I sold the saddle to a friend for her husband, who weighs 20-30 pounds more
than I do. He loved the saddle and still uses it. My friend said the flex
of the tree is matched to your body weight, so that if you are not heavy
enough for the tree, it will ride higher on the horse and hence the loin
rubbing. Have no idea if this is true, but will never risk another (v.
expensive) Orthoflex.
I have had very good luck with a saddle made by Frank Baines for Phelan's,
before the latter went out of business. It is called a Long Distance Rider.
Classic English style with extended panels, wide tree, and lots of rings on
the skirts, including a crupper ring. I did Tevis in this saddle on above
horse without a trace of soreness, and have used it successfully on three
other Arabs as well. I understand Frank Baines now works for Orthoflex, so I
suppose this saddle is no longer available. Too bad!
Linda Romander
San Francisco, Calif.