Re: RC: Orthoflex UK "CT" Swain Model - Question

["Carolyn Burgess" <carolyn_burgess@hotmail.com>]

I am used to an english saddle and the feel/fit is quite different. I am 
contemplating trying a "CT" Swain. I understand these models are make in the 
UK - not the USA - and am wondering - among other things - do these models 
have the same panel system and if so, are they interchangeable? Is there 
anyone out there that has experience - good or bad - they can share with me 
on this particular model?

I don't own an Ortho-flex, but have tried them.  I am an english rider used 
to a close contact ride and it is not possible to get that close contact 
with any Ortho-flex, including the Swain.  The panel system puts you to far 
away from the horse.  The original design was for a western saddle and was 
modified to fit the english/dressage versions.

A better saddle if you are an english rider is the Reactor Panel.  It is a 
similar system to the OF, but the Reactor Panel was designed from the ground 
up for an english/dressage saddle.  I rode in on at one of the demos 
recently and found that it (surprisingly) was fairly close contact.

Carolyn Burgess
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