Re: Western Orthoflex Saddles
This message is from: Jean Ernest [EMAIL PROTECTED] There is a western Ortho-Flex for sale on the Endurance net classifieds, just listed today. http://www.endurance.net/Classifieds/ShowClassified.asp?What=SaddleFS *copied from Endurance net** 3/19/00: Please contact Margaret in response to this post at (850) 944-9686 or [EMAIL PROTECTED] For sale - OrthoFlex Western Trail Saddle, 15 inch western seat, light oil with dark brown seat. Like new condition - switched to Endurance model. Price of $1,800 includes padded cordura saddle carrier. Jean Ernest Fairbanks, Alaska [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Western Orthoflex Saddles
This message is from: Michele Bigelow [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi Gail- The saddle is heavy compared to my other saddles, but, comprable to my husbands old Tex-Tan Western Saddle. Stovar is also about 15hh, so it is a long way to toss up a saddleso it may feel heavier than it really is. It is probably lighter than come of the other western styles becasue it is a barrel racing style. Can you find a dealer near you? I got it at a dealer in Uxbridge, Mass (The Mane Place). Linda was awsome to deal with. I have not had any problems with the saddle.If you want I can get you her number and she can send some information to you. Good luck! Michele I got the Trail Pardner, a Western, Barrel Racing style saddle. The skirt is short and fits my Fjords back excellent. I just love it. Michelle, Is it a light weight saddle? I'm heavy :-( so I try not to have a heavy saddle. I have a dressage saddle, but I may be wanting a good contact, light weight western saddle, too --
Re: orthoflex saddles
This message is from: Jean Ernest [EMAIL PROTECTED] Keep checking on eBay for Ortho-flex saddles...There are several on there now. http://listings.ebay.com/aw/listings/list/category3170/index.html I just had the winning bid on a very new looking OF Stitchdown, and was the only bidder at $1000, maybe because it was an 18.5 size! I didn't need another one but figured it was too good a deal to pass up at $1000 when they cost $2000 + new and there were several people here asking about my old one that I sold. (Mayb I should open a tack shop? I'm a tackaholic!) There is a new Campbel Paragon endurance saddle on there now which has a wide tree, 19 seat (padded seat = 18) one bid so far, at $675, they sell new for $1195 I think. Made by Whitman, a good saddle. http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItemitem=283978337 The Endurance Cutback (same tree as the Dresseur) is now at $910 and there seems to be a lot of interest in that one. You can look at the pictures, tho and get an Idea of what it looks like. http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItemitem=282259763 The Endurance net website classifieds always have some Ortho-Flex saddles for sale, as well as other brands of endurance type saddles. Some of these saddle probably have had a LOT oif use if they were owned by serious endurance riders. Jean in Fairbanks, Alaska, a bit cooler today, +32F, nicer for the sled dogs in the 55th Open North American Sled dog race starting today. At 01:51 PM 3/17/2000 -0800, you wrote: This message is from: Lori Puster [EMAIL PROTECTED] I contacted a woman in Southern Oregon a couple of weeks ago who is selling a used Ortho Flex *Express Lite* saddle for about $1200.00. I can forward her e-mail address and a picture of the saddle to anyone who is interested. I talked to her on the phone and she said that it will best fit a small woman (pant size 6-8). I decided to purchase a slightly roomier used Syd Hill Poly Super Drafter Australian saddle instead. I'll let you know what I think of it after I've had a chance to test drive it. Lori P. Jean Ernest Fairbanks, Alaska [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: orthoflex saddles
This message is from: Jean Gayle [EMAIL PROTECTED] Jean your tackaholic reminds me that I owned five saddles before I bought my first horse. I was so wild about getting back to riding I was taking three lessons a week etc. Jean Jean Gayle Aberdeen, WA [Authoress of The Colonel's Daughter Occupied Germany 1946 TO 1949 ] http://www.techline.com/~jgayle Barnes Noble Book Stores
Re: orthoflex saddles
This message is from: Lori Puster [EMAIL PROTECTED] I contacted a woman in Southern Oregon a couple of weeks ago who is selling a used Ortho Flex *Express Lite* saddle for about $1200.00. I can forward her e-mail address and a picture of the saddle to anyone who is interested. I talked to her on the phone and she said that it will best fit a small woman (pant size 6-8). I decided to purchase a slightly roomier used Syd Hill Poly Super Drafter Australian saddle instead. I'll let you know what I think of it after I've had a chance to test drive it. Lori P.
Re: orthoflex saddles
This message is from: Mike May [EMAIL PROTECTED] At 01:56 PM 3/16/00 -0500, you wrote: This message is from: Lori Albrough [EMAIL PROTECTED] Mike May wrote: comfortable for me; Rom's saddle doesn't quite fit my husband right. Maybe your husband doesn't like it. Yeah get off his back for cripes sake! ;-) Or maybe try bare back :-) That sounds a little more comfortable anyway! ;-)
Re: orthoflex saddles
This message is from: Denise Delgado [EMAIL PROTECTED] thanks lori, maybe i can try another dealer!!! denise delgado
Re: orthoflex saddles
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] In a message dated 3/15/00 10:40:16 AM Mountain Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: dear listers, am contemplating a new saddle. i would like to link up via email privately with anyone who has, or had an orthoflex saddle. i am doing research and am getting conflicting messages. please email me, if you can help. thanks, denise I purchased an Ortho-Flex Patriot for my Fjord recently. It was told when I received it that as long as I kept it clean, after using it for a week I didn't like it I could send it back. I liked the saddle and the way it felt, but as I lacked experience fitting a saddle I had a local vet who has lots of experience come out and fit it for me. He approved the saddle as fitting well and I went ahead and purchased the saddle they sent me. My choice had been black and I had been sent a brown and black which I liked when I saw it. I just received an apology and a check for $25 from Ortho-Flex for sending the wrong color. I am really enjoying the saddle and the knee problem I was experiencing with my western saddle have disappeared. Would very much recommend Ortho-Flex. Sue Clark-Sorger Crown Oak Fjords Sandia Park NM Where the snow has stopped and the sun is shining.
Re: orthoflex saddles
This message is from: Lori Albrough [EMAIL PROTECTED] Mike May wrote: comfortable for me; Rom's saddle doesn't quite fit my husband right. Maybe your husband doesn't like it. Yeah get off his back for cripes sake! ;-) Or maybe try bare back :-) Lori
Re: orthoflex saddles
This message is from: Denise Delgado [EMAIL PROTECTED] dear listers, i'd like to thank gail russel, jean ernest, mary wood, mark and lisa, sini seppala, marsha jo hannah, jon and mary ofjord and fred pack for their comments about orthflex saddles. i wish i could try one out somewhere and get a feel in person. maybe i can make it to libby this year and someone will be there with one in their trailer. i will keep on looking. thanks to you all!!! you are a great resourse. denise delgado
Re: orthoflex saddles
This message is from: Denise Delgado [EMAIL PROTECTED] dear fred, read the other responses and please give me some specifics on fit for fjord's round bellies and their witherlessness. please, thanks, denise delgado
Re: orthoflex saddles
This message is from: Denise Delgado [EMAIL PROTECTED] dear marsha jo, your note about orthoflex confirmed everything i have been able to find out about these saddles. i will not repeat it all, but the two main points i am concerned about, after fit, are the hair rubbing and skin soring other people have mentioned. and then there is the lack of customer service to the point of being extrememly rude and being hung up on, never having what was 'broken', repaired! they are expensive and quite an investment. one dealer i spoke with said that if i purchased a saddle and it did'nt fit, i would be stuck with it, as there is a no return policy. i continue to search. thanks, denise
Re: orthoflex saddles
This message is from: Mike May [EMAIL PROTECTED] At 09:23 PM 3/15/00 -0800, you wrote: Sleepy's saddle is very comfortable for me; Rom's saddle doesn't quite fit my husband right. Maybe your husband doesn't like it. Yeah get off his back for cripes sake! ;-)
Re: orthoflex saddles
This message is from: GAIL RUSSELL [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sleepy's saddle is very comfortable for me; Rom's saddle doesn't quite fit my husband right. Maybe your husband doesn't like it. Gail Russell Forestville CA [EMAIL PROTECTED] Clicker List Web Site : http://clickryder.cjb.net
RE: orthoflex saddles
This message is from: Frederick J. (Fred) Pack [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi Denise, I also have an Ortho-Flex, western saddle. The worst that I can say about it is: I LOVE IT. Fred Pack Pack's Peak Stables Wilkeson, WA USA -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Denise Delgado Sent: Wednesday, March 15, 2000 8:19 AM To: fjordhorse@angus.mystery.com Subject: orthoflex saddles This message is from: Denise Delgado [EMAIL PROTECTED] dear listers, am contemplating a new saddle. i would like to link up via email privately with anyone who has, or had an orthoflex saddle. i am doing research and am getting conflicting messages. please email me, if you can help. thanks, denise
Re: orthoflex saddles
This message is from: Marsha Jo Hannah [EMAIL PROTECTED] Denise Delgado [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: am contemplating a new saddle. i would like to link up [...] with anyone who has, or had an orthoflex saddle. i am doing research and am getting conflicting messages. We have 2 OrthoFlex saddles, one for each of our Fjord geldings. Rom's is a Traditional, custom-made about 1989; Sleepy's is an Express, semi-custom, 1991. (These are endurance saddles---on what amounts to western trees, but without horns, and with unusual stirrup and girth rigging.) The horses seem to like them, and do well with them. I've had a little trouble with Sleepy's saddle ruffling hair on his loins; fortunately, he's got lots of hair, and tough hide, i.e. never anything resembling a sore there. Sleepy's saddle is very comfortable for me; Rom's saddle doesn't quite fit my husband right. Over the years, I've heard assorted opinions about OrthoFlex saddles. The good news is that OrthoFlex is capable of making saddles that fit and function well. The bad news is that they keep fiddling with their designs, some of which seem to be more successful than others. I've heard from people who love the saddles, and wouldn't part with them for anything; I've heard of folks who hate them, and have sold them, cheap. I've not been able to get solid data about the vintages of saddles from the complainers, but I get the impression that the early saddles were very good; then there was a time when they weren't so good, then better. I have no recent data to tell what the current crop is like. I do NOT suggest buying one used. There are, of course, the usual issues of whether the tree is right for you and your horse. (Contrary to some advertizing, they're not one size fits all---neither of our boys can wear the other's saddle!) In addition, OrthoFlex saddles depend on the flex panels being of the right stiffness for the weight of the rider. So, if a heavyweight (like me) were to buy a saddle designed for Becky Hart (endurance rider, who maybe weighs 100 lb, soaking wet), the saddle wouldn't function properly. Yes, the saddle can be sent back to the manufacturer, and have new panels refitted---but I think I'd rather have one designed for me and my horse to start with. My main complaint with OrthoFlex is their customer service. When I bought my saddles, they were growing rapidly. The first one got lots of individual attention, and came out of the box fitting perfectly. The second one was sort of assembly line, with some parts not as ordered, and they were snippy about making it right---with the clock running on their warranty while we argued! Would I buy another one from them---maybe. I'd do a lot of research, to see what else is available, first Marsha Jo HannahMurphy must have been a horseman-- [EMAIL PROTECTED] anything that can go wrong, will! 30 mi SSE of San Francisco, Calif.
RE: orthoflex saddles
This message is from: Mary Wood [EMAIL PROTECTED] I am hoping that this discussion can be on our forum, as this is of interest to me, and probably a few others. Thanks, Mary This message is from: Denise Delgado [EMAIL PROTECTED] dear listers, am contemplating a new saddle. i would like to link up via email privately with anyone who has, or had an orthoflex saddle. i am doing research and am getting conflicting messages. please email me, if you can help. thanks, denise --- FREE! The World's Best Email Address @email.com Reserve your name now at http://www.email.com
orthoflex saddles
This message is from: Denise Delgado [EMAIL PROTECTED] dear listers, am contemplating a new saddle. i would like to link up via email privately with anyone who has, or had an orthoflex saddle. i am doing research and am getting conflicting messages. please email me, if you can help. thanks, denise
Re: Orthoflex Saddles
This message is from: Sam Sue Banks [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hello, I, too, enjoy my Orthoflex saddles (OF for shorthand). I ride hunt seat and dressage, and I have the Versatile and Premier saddles for those disciplines, and these saddles are made on OF designed trees. These saddles do NOT look like traditional english saddles, especially since both have stitched down seats. I test rode in their Stitchdown model and loved the stitched down seat, and was able to get the same seat on my current saddles. OF also makes english saddles on traditional english trees that look much nicer. I have been riding my Fjord in my dressage saddle for about a year now, in both schooling and, this year, recognized USDF shows, and have not been judged adversely for having an odd saddle. I guess everything else about my appearance is so different from the majority of other competitors on their big horses, that they don't look twice at the saddle or hunt seat bridle. However, when I get out of the saddle, and the other competitors see that padded seat, they want to know what kind of saddle it is. The OF weight bearing panels are much bigger than traditional english saddles and they pivot, and I have put my saddles on all kinds of horses, and not had problems with the fit. When I have gone trail riding or fox hunting on someone else's horse, my saddle has not caused back problems, and several times the horse's owner would say that the horse seemed to go better in my saddle than usual. Even if the fit is not perfect without using the shims you get to fine tune the fit, you have less pressure points due to the increased surface area. I also find that the OF saddles slip less from side to side than my other english saddles. On these wide backed sometimes low withered horses, even if the saddle fits, if you as a rider are not perfectly balanced side to side, the saddle goes askew. The saddle helps my horse survive the days when my back is out of whack, and I don't sit very straight. I have tried several of the OF english saddles over the years. Like Jean, they offered me a dealership, but they told me I had to sell 3 saddles a year! The OF saddles are not perfect, but for my situation, I am pleased with them. An endurance acquaintance uses the Traditional OF, and I found it very well balanced, but I know nothing about the other western models. If you ride a lot of different horses, they are worth looking at, since the one saddle can fit any shape horse. Sue Banks Mattaponi, Virginia
