Metal Saddle Racks
Why you should STOP using them straight away.

The flocking and panels on your saddle is a really crucial element to your horses comfort. Poor flocking which is lumpy, hard or has gaps is very uncomfortable for your horse. Sadly, what many people do not know is how detrimental metal saddle racks can be to their saddles and subsequently the horses back.

Metal saddle racks imprint on the panels and dent the flocking. This means uneven pressure along the horses back.

If you have sold your existing horse or you are taking a break from riding but are not ready to part with your saddle yet, make sure you store your saddle safely to protect it.

Any damage/denting to the flocking will mean that you will have to have it reflocked before selling it/using it again in the future which of course means more expense.

What should you use?

The ideal type of rack for your saddle is a straight pole saddle rack. The single pole sits inside the gullet channel and therefore does not affect the flocking.

Alternatively, you can place the saddle on the floor pommel down and prop it up against a wall. It would be advisable to put a cushion or some bubble wrap between the cantle and the wall to protect the cantle.

Always keep your saddle in a dry, damp free room. Inside a house is preferable to protect the leather from mould.

If you have no choice but to use a metal saddle rack, for example if your livery yard tack room only provide metal racks, there are a couple of things you can do to protect your saddle.

• Wrap the metal bars in some foam padding. Pool noodles / pipe insulation is great for this.
• Place a thick Polypad or really thick saddle cloth on the metal rack to provide some protection to your saddle. However it will need to be a very thick pad. You could also strap an old pillow to your rack and tape it on.

For more information on flocking read our article here : Its absolutely flocked! 

The Saddle Bank specialises in quality used saddles, and often has a good range of saddles available in stock.  

To see our current collection click here.  

All our saddles come with a 5 Day UK trial, and we offer next working day delivery.  

We ship worldwide, and this is a particularly popular saddle in USA, and Australia.  

Learn more about how saddles should fit….

If you are a horse owner or rider and would like to learn more about saddle fitting, and how the saddle can impact your horses performance and welfare, click on the link below: