Reactor-panel Saddle Versus Treeless?

[quinn]

Hi would just like to add, My reactor panel is brilliant, I'm really happy with it, I've had no problems, It fits all my four horses, without having to change anything, they move more freely in it, it is an arm chair to sit in, has helped my lower back pain no end and you feel very secure, I can feel the movement of my horses far more through this saddle, than in any other saddle I have ever tried (and I've tried a few) and its done wonders for my old boys back, who has muscle wastage due to old age, he is enjoying hacking out once again, he had objected to half treed and treeless saddles in the past because they touch his spine.

Anne

[kimdouglas]

I am currently awaiting the arrival of the RP Summit VSD model and I cant wait!! I've been down the treeless road and tried the Fhoenix and the London, she was not happy in either of them. Any of the treed saddles ive tried are blocking her movement too much.  I'm hoping that the versatility of this saddle is going to be 'the one'... either that or i'm going to be divorced!! :(

Do any of you RP fans have this model and if so how do you find it??

Also do you use an RP girth and pad or different ones??

Thanks!!
Kim

[JaneF]

I have the Summit, and I love it.  It's a versatile design that is comfortable for long rides with a basic dressage seat, but has enough of a forward flap for low jumps.

I have the medium billets.  I use both an RP girth and an anatomical girth for those with very forward girth pockets.

Edited to add:

I use the RP wool blend bottom/cordura top shaped pads.  I'm not showing, so I'm picking strictly for function/ease of use.  I like these pads for durability and horse comfort.  They do a good job in both hot and cold weather.

[quinn]

Hi Kim

  I have one of the older GP ones, I use an ordinary leather girth which is fine, I like the design of the RP girths but thought they were a bit expensive. I use the RP pads as I've found other pads do not fit as well and can put pressure on the spine, and have found that the half sheepskin ones are better than the cotton ones and well worth the money, I like the sound of your vsd RP let us know how you get on.

Anne

[Natural Dressage]

Jane F,

Thanks for the RP clarification, that is a little better knowing the rider is not totally suspended.  It did not look like that in picturse I saw, but that was just sitting there without a rider in the saddle and I had seen orthoflex models in person, so that was kind of the picture I had.  Very interesting concept, not convinced yet I would want to try, but I think a variety of ideas and innovation are great and will prove or disprove themselves in the end if allowed to be looked at objectively  

[kimdouglas]

Hi,

Well...the RP saddle fitter flew into Dublin today and fitted my mare with her new Reactor panel Summit VSD saddle.  It's a beauty!!

My arena is like bogland with all the rain we've had in the last 2 weeks so just about managed 15 mins of walk trot and canter.  He made several adjustments which gave me the opportunity to practise my mounting and dismounting :lol: and each time it felt better and better.  By the time he had finished the saddle felt totally secure, very comfortable and most importantly my pony seemed happy.  She is very animated and is quick to let me know if she's not happy, but, we had ears forward, no tail swishing, good movement and all in a boggy arena with rain pelting on her!!

I have an hour lesson booked tomorrow so this will really tell a lot.  I'm impressed so far....

Bestest