Adding Velcro Thigh Blocks

[GraceLikeRain]

Has anyone added velcro knee blocks to a saddle after market? I finally (praises!) found a saddle that fits pony and I well enough that I think it will get us through the next year or so. It is a lovely old saddle with the thin long knee roll pads and a small pencil thigh block. The current blocks are probably 2x2x10, essentially non-existent in my book.

I’m considering having a leather guy remove the pencil block and add a large velcro patch so that I can use an after market thigh block. I love a mega thigh block (judge away). Since the knee area isn’t molded I imagine there’s a practical limit on how big of a thigh block I can add.

It looks like Bates/Wintec, Schleese, and Pegasus sell them online. I’m sure others do as well? Has anyone done this before? Any lessons learned or things to consider?

The saddle was a screaming good deal because it is a very old style. I may be able to cut the stitching for the attached blocks and then glue velcro patches. Even typing that feels like blasphemy but this saddle probably has a retail value of under $300 because it just isn’t an in style. Does it really make sense to spend $200-300 having someone remove a block and add velcro?

[GreyDes]

I had Smith Worthington do it to a saddle I bought from them. I think it was ~ $200 a few years ago, including the blocks.

It well may be worth it if the saddle otherwise works for you and your horse, and you’re okay not getting the money back on re-sale.

One thing to consider if you go with large blocks is they may make the saddle feel smaller. Are you confident it will still fit you once you add the blocks?

[GraceLikeRain]

@GreyDes

One thing to consider if you go with large blocks is they may make the saddle feel smaller. Are you confident it will still fit you once you add the blocks?

Good point! That would be a total blessing. The saddle measures 17-17.25" and I fit best in a 16.5. Because the saddle has really nice balance the extra 0.5" isn’t bothering me but a bit snugger of a fit would be very helpful.

[outerbanks77]

I would go for it, though I’d probably pay someone to stitch the velcro on, rather than relying on a glue. Buy the blocks first so you can make sure that the velcro is over the correct area. Even aside from the block size, it’s really nice to be able to adjust the block position. In your case, you might be able to push the blocks back just a smidge which would give you the feel of more block without getting one that is oversized for the saddle’s flap shape.

[MidlifeCrisis]

I had this done years ago by Patty at East Crow Saddlery. She removed my blocks, sewed down velcro where the old blocks were, sewed velcro on the back of my old blocks in case I ever wanted to use them, and then made me a set of small thigh blocks. Worth every penny.