Re: [IceHorses] Specific Treed Saddle Review
>> I think American Flex and Timberline are just watered down copyright infringements if you go to cathy's web site...you can learn alot of OR/American Flex/ AmerFlex history. Len Brown who developed the OF also developed the American Flex (after OF went bankrupted) since then he has had a few other spin offs with different names. So, you see the American Flex is not a watered down copyright infringement saddle. <:P] "THE LICENSE: This license from the Original Ortho-Flex Saddle Co. was sold to "Rocking R" who then changed their name to Timberline, which was sold to K-B Saddle Shop - who kept the name, SK Saddle, Watson Brothers Saddles (former Rocking R) for a time sold out to Ozark Mountain Saddles who since terminated relations with Richard Watson and the Saddle Ranch. This system is a hybrid of Ortho-Flex Systems I and II." http://www.american-flex.com/history.htm Lots of interesting info on the site. Raven Lucy & Molly, the Girl Doggies Huginn & Dixie Chick, the Back Behind the Barn Ponies Maggie Rose, the cat who makes me sneeze http://www.myspace.com/iceponygoddess Respect ALL Earthlings. We are all animals of this planet. We are all creatures.
Re: [IceHorses] Specific Treed Saddle Review
--- Janice McDonald <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: >> I think American Flex and Timberline are just watered down copyright infringements,<< I think you have a point there! The Timberline guy said to me the took what the original maker (Les?) had good with the original Ortho-flex(before he sold the patent) and went with it. The original guy kept trying to improve his saddle without any trials, so depending on which model/year Ortho-flex you have depends on weather it works for your horse or injures him. So you're right, but they do admit they copied him. >> Orthoflex has recently, in the last two years, came out with a new shorter, more flexible panel, just for gaited horses,<< I will have to check out their website. Just because I didn't write about a certain saddle wasn't a dis - it's because they were not at the convention. If I'd had my druthers, they would have ALL been there, because I only want one more saddle. >> if I were to buy a treed saddle again I would have it custom made for my horse's back.<< Yea, but I've heard so many horror stories about how people paid up to $4000 for a saddle like that and it didn't work out. Also, the back changes, so that is why I am interested in something flexible, or you can change like the Specialized. Susan in NV http://desertduty.blogspot.com/ Riding for Breast Cancer Awareness Nevermore Ranch http://users.oasisol.com/nevermore/ Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ
Re: [IceHorses] Specific Treed Saddle Review
i wish we could get a specific review like this about the Dave Grenadek and Fallis saddles. I will try and do one on my antique bona allen which seems to fit any horse but Teev, which I really would be shocked to find any tree would fit unless custom fitted. I love my orthoflex Stitchdown, to me it is the best riding saddle there is as far as comfort and the best saddle for Jaspar who believe it or not, is "humped back" susan, haha. But he cant even have a saddle pad across the spine due to his fistula so these flex panel saddles are good that way, but then I have not ridden him extensively like I used to pre-fistula. I am a pure orthoflex person tho... I think American Flex and Timberline are just watered down copyright infringements, not trying to start an argument, just my opinion based on owning one and conversations with makers from each of these groups. Orthoflex has recently, in the last two years, came out with a new shorter, more flexible panel, just for gaited horses, so before I would go timberline or americanflex I would at least look into that, but if I were to buy a treed saddle again I would have it custom made for my horse's back. Orthoflex also a couple of years ago started making the girth position adjustable, so you can make it a better position on the horse's back. also, have you noticed, only the most expensive saddlemakers and sensation too, take into account thigh size when saddle fitting the rider, not just seat size. That is so critical for me!jmo Janice -- even good horses have bad days sometimes.
Re: [IceHorses] Specific Treed Saddle Review
>> find I can't seem to get out of a chair seat with the "hard use" I hate the hard use stirrups on my saddle and I also think they are a safety issue. With the loop right there...next to your foot/leg. Raven Lucy & Molly, the Girl Doggies Huginn & Dixie Chick, the Back Behind the Barn Ponies Maggie Rose, the cat who makes me sneeze http://www.myspace.com/iceponygoddess Respect ALL Earthlings. We are all animals of this planet. We are all creatures.
Re: [IceHorses] Specific Treed Saddle Review
>> am disappointed Reactor Panel was not there. But something tells me the basics of that are the same as the ones I looked at. Keep in mind that with the RP saddle that the panels are not permanently attached to the saddle. They are secured to the saddle with four rubberized disks and velcor. So...you do not have the bolt pressure points. Raven Lucy & Molly, the Girl Doggies Huginn & Dixie Chick, the Back Behind the Barn Ponies Maggie Rose, the cat who makes me sneeze http://www.myspace.com/iceponygoddess Respect ALL Earthlings. We are all animals of this planet. We are all creatures.
Re: [IceHorses] Specific Treed Saddle Review
>> Specialized Saddle I saw this saddle when it first hit the market. At the time I was not impressed with neoprene shims. One of my friends had the saddle and every time she pulled it off her arab the shims peeled off. I bet they have changed tha a bit since then. I see on the web site that he has a infra red comparion to what he calls Flex Saddles, but he only "tested" the Orthroflex, which was known to have bolt pressure spots. >> Native Spirit Saddlery Interesting. I have never of of this make. They are from WI...maybe they will be at the MN Horse Expo. >>In the front, on the pommel, there is a screw (?) for an allen wrench that allows you to adjust the gullet while riding (if need be) does this adjust the entire gullet...from front to back? Or only the section over the withers? In order for a gullet to fit the horse, it also needs to fit the entire spine area under the saddle, not just the withers. >> Timberline Saddles: This saddle takes what was good about the original Ortho-flex saddles and made their own company yep...flex panel saddles. boy...they even look like OF and American Flex saddles. >>If you look at the pic I took head on of the black english saddle I must have missed the email with your photos. >>wanted to look at Reactor Panel Saddles, but they were not there. Well...shoot. Raven Lucy & Molly, the Girl Doggies Huginn & Dixie Chick, the Back Behind the Barn Ponies Maggie Rose, the cat who makes me sneeze http://www.myspace.com/iceponygoddess Respect ALL Earthlings. We are all animals of this planet. We are all creatures.
Re: [IceHorses] Specific Treed Saddle Review
--- Renee Martin <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: >> Did you get a chance to see what the wide tree looked like in the Specialized? Did they give any examples of the breed or "type" this saddle tree tends to fit?<< It was made for the drafts, but I do know one Icey in it. >> Also, did this saddle have a "Y" type girthing arrangement?How long was the Euro or English model overall? Did you happen to measure that while you were there?<< I can't find those in my notes. Go to the sight, here is the link again: http://www.lostjuniperranch.com/ Her name is Carol, and she is great and will answer all your questions. There is also a new yahoo group just for Specialized Saddles. >> I don't think I could swing the $2,000 native spirit price tag. << I know, I fell in love with that saddle, tho. The endurance model. The english model did nothing for me, and I usually prefer the english style. >> You know, I think an ideal saddle might be the flexibility and pommel adjustability of the Native Spirit saddle married with the neoprene shimming system of the Specialized. << H, too bad I'm not a saddle maker : ) Susan in NV http://desertduty.blogspot.com/ Riding for Breast Cancer Awareness Nevermore Ranch http://users.oasisol.com/nevermore/ Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your home page. http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs
Re: [IceHorses] Specific Treed Saddle Review
> Specialized Saddle: This saddle comes in 3 different trees: mule, regular and wide. Susan, Good video! Did you get a chance to see what the wide tree looked like in the Specialized? Did they give any examples of the breed or "type" this saddle tree tends to fit?Also, did this saddle have a "Y" type girthing arrangement?How long was the Euro or English model overall? Did you happen to measure that while you were there? I wasn't that interested in the native spirit saddles until I watched your video and saw the flexibility in the front -- wow. . . . that got my attention. I had a saddle VERY much like that in style that I liked, but it wasn't flexible and ultimately, not wide enough for Soley.But I don't think I could swing the $2,000 native spirit price tag.Sigh. You know, I think an ideal saddle might be the flexibility and pommel adjustability of the Native Spirit saddle married with the neoprene shimming system of the Specialized. : ) -- Renee M. in Michigan -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.21.3/1306 - Release Date: 03/01/2008 5:41 PM
Re: [IceHorses] Specific Treed Saddle Review
If I wasn't getting a big box in the mail, I was taking one to the post office I'm expecting our UPS man to ask what exactly we're dealing. Nancy
Re: [IceHorses] Specific Treed Saddle Review
> That's fine. After all, we have all been down the > saddle fit route, and as I told one saddle person, > this will be my last saddle purchase or I will be > heading to divorce court!!! SNORT! Ohmygosh, can I relate to that!!I think Tim was about to do an intervention and drag me to Saddlaholics Anonymous. If I wasn't getting a big box in the mail, I was taking one to the post office after selling it (at a loss often times) on ebay. -- Renee M. in Michigan -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.21.2/1305 - Release Date: 02/29/2008 6:32 PM
Re: [IceHorses] Specific Treed Saddle Review
Thanks so much for writing this stuff up for us Susan! I am finding it VERY helpful and good information to have first hand. I think we're about the same size too, so that's helpful as well. : )I am going to be visiting the links you included and looking at these saddles tonight. I too, like my Sensation, but there are things about it I would change, and I find I can't seem to get out of a chair seat with the "hard use" stirrup configuration for some reason. I haven't noticed other people having this problem, so I don't know what *my* problem is. . . When I'm bareback or in a dressage-type saddle, I don't notice this happening at all. Anyway, I need to pick up a second saddle before summer as a friend is supposed to help me keep the horses ridden this summer, and I'm basically down to the Sensation and a Wintec Wide (draft) dressage that I'm not sure fits Soley as well as I'd like it to.So. . . here I go again down the saddle fitting trail. -- Renee M. in Michigan -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.21.2/1305 - Release Date: 02/29/2008 6:32 PM
Re: [IceHorses] Specific Treed Saddle Review
--- Judy Ryder <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: >> Did you post it to your blog?<< Not yet, but I will. It was originally just to be for me and Nancy, but I thought everybody might be interested in some of the options that would work for our Iceys. I am disappointed Reactor Panel was not there. But something tells me the basics of that are the same as the ones I looked at. >> If OK with you, I will also make a page on the site so that everyone has access to the info.<< That's fine. After all, we have all been down the saddle fit route, and as I told one saddle person, this will be my last saddle purchase or I will be heading to divorce court!!! Susan in NV http://desertduty.blogspot.com/ Riding for Breast Cancer Awareness Nevermore Ranch http://users.oasisol.com/nevermore/ Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ
Re: [IceHorses] Specific Treed Saddle Review
--- Pat Grimmer <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: >> I have been contemplating a treed saddle. << I would ride mine in any of those that I listed. Now to decide which one?? I will say, they AIN'T cheap. Anywhere from $1200 to $2500. BUT, if it's the last saddle you buy and fits more that one horse, it is worth it. Susan in NV http://desertduty.blogspot.com/ Riding for Breast Cancer Awareness Nevermore Ranch http://users.oasisol.com/nevermore/ Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your home page. http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs
Re: [IceHorses] Specific Treed Saddle Review
--- Nancy Sturm <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: >> He rides a Boz saddle and she rides a Specialized . ... We had a saddle fitter out not long ago. The one saddle fit that he approved of was the Specialized Bev also has an Ortho-flex, which she says is more comfortable than her Specialized.<< Because of the mechanics of the Boz and the Timberline (similar to the Ortho-Flex), was saddle fit checked with or without the rider. It seems to me it will not conform to the horse without the weight of the rider. I have to say, the Timberline was at the top of MY comfort. I do have to say, when I got home last night, I was soo confused about what I wanted. You can order an extra padded seat in the Specialized, tho. Susan in NV http://desertduty.blogspot.com/ Riding for Breast Cancer Awareness Nevermore Ranch http://users.oasisol.com/nevermore/ Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ
Re: [IceHorses] Specific Treed Saddle Review
> Here is the URL of the videos/pictures I took: > http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCrBYV53l2Y > > I want people to know that there ARE options out there > for people who want a treed saddle. Good job, Susan, putting all the info together! Did you post it to your blog? If OK with you, I will also make a page on the site so that everyone has access to the info. Thanks! Judy http://iceryder.net http://clickryder.com
Re: [IceHorses] Specific Treed Saddle Review
Thanks Susan... This is some very good information. I have been contemplating a treed saddle. I only have one that fits my most round Icey and my son usually uses it when we go as a family. However, sometimes my grandkids bring along a friend that may not have the best of riding skills (as in beginner) and it would be nice to have a saddle that has a tree for them to use. Pat G., in MN -
Re: [IceHorses] Specific Treed Saddle Review
Thank you Susan. I went riding this morning with the Hoohendyks. He rides a Boz saddle and she rides a Specialized . She says that even though she uses a gel pad over the seat of the Specialized, it is not as comfortable as her Tucker endurance saddle. We had a saddle fitter out not long ago. The one saddle fit that he approved of was the Specialized. I'm assuming that was because it was shimmed to fit the horse. Bev also has an Ortho-flex, which she says is more comfortable than her Specialized. Nancy
