Instructions
Examine the saddle thoroughly and locate any places where the stitching appears loose or torn. The places that stitching is most likely to come loose are along the fenders, skirts, flaps and seats. On English saddles, loose or missing billet stitching can be especially hazardous.
Determine the amount of stitching that is missing or loose. If a stitch or two is loose but not torn, the damage is not severe yet and the saddle is more than likely still safe to ride. Nevertheless, repairs should be done in the near future to keep damage from developing further. If the area of stitching that is missing is significant or still unraveling, it is more of a concern and will need to be evaluated further.
Evaluate the areas where the stitching is coming loose. Loose or missing stitching on some areas of a saddle, such as the saddle horn or the edge of a skirt, are more of an eyesore than a hazard. If the loose stitching does not affect the function of the saddle, it is safe to ride in even though it should be repaired as soon as possible. If the stitching problem can negatively impact the function of the saddle -- especially parts such as the stirrups or billets -- or risks damaging it, you should stop riding in the saddle and have it immediately repaired.
How to Troubleshoot Saddle Stitching Problems
Saddle stitching problems can occur for a variety of reasons. Common causes include poor quality tack or materials, improper use of leather cleaning products and age. In some cases, stitching that begins to come loose on an older saddle is merely a nuisance or can be repaired relatively easily by a tack shop or skilled leather worker. In other cases, however, it can cause serious problems and may render the saddle unusable. It is important, therefore, to be able to evaluate and make decisions about stitching problems on western or English saddles.