loose / pulled saddle nails?

Flipped my older saddle over the other day to clean the underbelly and discovered that the nails - two teeny ones and the fatter brand one - securing the top of the flap had pulled out when the flap flopped. This is a new one for me. I tried directing them back into the holes and whacking with the nearest hard object (it was late, ok? The hammer wasn’t handy!), but wasn’t successful. Did what any rational adult who needed to get home to bed would do: carefully flipped it, covered it, and put it up.

Do I have to take it to a pro to fix or seriously, can I just whack it with a hammer? Anyone know? I can’t send it away - it’s my jump saddle!! - but could get it to an A h/j show to get fixed if necessary…

Can you post pictures? I’m afraid it doesn’t sound good…

Hmm. I don’t have any pictures right now but can describe it. It’s under the skirt, about an inch under the D ring. Looking at the diagram in the link below, it’s where the end of the arrow for “O. Dee ring.” Hoping your concern means you think it’s the head nail! The rest of the saddle seems nice and tight.

http://www.shoreridersponyclub.org/uploads/3/4/3/3/34338898/saddle_parts_for_teacher_v5.pdf

Thanks…

(oops - posted twice by mistake)

Head nails can become loose and generally, the panel needs to be dropped as they nail needs to be either tightened or replaced. You can’t get at it on your own. It is put through the tree and bent over.