Why Winter Is the Perfect Time for Major Saddle Maintenance

When the temperatures drop and the winter slowdown hits, most riders naturally ride a little less. The good news? That quieter season is the perfect opportunity to give your saddle the attention it’s been missing.
Major maintenance like strip flocks, billet replacement, and deep conditioning requires time — and winter gives you exactly that.

Here’s why cold-weather months are ideal for getting your saddle back into peak condition.

1. You’re Riding Less — So Your Saddle Is Actually Available

Let’s be honest: In the busy riding season, your saddle is practically glued to your horse. Winter brings:

Frozen footing
Fewer training sessions
Shorter daylight hours
Riding breaks over holidays

This makes it the least disruptive time to send your saddle in for the bigger services that keep it performing like new. No missed rides, no stress — just good timing.

2. Strip Flocking Keeps Your Horse Comfortable All Year

A strip flock is a complete replacement of the wool inside your panels. Over time, wool compresses, gets uneven, or forms hard spots. This affects weight distribution, comfort, and saddle balance.

How often?

A full strip flock is recommended every 5 years, or sooner if you notice:

Lumpy, hard, or uneven panels
Saddle shifting or rocking
Hard, compacted flocking
Horse becoming sensitive in the back

Winter is ideal because your saddle will be back to you long before spring conditioning starts.

Learn more about SFC’s strip flock service here.

3. Billets Don’t Last Forever — And Winter Shows the Wear

Billets quietly handle the constant tension of girthing and movement. Over time, even high-quality leather weakens.

Replace your billets if you notice:

Stretching or elongation
Cracking or dryness
Uneven wear
Stitches coming loose

Replacing billets before they're unsafe isn’t only smart — it prevents mid-season emergencies.

This is why SFC offers discounted billets when replaced alongside a strip flock during winter bookings.

Book your billet replacement here.

4. Winter Is Perfect for a Deep Clean & Conditioning Treatment

Cold weather is hard on leather. Dry indoor air + low outdoor moisture = leather that becomes stiff, dull, and more prone to cracking.

A thorough winter treatment can include:

Full clean
Deep conditioning
Nourishing the panels, skirts, flaps, and underside
Polishing for a like-new finish

It’s a great way to extend your saddle’s lifespan and keep it looking and feeling amazing for the new season.

Did you know we include a thorough cleaning and deep conditioning of your saddle for free when you send in your saddle for a strip flock and/or billet replacement? And we do so using only the best product that we highly recommend: Christian Lower Leather Care products, made in Canada!

5. It Saves You Money Long-Term

Doing all the “big” maintenance in winter helps you:

Avoid expensive mid-season issues
Extend the life of your saddle
Keep your horse more comfortable
Maintain proper saddle fit
Delay the need for purchasing a new saddle unnecessarily

Think of it as winterizing your saddle — small investments now prevent major problems later.

Final Thought: Your Saddle Works Hard — Let It Recover Too

Your saddle carries you through training rides, shows, clinics, and long days in the barn.
Winter is the perfect season to give it the care it deserves.

If your saddle needs:

A strip flock
New billets
A full clean & deep condition
Or all the above…

There’s no better time to schedule your saddle’s winter refresh. Reach out and we’ll coordinate the most convenient time for you to send it in — yes, even throughout the holidays. Contact Us...