<< Do you have any literature on how to "awl" the aussie. I am an avid
aussie
fan. Have one I do need some adjustment.
>>
I can tell you how to do it, except for minor maintenance, it's more than a
10 min. job. The old-timers doehair packing cna't be awled, as it "felts"
with heat and pressure, conforms to the saddle, is left in there, and more
added . We have people that do this. It is a learned skill. Conforms
beautifully to the horse, and is very cool. Syd Hill has been packing with
long staple synthetic wool, and never needs repacking, and can be awled. The
older blue-lined Syd Hills have doehair. Synthetic is A little warmer, but
the trade-off is more maintenance free. You use a long slender icepick. It's
hard to find the right one, as most I have seen don't slip into the wool
serge as easily. Starting with the leading edge of the saddle, you go
straight through the serge, and begin to work the stuffing up and out, to put
it back like it was when it was new, a little at a time, being careful to
keep it even. A rider will flatten the area just under the stirrups, after
months, and that area will need picking up, and movement upward. The awl is
an extension of your finger. Support it underneath, so you don't tear your
serge by cranking on it. Only insert an inch or less at a time until you get
the feel for it, and just keep picking .Move some material out of an area,
move a 1/2" and move the next into the pocket vacated. Tap with the end of
the handle to flatten, and even as you go. Get to know your horse , and you
can change the saddle to a customfit. Cheaper saddles don't do well with
awling. They lump.Judy