Rigid versus flexible saddles was Re: No More Poor Saddle Fit!!

["Karen Sullivan" <greymare@jps.net>]

> Lynda Townsend townsend.buggies.sleighs@qc.aibn.com
> There is a new sensor pad on the market, made by Port
> Lewis, the same people that make the cloud stirrups.
> This pad will tell you more then you ever wanted to know
> about how your saddle is fitting.

I read their web page.......and also another that was posted within the last
week that featured a saddle with very flexible panels.........but a rigid
tree that attatched at four points,  and I still can't really believe you
can put a rigid tree on a moving horse and have it fit......

I base this on years of riding bareback, feeling the back change shape and
bend.......and also having very good luck over the past 7 or so years with
Sport saddles.....but what really convinced me was taking Passion out  loose
and following her.....

She is a chesnut, with a darker countershading stripe down her back.  As I
followed behind her
(running loose), at all gaits, and over varied terrain, I could REALLY see
how her back went up and down, and also seemed to snake and pivot side to
side........I couldn't see how any rigid
saddle could fit comfortable without jamming some part of the shoulders or
even spine when she is moving...because that stripe is dead center on her
back, and straight when she is standing still.....
It was an eye opener watching that stripe!

I think there is some great thinking and work being done with these flexible
panel saddles......but it seems that no matter how well those panels conform
and move with the back-once you attatch a solid tree you are putting
pressure in those four points where the tree attatches (Orthoflex being an
example).If the panels bend and distribute the weight, what the heck is the
need for the uncomfortable tree?

Sport saddles may not be perfect, but they sure have worked for me for a
variety of horses and over hard terrain......also looking forward to better
and advanced saddle designs over the next 10 years.
Someone keeps mentioning a flexible saddle Valerie Kanavy is promoting, but
I have never been able to get any info on it, or open the web site.

Comments?

Karen