn without showing on the finished product. Before final assembly and stuffing, the panel is turned right side out.
Up Next! "Saddle Panels - Part 3: Comparing & Adjusting Panels"
The basic components of this panel style are felt, foam and leather. The Felt is the shell or basic structure of the panel. It offers the basic form that the panel is constructed on. Next, there is usually a small foam bolster, or wedge, that is added to the cantle area to add some appropriate shape and thickness. Then the foam layer is added. This foam layer consists of several different types of foam based on the manufacturer’s specifications. You will often see harder closed cell foam, foam rubber and sometimes a combination of several different types. At Beval Saddlery, we use natural latex foam in the majority of our saddles and also for any adjustments or customizing that we do using foam. The latex is a very high quaility natural product and is quite expensive. The entire panel construction is then covered with a leather lining. The leather is usually soft calf-type leather that molds well to the shape and also adds to the softness of the panel. This leather is stitched to the felt shell, the layer mentioned earlier, with a whip or basting stitch. Most of the construction in this type of panel is done completely by hand.
Wool Stuffed (flocked) Panels
The structure of this panel consists of a leather shell, which is lined with canvas material (to give it some stiffness) and a leather lining. The facing (piping) usually found on the front edge of the flap, and between the panel and the cantle of the saddle, is built into this panel. The sweat flap and blocks, if needed, are added as part of the panel construction. Gussets are added in the cantle or pommel area if needed. Basically, this type of panel is like a big shaped bag attached to the bottom of the saddle and stuffed with loose wool flocking. The construction of this type of panel is a bit more complicated since it consists of as many as 10 different components. The panel is also made inside out so that all the seams can be sewn without showing on the finished product. Before final assembly and stuffing, the panel is turned right side out.
Up Next! "Saddle Panels - Part 3: Comparing & Adjusting Panels"
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Saddle Panels - Part 1: Saddle Panel Construction & Function
Saddle Panel Construction
While doing a recent saddle fitting the subject of felt/foam vs. wool stuffed panel construction came up. I am often asked about the differences between these two types of panels and I thought this would be an interesting subject for our blog.
The Purpose of Saddle Panels
The basic function of saddle panels is to provide proper cushioning and fit to the horse’s back. Both foam/felt and wool stuffed panels provide cushioning, but with some major differences. The foam panels, even though they will "break-in" to a horse's to a certain extent, tend to return to their original shape after use. This makes it better for using the saddle on different horses. Each time the saddle is put on the horse it will more or less mold itself to the horses back. Now making that statement, you also have to assume that all of those horses are approximately the same conformation. We could not generally use the same saddle on a Thoroughbred and a Warmblood as they would probably require a different tree width……a subject for another day!!
The loose wool in the wool stuffed panel, on the other hand, will tend to mold itself to the conformation of the horse’s back that it is being used on. Many manufacturers of Saddles with wool stuffed panels recommend using a new saddle on the horse for a period of time without a saddle pad if you would like it to fit a specific horse. This allows the wool to mold and shape itself to the horses back. So basically, a custom fit saddle for your horse. Over time as the horses confirmation changes due to age, level of conditioning or weight, it maybe necessary to make changes or adjustments to a wool panel since the loose wool material will compress or compact. It is necessary to be aware of the fit on your horse. Check it periodically, especially if you are breaking in a new saddle, for proper fit and seek a qualified saddler to adjust the panels as necessary. There really is no magic time frame as far as how often adjustments should be made. If you notice any changes in the horse, or the fit of the saddle, then it is time to get some professional assistance to make the proper evaluation and adjustments if needed.
Don't miss "Saddle Panels - Part 2: Foam Felt Panels"
While doing a recent saddle fitting the subject of felt/foam vs. wool stuffed panel construction came up. I am often asked about the differences between these two types of panels and I thought this would be an interesting subject for our blog.
The Purpose of Saddle Panels
The basic function of saddle panels is to provide proper cushioning and fit to the horse’s back. Both foam/felt and wool stuffed panels provide cushioning, but with some major differences. The foam panels, even though they will "break-in" to a horse's to a certain extent, tend to return to their original shape after use. This makes it better for using the saddle on different horses. Each time the saddle is put on the horse it will more or less mold itself to the horses back. Now making that statement, you also have to assume that all of those horses are approximately the same conformation. We could not generally use the same saddle on a Thoroughbred and a Warmblood as they would probably require a different tree width……a subject for another day!!
The loose wool in the wool stuffed panel, on the other hand, will tend to mold itself to the conformation of the horse’s back that it is being used on. Many manufacturers of Saddles with wool stuffed panels recommend using a new saddle on the horse for a period of time without a saddle pad if you would like it to fit a specific horse. This allows the wool to mold and shape itself to the horses back. So basically, a custom fit saddle for your horse. Over time as the horses confirmation changes due to age, level of conditioning or weight, it maybe necessary to make changes or adjustments to a wool panel since the loose wool material will compress or compact. It is necessary to be aware of the fit on your horse. Check it periodically, especially if you are breaking in a new saddle, for proper fit and seek a qualified saddler to adjust the panels as necessary. There really is no magic time frame as far as how often adjustments should be made. If you notice any changes in the horse, or the fit of the saddle, then it is time to get some professional assistance to make the proper evaluation and adjustments if needed.
Don't miss "Saddle Panels - Part 2: Foam Felt Panels"
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)