Amy Oh and Ian
Dressage

I shopped for a saddle for Ian for 6 months to no avail. Finally, after a professional fitter blessed one, I settled on a saddle. But, a month after I purchased it, Ian was sore. So the fitter came back and adjusted the flocking. Two weeks later, Ian was even more sore.

During this time, Ian was really difficult to work with under saddle. Unfortunately, because he was my first horse, I didn't recognize his behavioral issues as discomfort. My trainer at the time said I should send him to a cowboy for an ‘attitude adjustment’. But I knew in my heart that Ian wasn´t being "bad´, it was something else.

So, I called the vet. He diagnosed him as being very sore in the back most likely due to the saddle. I cried thinking of how much pain I put him through and how I had gotten after him for being "bad". I gave Ian a month off to heal. That´s when I called ReactorPanel and spoke with Carmi. I was at wits end. I didn't want to put Ian through another saddle that didn´t fit. She recommended I get my hands on an impression pad. So, I ordered one that night. When I got it and tried my saddle, I realized that the fitter flocked the exact OPPOSITE areas of the saddle that needed adjusting! I couldn't believe it! That's when I called Carmi back and asked if I could try an RP.

When I got the RP, my trainer (a new one) was very leery. She had seen her share of gimmicks and wasn't very optimistic. Boy was she surprised. She could not believe how well he moved in it.

I tried the RP saddle for a month and then leased it for two more. I wanted to make absolutely sure Ian wasn’t going to end up sore again. Carmi and Lisa were so patient and helpful! After 3 months, I felt really good about buying the saddle! It took 18 months, but I finally had a saddle that was comfortable for my horse.

It's been almost three years now and have made several adjustments to the saddle to allow for his muscle growth. I have to admit, I do try other saddles from time to time- just to check- and every time I wonder why I bothered because Ian immediately reacts and not in a good way. :)

Amy Oh
Portland, Oregon
Dressage

See RP Dressage Saddles