reactor panel saddle

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SouthWestWhippet

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i rode in one of these last night - the Lucinda McAlpine dressage saddle to be exact -as I was lucky enough to have a lesson with Lucinda and she brought her own saddles for us to use. I found it amazing; I could really feel when my pony lifted up and worked through his back.

They are seriously quite pricey though so I was wondering if anyone had any experiences, positive or negative, of these saddles before I grit my teeth and start raiding my savings
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I know loads of endurance folk who use them. They work on the same principle as the Ortho-flexes (which were the original ones to develop the flex panel system) and Free n'Easy saddles.

I've only ever ridden in an Ortho-flex put personally don't like them. I think they're heavy and I don't like the four metal fixing points that fix the panels to the seat - pressure tests have shown these four points exert uneven pressure in some circumstances. I also worry that the panels can be too long for short backed horses and can rub the loins if you're not careful.

However as I said many endurance folk use them and many champions and 100 mile race winners have done so in Free n'Easy's and Reactor panels - so they certainly work for a lot of people.
 
I have two Reactorpanel saddles and one Free and Easy and absolutely love them, both for myself and the horses (2 short backed Arabs and a short-backed TBxAndalusian). The forward shape of the panels means that the shoulder moves freely underneath the panels, with no restriction to the shoulder action, whereas with many (I'm not saying all) standard treed saddles, it is possible for the scapula as it moves back to constantly bang against the front edge of the saddles.

Being fully adjustable, they can be altered as required as the horse's weight/muscular development fluctuates.

As someone above said, a lot of endurance people use them - and I'm one of those endurance people. I've found them extremely comfortable on long rides and can honestly say I haven't had any back problems with my horses either.

Yes, I agree they are heavy, but that is the only drawback as far as I am concerned.

I have had all of mine RP/FNE saddles for 3 years or more, and am not looking to buy anymore saddles in the forseeable future, however if I were to buy another saddle my first choice would certainly be another RP.

I guess that for a reasonable second hand RP you'd be looking at about £800. There aren't that many second hand ones about though. Free and Easy's about the same, however FNE also used to do a more basic model (might be called "Trekker"???) which you might be able to get an older, but still sound saddle second hand for £300 - £400.
 
Hi - I have a really old Orthoflex which is similar technology from what I can gather. Like riding in an armchair and even better it actually stays put on our barrel shaped witherless Dales pony! Looks odd and is very heavy but extremely comfy.
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If you are an adult with a pony you should try looking at the Pony Riders Association - set up for adults with ponies. Website down for revamp at present but you can mail them at secretary@ponyriders.org.uk

Best of luck
 
After trawling through several different saddles I have now got an RP and adore it!!
I have had it for 4 years. It gives me no trouble at all and is well worth every penny.

I know of several very happy RP owners.

How did your lesson with Lucinda go? What did you work on etc?
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