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Re: [RC] Myths on Flex Panel Saddles - Karen Sullivan----- Original Message ----- From: "Kimberly Huck" <khuck@xxxxxxxx> If the tree is resting on the panels that are on the horse's back, then are the panels essentially just acting as a "saddle pad"? If the panels are just acting as a "saddle pad" (because they are being held down in place by the weight of the saddle and rider) then what does that do to the ends of the panels? Wouldn't that make the ends almost entirely inflexible? Kim No......the entire saddle tree is not resting on the panel. We really need some RP company folks to jump in here especially if I muddle the answer.... But from my layperson understanding of the RP tree and design; the actual gullet plate of the tree is curved up to accomodate and allow for the thickness of the disc. So there is a "gap" between the part of the tree that rests on the panel, and the disc where the panel can flex up (say the horse rounds his back).... and of course, in front and behind of the disc is more panel area that will flex. The disc is not a rigid or hard disc either, it is sorbothane, which also absorbs shock, and of course, is movable. And there is quite a bit of flex you can feel as the horse moves. If you lay your hand across the top of the panels in front of the saddle while the horse is moving; you can feel each panel moving separately when the shoulder comes back-but the saddle is not moving or shifting. This pretty much convinces me that a standard, rigid tree is not going to accomodate the motion of a horse. The tree "points" are shortened and are behind the scapula, and the scapula can rotate and slide back under the front edge of the panel. You can put your hand under the front of the panel when the horse is moving and feel that there is no resistance or "edge" to bump into. If anyone wants to subsctibe, even briefly to the flex saddle yahoo group, there is an extremely good, detailed and interesting post that explains quite a bit about how some flexible panel saddle work and does help explain the RP system http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/flexsaddlesgroup/ Karen =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net. Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/Ridecamp Subscribe/Unsubscribe http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/logon.asp Ride Long and Ride Safe!! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
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