Western Saddle Fleece Replacement

Hey there! Today, I’m pulling back the curtain on one of the most requested services we offer here at Double Wide Dream: removing and replacing the fleece on a Western saddle. If you’ve been wondering what’s involved in this process, I’m here to break it down for you step by step. Whether your saddle fleece has worn thin or you’re just looking to upgrade for a smoother ride, we’ve got you covered.

Why Replace Saddle Fleece?

Before diving into the nitty-gritty, let’s talk about *why* you’d need to replace the fleece in the first place. Over time, the fleece lining on your Western saddle can wear down, compress, or even start to peel away, leaving your horse uncomfortable and your ride less than ideal. Fresh fleece not only gives your saddle a new lease on life, but it also ensures your horse is getting the comfort they deserve. A good fleece layer distributes weight evenly and prevents pressure points. It’s one of those things that can make a huge difference, even if you don't realize how much you needed it until it's done!

Step 1: Removing the Old Fleece

The first part of the job is to remove the old fleece. We start by flipping the saddle over and inspecting the current state of the lining. If it’s already flaking or falling apart, sometimes the removal is easy—but in most cases, it’s held on pretty tight with adhesive and stitching.

We carefully cut through the stitching holding the fleece in place, making sure not to damage the saddle skirt underneath. Next, we peel away the fleece and any residual adhesive. Sometimes this means getting in there with a scraper or a solvent to loosen up stubborn patches. Patience is key here! We take our time to make sure the surface is smooth and ready for the new layer.

Step 2: Prepping the Saddle for New Fleece

Once the old fleece is completely removed, we clean the skirt thoroughly to ensure there’s no leftover glue, dirt, or grime. This step is crucial because any debris can interfere with the adhesion of the new fleece.

After the cleaning is done, we inspect the saddle for any other repairs it might need. Sometimes, we find hidden cracks or worn leather areas during this stage, and we’ll always give you a heads-up if there’s anything else we recommend fixing before adding the new fleece.

Step 3: Cutting and Prepping the New Fleece

Now comes the fun part—working with fresh fleece! We choose high-quality wool fleece that’s thick and durable, ensuring a long-lasting and comfortable ride. We lay the fleece out and cut it to match the exact shape of your saddle skirt. Each saddle is a little different, so we custom cut the fleece to perfectly fit your saddle’s dimensions.

Step 4: Attaching the New Fleece

Once the fleece is cut, it’s time to attach it. We start by applying a high-strength adhesive to the skirt, evenly spreading it so the fleece will bond smoothly. After that, we carefully lay the fleece in place, ensuring there are no wrinkles or uneven spots. We press it down firmly, making sure it adheres securely.

But we’re not done yet—stitching is where the real magic happens. We hand-stitch the fleece to the skirt for added durability, following the original stitching pattern of your saddle. This not only locks the fleece in place but also ensures a clean, finished look.

Step 5: Final Inspection and Polishing

Once the stitching is done and the fleece is fully attached, we give the saddle one last inspection to make sure everything is perfect. We check the fit, the seams, and even how the new fleece looks and feels. If everything’s up to our standards (and trust me, we’re picky), we give the saddle a good polish, making sure it’s ready to ride.

Wrapping It Up

And that’s it! Your Western saddle is now outfitted with brand-new fleece, ready to provide comfort and durability for miles to come. At Double Wide Dream, we take pride in making sure each saddle we work on is treated with care and precision. Whether you’re sending your saddle in for fleece replacement or any other repair, you can trust that we’ll handle it like it’s our own.

Thanks for riding along with me through this process! If you’ve got a saddle in need of some TLC, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re always happy to help keep you and your horse riding comfortably.

---Mandy B.