Panel Options

Flocked French Panel

Foam Owen Half Panel

Flocked Owen Half Panel

Foam French Panel

A Brief History

A little history into the background of the development in saddle panels over time will help you to see the reasoning behind each design, why it came into being and it's intended use and benefits.

"Full" Panel

Firstly, the oldest of the "modern" panel. This saddle has a large surface baring area and features 'barring' or 'quilting' on the sweatflap area of the panel. This panel was popularised during the early and mid 19th century, the idea behind the full panel a throw back to earlier saddles where the horses back was protected from the structural part of the saddle with blankets, the blankets then being attached to the main structure and thus becoming a part of the saddle its self.
If properly made the stitched area of the panel should not be too bulky, however, this panel can by modern standards, be considered quite thick and does not offer the most optimal close contact feel. It is said that the popularisation of Polo in England was instrumental in removing the bottom of the full panel to give the rider greater feel and ability to apply new at the time aids to the horse in a fast paced sporting environment.

"Half" Panel

Also known as the "Rugby" "Owen" or "Whippy" panel after the firms that used them so frequently.
This panel allows close contact of the leg and excellent shoulder freedom for big moving and big shouldered horses.
The Half panel is still popular today amongst polo riders and you will see many pony or wider horses saddles featuring them for this reason.

As riding styles changed and tree shapes changed into deeper seats and specified for different discipline the panel evolved again.
With the deeper seated trees often having more rock or being more curved in shape than traditional older trees came the next evolution in panel technology.

Saumur & Continental Panels

Also known as "French" and "Dropped" panels respectively. The Saumur panel originates from the French equitation school, this panel is narrower in the waist area and features legs down the front of the saddle that featured additional rolls to offer some knee support to the rider.
The Continental panel is similar but with the addition of a roll at the back of the panel, this roll was not intended for leg support but to stop the straps of the saddle sliding out the back. Incidentally making this panel resemble its original counterpart: the Full Panel, but a much more refined version.

Both of these panels have evolved slightly over time, some modern tree's becoming even more curved meant that the legs at the front of the panel and the back part of the panel have been adapted to incorporate ever bigger gussets, allowing a multitude of different fitting options to balance the tree they support.

Flocking

Since the development of the panel as an integral part of the saddle a number of materials have been used in the effort to save the horse from becoming sore backed.

Amongst these efforts we see the first edition of what we today would term a foam panel.
Messrs Illsley of Oakham first introduced & popularised the Sorbo-Rubber panel pre World Wars.
The use of rubbers in saddles declined during the wars due to most industries giving over to the war effort.

You will often find saddles stuffed with what ever material was available at the time. Many 19th century saddles are stuffed with horse hair, this would have been cheap and widely available to saddle makers of the day.
Horse hair actually worked very well as soft and pliable stuffing, cushions, sofas and even mattresses where made up of horse hair in this period.

Sheeps wool has been used for stuffing not only the panels of saddles but also the bellies, seats and even knee rolls since the invention of the modern saddle. There are many different wools available, these days mainly categorised into White Wool, Brown Jacobs Wool and Synthetic Wool. Each have their own unique properties and behaviours when in motion on the horse and the type of wool used in the saddle will be dependent on the type of saddle and its use.

Fundamentals

Tree Preparation is the number one key aspect to any saddle, from a tiny tots Gp to a Grand Prix Dressage Monoflap.

The tree must be correctly set up to effectively seat the panel, flocked or foam.

A large portion of time goes into ensuring all our trees are the best possible quality we can offer.

From our unique design, to the preparation process, all bases are covered.

If the tree is not anatomically correct, no matter what panel is attached, the saddle simply will not work.

The Signature Panel

Unlike other saddles on the market our foam panels are not pre injection moulded.

All NRD Foam panels are handcrafted individually to each horse using three specialist felts, foams and sponges.

Every panel is crafted over days by Nick Dolman using specialist techniques he has fine tuned over three decades, making him a specialist in this delicate process. Multiple materials have been meticulously tested on a range of horse and rider combinations to arrive at the best material composites.

We personally believe in the integrity of this method for a multitude of reasons:

Having worked on referral from several veterinary practices and equine physiotherapists we have found foam to be a popular choice for horses with specific fitting requirements.
Foam does not require the same level of regulation as flock, with the right care, foam has a longer life span than its flock counterpart.
Foam panels can be built with a bias in the panel, this accommodates horses who may need more depth in specific areas. Similar to differing gusset depths in flocked panels, with out the need of regular reflocks to keep the panel in shape.
Foam offers dynamic shock absorption, acting as a buffer for the upwards force from the horse in motion and downwards force from the rider

Contrary to popular belife foam is not a cheaper or faster alternative to building a flocked panel. You will often read that "is more cost effective to use foam because it is less expensive and easier to produce than wool and takes no special skill to form into an effective panel. This cuts down significantly on manufacturing cost" this is fundamentally not correct in our circumstances. We source only the best materials and many man hours go into hand crafting each set of panels. We are bespoke saddle makers - pre-moulded panels are not bespoke.

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Foam Panel

Super lightweight
Can last a long time depending on horse/rider
Close contact
Density with out depth - Foam allows the level of protection needed for the tree without adding additional bulk

Flocked Panel

Needs to be checked regularly
Can be regulated by local saddle fitter
Level of adjustability in flock

Here at NRD Saddles we use Jacobs Wool from our local supplier in Walsall. Jacobs wool is well renowned for it's excellent memory rate & breathability. It is a long fibered blend that creates a beautiful density in the panel.

Another benefit of wool is its sustainability. Wool biodegrades so will not take up space in landfill once its lifespan in the saddle is over.

We recommend that you have your flocked panels regularly checked as the wool will settle and require regulating to keep the panels evenly in balance.

Choosing your panel

Ultimately both Foam and flock panels ride similarly, and each have their own individual benefits.

Your fitter will advise you on the best option for your horse.

So What's in my saddle?

A visual guide.

Foam Half Panel

Features a felt top and "button" attachments.

Adjustment and Replacement

These panels are able to be replaced by Nick Dolman in the workshop.
They are not suitable to be converted.

Flocked Half Panel

Features front and back facing (the "rolls"around the edge)
flock holes and tabs.

Adjustment and Replacement

These panels are able to be reflocked and worked on by reputable saddle fitters.

Always ensure your fitter is working on these panels with the same wool.

Panel Care

Universal for all panel types

Always store your saddle on a pole. Never use a saddle rack where by the saddle rests on the panel.
When adjusting a saddle; the panels MUST be unlaced & removed from the front of the saddle at a minimum. A good saddle fitter will never attempt to adjust a saddle whilst the panels are still attached. The damage this can cause is insurmountable.
Leather panels can be cleaned with leather care.
Serge panels can be brushed to remove hair and debris or gently hoovered.