Ortho-Flex
Cutback
Show Saddles
Manufacturer: Ortho-Flex
Model: Cutback
Category: Show Saddles
Purchase: Got at endurance ride New from Otho-Flex dealer for $1,695. I needed a better fitting saddle. I was using a borrowed Otho-Flex of the same Cutback model that was older (the owner of the old model wanted $1,800 for his used saddle)and it's panels needed repaired. The saddle I borrowed fit me great but the panels were too long for my short backed arab. The new Ortho-Flex was cheaper, did not need fixed, had shorter panels, was newer technology, and I thought they were going to be the same fit for me.
Likes: Great quality seems to be a good fit for some hoses with flat backs. The original owners had a great idea and made great saddles. They are very popular. The older model fit me great and I never got sore any place on a 50 mile ride that took about 6.5 hours (I could have went more). Did not touch my horses spine at all and there was great air movement throughout the center/spine of the saddle. It is very much like riding in a english saddle and has really great thigh blocks. Has a very soft seat too.
Dislikes: The newer mode did not fit me at all. I ended up hating the saddle and could not get it out the door fast enough. I got my money back since the company is so popular. It also pinched my horses withers and caused back soreness. It just didn't fit my horse or me. The saddle sat high on the horse, so much for a close contact feel there are many layers of leather and panels and bolts between you and the horse. Just because there are panels bolted to the tree that does not mean the tree does not have to fit your horse anymore. It still has a shape that affects how the panels move.
Quality: Very very good. If this saddle fits you and your horse well you will never have to buy another, this saddle will last many many years.
Summary: Basically a flat surface such as a panel is not going to fit a curved surface such as your horses back. The panels bend some but if your horse has a dip behind the wither/shoulder than your going to have some trouble here. These saddle are of great quality but are highly price as are most well made saddles.
Rating: 2
Author: endurance equine
Date: 2007-10-15
Usefulness Rating: 5 out of 5.
3 reader(s) voted.
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