[RC] My .02 Evaluation of the CorrecTOR Pad--Long - SandraHi To All, Sandra Walker here. A few of you have shown interest in learning about Len Brown's CorrecTOR Pad, but like me, didn't want to spend $150 and not be able to return it. Len Brown is the inventor of Orthoflex saddles, but no longer owns the company. I found his website and read every bit of info. I was skeptical of his claims but I am an open-minded person who loves to do research on anything that might better my 21 horse's lives. I will research something until the truths sift up through the BS so that I can make the best decisions for ME. Since he invites people to call him I did. I found Len Brown to be a charming, intelligent man who answered all my questions to my satisfaction. One thing I've learned after 46 years (37 with horses) is that if I listen to negative people and negative past publicity about something (i.e. Orthoflex saddles) and let this keep me from forming my OWN opinions and finding the facts, then I cheat myself terribly. I told Len that I understood his decision to not accept returns, but because of this, I put him through 45 minutes of intense questioning (I have an engineer's mind, lol). I told him where I live and he told me of an equine-only DVM (20+ yrs. Exp.) that had just moved to my area and would let me borrow her CorrecTOR pad to try. I met this vet and she's a real believer in this pad, even "prescribes" it! I listened to her thoughts and findings and brought the pad home. Now before you muse "but you haven't seen MY horses back", I own and professionally train all kinds of horses with every type of back. I own some mutton-withered, round-barreled Arabs, and Paints that you could set dinner for four on their backs. And some of mine have more ideal backs and bodies. I ride in a BOZ full western saddle (horn removed), another great item I discovered from nowhere else but Ridecamp. This saddle is designed to be used without any padding due to the closed cell foam bars under the tree and next to the horse. But under my BOZ I place a Dixie Midnight copycat (FYI-all these type pads are nothing more than an open-backed, walk-off entry mat made by 3M Corporation cut to size. Google 3M and you'll find it) and then a wool Toklat. Now that I've given you the background, read on. I came home and saddled up, placing my 3M pad first, then the CorrecTOR, then saddle (skipped wool pad). This setup allowed me to get as close as possible to my horse's back, and I could see his shoulders, etc. moving. Plus the 3M kept the CorrecTOR clean and dry. Len says to place it directly on their back, but he said the 3M pad first is a great idea. I lost all skepticism on that first ride! I couldn't believe how much better ALL the horses I rode moved. No more will I place saddles up on shoulder blades (which I never thought was right but didn't know why). And no more having the dip inward that you see right behind the shoulder blades which is a result of muscle wasting due to the front of the saddle hitting the blades when the saddle is placed where it should be, OFF the shoulders. Len told me that Boz Saddles have his original Orthoflex tree in them (but made of a polymer) and that they really do fit most horses (which I have definitely found to be true). So when I started I figured that this pad might not make a difference for me, but it DOES because it keeps the saddle from pinching the blades and spreads out the pressure from the front and back bar ends. I also bought his "mule shims" set so I can level my saddle if I ever need to, or raise the saddle up for further wither clearance. So IMHO here goes: Even though it does help prevent saddle slip and roll when used next to the horse, I myself find the DM and breast collars and cruppers a good insurance policy. Everything he says on his website is true folks. It will allow any saddle to be used on any horse without the saddle causing pain, pressure points, etc. It protects your horse no matter what direction his spine moves in. It is extremely tough, dense felt with fiberglass backing inside (I could barely get a large sewing needle through it). It will last you a LONG time with the same care you'd give any good pad. It is synthetic and won't easily absorb sweat, but is hard to clean because it's felt. Use it with a DM type pad, or sew yourself a washable cover maybe. It has strong Velcro on top to grip your saddle blanket/pad if you choose to use one. And the mule shim package is worth it if you decide you need it. You won't find felt like his at Hobby Lobby! LOL Now for once you can buy the saddle that fits you, is comfy to you and just somewhat fits the horse. Let the CorrecTOR do the rest. And NO, I'm not a dealer, Len didn't pay me off, etc. I have a big mouth that can go either way. And I will sing this pads' praises to anyone who has saddle fit/soring problems and asks me for help. If you have ANY questions PLEASE feel free to email me at sandrawalker@xxxxxxxxxxxxx or call Len Brown at 1-417-549-6094 before 9PM. And if you live anywhere near central Texas email me and come try this pad on your horse. Len too may have pad customers that are in your area. You won't be sorry you bought one. Sandra Walker My website will be completely overhauled by March 19th So come back for a visit! www.fieldofdreams-sfw.com ============================================================ REAL endurance is your water freezing IN the cantle bags! ~ Heidi Sowards ridecamp.net information: http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/ ============================================================
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