Can You Restuff Knee Pads in Saddles?

Knee pads, also called knee rolls, are cushions sewn on the front of some English saddles to add security as well as comfort for the rider. Age or damage to the saddle can compromise the stuffing inside the pads, causing them to flatten or degrade. It is possible, though not always worthwhile, to restuff the knee pads without having to replace the saddle.

  1. Materials

    • The knee pads of most English saddles are stuffed with foam, wool or sometimes rubber. Wool stuffing is durable and conforms easily to the rider's leg. It is also one of the easiest materials to replace. Foam and rubber are comfortable and durable, as well, though they do not break in as easily and may be harder to replace.

    Options

    • A saddler can remove the stitching on most English saddle flaps and restuff the knee rolls with a variety of materials. Depending on the saddle, it may also be possible to add or remove stuffing to provide a more custom fit.

    Costs

    • Prices range from $100 to upwards of $300 to restuff a saddle's knee rolls. The pricing is similar to restuffing the saddle's underside panels, because while the knee rolls use less material, the labor involved is comparable.

    Considerations

    • New English saddles cost anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Often, it is not financially wise to pay for restuffing the knee pads on a saddle. Consider the replacement cost of the saddle, the saddle's age, and overall condition and quality before investing in restuffing.

    Prevention

    • Proper saddle care can lengthen the useful life of any saddle and keep the knee pads and other features from deteriorating over time. Store your saddle in a cool, dry area--humidity and extreme temperatures affect the stuffing as well as the leather. If you use the saddle infrequently or need to store it for an extended period, clean it well, condition it and cover it with soft, dry cloths or a saddle cover to prevent mold and/or drying.