I just got my orthoflex stitchdown back from having new panels put on. It was "bridging" on Jaspar but I love it so much as a riding saddle that I decided to try having the new System 8 XS (extra short and extra flexible) panels put on which Acie at Orthoflex assures is better for most gaited horses. He sent me a demo but I had hurt my back and wasnt able to really try it but I though well what the heck its only 360 bucks and I am filthy rich anyway, this is always the smart thing to do. But anyway, I wonder how many saddles its gonna take for me to realize any saddle I love the horse is gonna hate and vice versa :)
But the saddle works for Jaspar and thats a good thing. The new panels are so flexible I am gonna have to get used to the new feel of it. Itis not as fixed and stable as before. Almost like a treeless, and the thing I loved about it before was that it was more fixed and stable feeling to me than a treeless. It left no bridging or pressure marks and Jaspar seemed ok with it. I am gonna take him on a long ride in it today. But gosh it is VERY flexible! I think the "extra short" panels also serve to make it move more with the horse. At least I was able to have that wonderful stitchdown one-with-the-horse feeling. I wish someone would come up with a stitchdown saddle that is treeless but feels like a tree, will fit all horses and riders too. or a treeless that fits with huge spinal clearance. Or take my antique bona allen and put a gel seat in it. Why cant someone come up with an almost perfect saddle for more than one certain type horse? Oh well, that would be hard to do! But Acie at Orthoflex was very very helpful about working with me. He ground off the back of my saddle where it doesnt affect the seat size but adds like an eighth of an inch more where the panels can flex more freely. Janice -- yipie tie yie yo
