A mouse took shelter in the tree of my Western Saddle, my mouser dog found it and tried to get at it resulting in mouth fulls of fleece getting ripped off in different areas of my saddle. I’m wondering if this damage is enough to be concerned about to get it refleeced if thats even possible any more. I do use a thick felt pad so how much does the fleece matter?
I just contacted the maker of the used saddle that I recently bought about replacing the stirrups leathers (not the whole fenders) and the wool fleece. They told me that they never recommend replacing the wool fleece - just use a good wool pad instead.
I replaced synthetic wool fleece with real sheepskin on a saddle that was made for me years ago. It did require my removing the skirts and hand sewing the new sheepskin on. I had no troubles whatsoever. I don’t remember it being hard to remove, but maybe your maker uses a lot of glue??
I am not sure how the wool fleece is attached on these particular saddles, which sell new in the $3,500-$4,500 range. I am sure they would do it, but they just don’t think it is necessary to spend the money to have it done. It’s really not bad on my saddle anyway - I just asked since I wanted them to replace the leathers.
If the saddle is good quality, I would have it refleeced. I did it on an old saddle and it made almost like new. Some saddles come with foam with wool flannel or even suede over the foam instead of fleece. That could be an option too. My saddles are investments, so I would keep it in good repair.
