I have owned a couple of BCs but they have not had the serge panels. I have come across a good deal on a pre owned BC that should fit my TB, however, it has serge panels and I am in Florida with (thankfully) a fairly heavy sweating horse.
Would serge panels be difficult to clean and maintain?
I love Serge, a good quality thick pad would keep sweat away.
I have three BCs with serge and haven’t had any trouble with the sweat bleeding through the pad onto the serge. That being said two of mine do have sheepskin directly on their back - but they also work hard (hunter paces, eventing, etc).
I haven’t ever had to clean the serge panels beyond a buff of a sheepskin mitt. YMMV.
You could get that super duper thin Thinline or Prolite pad if you needed a barrier. They’re so thin I don’t think they could impact the saddle fit in a substantial way.
I love their Serge panels. They conform so nicely to the back. I wouldn’t use a thin baby pad with them, but anything else should be fine.
I love the serge panels too - I have a BC that I covet - a saddle you don’t even feel there. Perfection.
Actually plan to always have them (serge panels) going forward if possible. Can’t say quite exactly what it is but because I love wool and the breathability just have a feeling they would be good for the back.