Ortho Flex Saddles?

[Sandy]

I was wondering what people thought about these saddles? Local tack
store has an used saddle for sale that I really liked when I sat in
it. I believe it is an older saddle - was reading about how the
company changed hands and all. Looked around on the internet and saw
some mixed reviews. Just wasn't sure what to think about them, esp
after reading the corrector website. Would rather not buy a saddle
and then have to spend money on it to "fix" it.

Thanks!
Sandy

[stephanie teeter]

I love the older OF cutback models - some of the other models I never did like. I did several thousand miles on my old cutback - but when the panel cracked I had them replace the old panels with the 'new and improved' panel system, it never was the same. If I found a good deal on an original cutback I'd take it!

Steph

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[Sandy]

Someone asked me about the corrector website that I mentioned; it is
at http://thecorrector.net/

Steph, did you have the new panels put on by Ortho Flex or by Len
Brown?

[Ranch]

Pass on to Sandy:

 

1. If the name plate says Nevada, MO it is an older OF.
2. It may or may not have the original panels.  If the original panels are not cracked they will be great.  Len's replacements were essentially the same, just a smidge shorter.
3. Between Wendy and I we have 3 Len Brown Endurance Cutback, one OF Featherlite, and a couple of old western or Austrialian saddles.   Does this tell you we like OF?
4. We had two Endurance Cutbacks repaired and updated by ElDorado Saddlery.  His new rigging (which is quite similar to Len Brown's original before he put the billets on the skirt) is adjustable (forth and back) and is great. Wendy has a horse that needs the girth to be an inch or so more to the rear than Len Brown placed it.   Wendy finds his new more flexible panels fine.  I have one horse that I have had a few pressure problems because of my weight and the horse's back conformation.  I now use #3 Endurance Cutback on him with Len Brown gen 2 panels and Len Brown in skirt rigging. 
5. All saddle makers tend to tear down the competition.  Actually Len Brown is no exception.  Now he spends much energy telling everyone how his pads are better than the saddles he sold previously.  I find this a bit humorous, especially since his original panel saddle patent had to write around a pad patent (Germany, pre WWII if I remember correctly) quite similar to the pad he now sells
6. You can also find riders that say OF old or new are trash.  The same holds for any other saddle.

My bottom line:  If a Len Brown Endurance Cutback appeals to you, buy it.  It is the only way you can be sure that it works for you.  Avoid excessive use, your results may vary, closed course etc.

Ed

Ed & Wendy Hauser
2994 Mittower Road
Victor, MT 59875

[Jonni]

On May 9, 2:16 pm, "Ranch" <ra...@sisuwest.us> wrote:
> Pass on to Sandy:
>
>   1.. If the name plate says Nevada, MO it is an older OF.<<<

But, right before Len let the company go, he made a bunch of saddles
than some tack stores carried in stock. While some might consider it
"older" because it is from Nevada MO, and made around 1993 or so
(memory not so good when we got it), the panels were crap, and not
just hurt horses, but damaged their backs. So do not count on it
being one of the "old, good ones" many talk about, just because it
came form the days of Len Brown having the company. The SN on the ID
tag will kind of let you know how old it is by how low the serial
number is, as per modle.

Jonni

[David De La Rosa]

Hi Sandy,
I bought my Orthoflex Endurance Cutback from Becky Hart about 20 years
ago and I LOVE it. It can be adjusted to almost any horses back and
the weight distribution panels are excellent. I've never had a sore
back on any horse with this saddle and the riders seat is very
comfortable.
This was my 5th and last saddle I hope to buy.
David