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CARE INSTRUCTIONS

For your new Saddle Company Saddle

The Saddle Company Ltd use serge wool panels which provide just about the softest and most forgiving material that you can put onto your horse's back. The flocking underneath the serge is soft and springy when it leaves the factory and the first few hours of the saddle's use are critical in moulding the serge and flocking to fit your horse's back. This is known as the "bedding in" period.

IT IS IMPORTANT TO READ THE FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY

THE BEDDING IN PROCESS

When you first sit in the saddle you will see the clearance between the pommel and the horse's back is quite high. This will, in just a few minutes, sink to about three fingers high. This is normal as the majority of the rider's weight is placed over the stirrup bars, which are nearer to the front of the saddle.
Within three hours of riding time all the flocking should have bedded in and you will find the saddle is now fitting perfectly and balanced. Small children and light adults may find that this period may take a little longer.

Because the moulding of the saddle to your horse's back is taking place during the bedding in period, it is very important that you take care to ensure you and the saddle are balanced centrally over the horses back.

Make sure the saddle is placed in the correct position as shown by your saddle fitter
Make sure that you only use a thin cotton numnah unless otherwise suggested by your saddle fitter
Tighten the girth up one hole at a time on each side alternately until tight enough to mount
Check that your stirrup leathers are equal before putting them onto the saddle
Where possible use a mounting block or have a friend take the weight in the opposite stirrup whilst mounting
Make sure that the saddle is central once you are sitting in it before riding off

Ideally get a friend on the ground to check that you and the saddle are sitting centrally
Keep walking with only short periods of trot for the first three hours of use, which is the recommended bedding in period
ALWAYS FOLLOW YOUR SADDLE FITTERS INSTRUCTIONS

DONT
Use one sided elasticated girths at any time. They can cause the saddle to be tipped away from the elasticated side

Once bedded in the forgiving nature of the serge panels still allows movement and will adjust itself as your horse's back changes shape over time. Because of this moulding process, it is not recommended that you share your saddle between horses, even if of similar shape – No two backs are the same shape and you will compromise the fit

ADJUSTMENTS AND FLOCKING

Should it be necessary your saddle can be adjusted in width using The Saddle Company templating machine by a qualified Saddle Company trained fitter and the flocking altered and/or replaced. Please contact your retailer or saddle fitter for details.

CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS FOR SADDLE COMPANY SADDLES

VERONA RANGE

All that is necessary with the Verona range of saddles is to wipe the saddle over with a damp cloth when it gets dirty. Do not use any kind of saddle soap or oil on these saddles as this could compromise the laminated process which combines the leather and synthetic materials to-gether. Occasionally feed the hide on your saddle with a good quality leather cream to preserve and maintain the softness and suppleness of the leather.

Use a damp cloth and nylon nailbrush to clean suede surfaces if applicable.

A thin cotton numnah should be all that is necessary to ensure the serge panels stay clean

GENOA AND SIENNA RANGES

With the Genoa range treat the underside of the flaps with a proprietary leather oil if the flaps appear dry. Feed the upper sides with a good quality leather cream when necessary. Treat the serge panels and suede seat and knee pads if applicable as for the Verona range. As the Sienna range is made of all Buffalo hide and butts there should be no need to use any oil, as the leather is already very soft and supple. Again just feed the upper sides of the saddle with saddle cream as and when necessary.

With all saddles – if they get wet – allow them to dry naturally at room temperature and then feed with cream as necessary. You will find that the wool serge panels allow the flocking underneath to dry quickly and will ensure that the flocking stays soft and supple