Rear rigging has been flocked?

[hackneymama]

I’m going to try my best to explain this as clearly as possible, but as I’ve never seen anything like this… Well, I’m not sure how to explain it!

New (used) saddle I just purchased has slots instead of d-rings for rear rigging attachment, which is fine, normal - however, the flocking on the underside of the saddle is completely covering over the slot, so it’s impossible to attach the rear rigging without cutting a hole through the flocking. Obviously, this isn’t my favorite idea of things to do. Anyone ever had this issue before? Has it been reflocked? Manufacturer defect? Something that’s normal and I’ve just never seen it? Ideas of how to correct the issue so I can use my back cinch?

TIA!

[TMares]

That’s weird. What brand of saddle?

[Bluey]

I agree with your guess, would say someone put bottom on and forgot to make the cut for flank cinch on one side?

[cutter99]

My guess would be someone had the saddle reflocked and forgot to cut out the holes for the rear cinch. You can either cut them out yourself, or take it to someone who works on tack. I would be tempted to take it to someone, just to have them look at it and make sure the underside of the saddle is okay and has no issues.

Did you buy this saddle new or used? What brand?

[findeight]

Somebody dropped the ball. Normally the sheepskin (or synthetic) liner on the underside of the saddle does not have a pre cut slot for in skirt rigging, they just cut it out after its glued on so its an exact fit.

Possible some repair/refurbishment work was done. Doubt it was originally like that and repair guy may not see many of those in skirt slots so overlooked it when replacing it. Mostly see slots on show saddles where many don’t use a flank cinch anyway, sleeker look without it in the rail classes. Not every repair guy is going to look for it…or he had Corona and not the virus.

Nothing a sharp knife wont fix. Never saw one with it not cut out one but have seen saddles being refurbished and witnessed this step with the in skirt slits and new sheepskin.

[Dani]

Pretty normal in the lower end saddles with slots like that. I’ve helped customers with it several times and it’s always just a sharp knife from the top. If you really want to go the extra mile, you can drop some contact cement in between the skirt leather and fleece on the underside before you put your flank billets through. It’ll make it a little more secure, but isn’t really necessary.