ridecamp@endurance.net: Re: Question about DeSoto saddles

Re: Question about DeSoto saddles

Linda S. Flemmer (bluwolf@earthlink.net)
Fri, 11 Jul 1997 21:10:17 -0700

MARDI,

You wrote:

> Also considering OF Endurance Cutback, Patriot or the Stitchdown but > leary about dealing with OF, plus not being able to try before I buy. > I've noticed OF & it's dealers aren't very responsive to inquiries, so > concerned about responsiveness to problems. Any comments about OF or > these saddles? (My gelding is a longer backed Arab)

I own an OF express lite that I bought directly from Orthoflex. The
Express is very similar to the Endurance Cutback in seat, flaps and
panels. The cutback is similar to the front of a conventional english
saddle where as the express lite has a front pommel. I have heard from
folks who have one that the Patriot set their legs too far forward for a
balanced position. (You'll note that they're selling the Patriot VERY
cheap right now, for OF!)

I really enjoy my OF and it fits my long backed, wide 15.3H Arab gelding
very well. I wouldn't want the panels to be any longer though. You can
actually see the panels flex as the horse moves his shoulders and his
stride is freer than with any other saddle so far. I had about a 12 week
wait from the time that I ordered, but they did try to hurry & finish in
time for the Old Dominion the year that I bought it. The saddle is so
pretty that I almost didn't want to get it dirty on a horse!

Service depends on the salesman you get. If you find that the salesman
can't answer your questions, ask for a new rep. They have always
offered a 30 day money back trial period, so you really can't go too
wrong. They allow billet marks but no scuffs. I rode it to death that
30 days, so I guess it's a good thing that I decided to keep it. I
would make sure that that is in effect for ANY saddle you considered
trying, & get it in writing!

The stitchdown seat is an option worth having! It is heavenly! I enjoy
the adjustability of the camlock biothane stirrups, but found the
biothane stiff. They tended to cut into my legs after about 30 miles.
They will place any combination of rings and loops on the saddle to your
description. They do nickel & dime you for a couple hundred $$ to get
some of these nice options and fancier grades of leather - be
forewarned.

You may be able to find one of these saddles as a used saddle - save
upwards fo $1000 that way! I have seen DeSotos, but never ridden in
one. The quality of leather & workmanship in my OF puts all other
saddles to shame.

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