Carol and Gobi
An RP For Every Discipline

I bought my first ReactorPanel saddle (the Elegance dressage saddle) around the time I bought my new horse, and we both loved it. But I was really uncertain about getting a ReactorPanel jumping saddle. I just didn't know how it would feel to jump bigger jumps in the RP - would I feel too much movement? would the saddle catapult me forward? would it drift around the horse's back? would I feel too high off of the horse? So for a while I stubbornly stuck with my old close contact saddle for jumping, which I felt secure and comfortable in.

Then I started to notice white hairs appearing on the side of my horse's withers, and a conventional-saddle fitter diagnosed problems with our saddle fit. She made some adjustments, but I could see that the hairs weren't going away and the sweat patterns also revealed pressure points there. So if I stuck with conventional saddles, it was clear I was going to have to buy a wider one. In addition, I didn't like having to rely on a saddle fitter to come periodically to "fix" my saddle. So, it was time to try out the RP jumping saddles.

Carmi sent me out a demo model, which I liked well enough to continue. Then, after I explained what I wanted in more detail to Carmi and my RP saddle fitter, Melissa Whitney (and we took more measurements), they sent me the Esprit H/J model. I loved it from the very first time I sat in it! In complete contrast to my fears, I felt totally secure in the saddle and very balanced in the middle of my horse even over higher jumps. I felt the little bit of softness and "give" in the panels and saddle actually helped keep me solidly connected to my horse and made for softer, more forward landings. So, decision made! I am now the proud owner of two ReactorPanel saddles, and I think both of us like the jumping saddle the best!

Carol Federighi and Gobi
Virginia

Elegance Dressage Saddle and Esprit Hunter/Jumper Saddle