WHY BUY RP SADDLES?: System Components

THE SADDLE PANELS

The flexible panels used with the ReactorPanel Saddle system are a sandwich composition of leather encasing closed-cell foams and Delrin® plastic. This combination distributes weight effectively while retaining the utmost flexibility.

Delrin® is impact-resistant, with dimensional stability and structural strength. The Delrin® plastic forming the structure of the saddle panel is die-cut in a pattern engineered to allow active, three-dimensional panel movement with the horse. Unlike other saddle panel systems using layers of Delrin®, the RP's single thickness, combined with proper tree size and shock-absorbing discs, provides unparalleled fit for the horse.

The RP's adjustable saddle panels sit on either side of the horse's back, completely avoiding the wither, spine, and spinous processes. The panels can be moved closer together or farther apart in the front and rear independently. ReactorPanel is the only flexible panel saddle that gives riders an almost unlimited ability to customize the entire gullet from pommel to cantle.

The five types of saddle panels come in different lengths and profiles to fit the greatest possible range of horses. Since the saddle panels detach completely from the saddle, panels can be changed easily if a different length or cut is needed for a new horse. For more information or to purchase panels, click here.



THE DISCS

Four shock-absorbing Sorbothane discs attach the RP's flexible panels to the saddle.

The discs come in three thicknesses, with nearly infinite repositioning to custom-fit the saddle. This combination allows changes in panel angles, so one saddle can easily be adjusted if necessary to accommodate extreme changes in your horse, or quite possibly, for a new horse. If you plan to use your saddle on more than one horse—and many people do—please be in touch with us for more information.

The discs provide two additional functions for the horse in motion. First, they flex as needed to accommodate the movement of the shoulder and loin. Simultaneously, they compress to absorb the shock of the rider's weight hitting the saddle. For example, consider the "sit" portion of the rising trot, the landing from a jump, or the instant in canter when the horse's back comes up and the rider's seat comes down. The ReactorPanel Saddle system works so well to protect the horse's back that horses who pin their ears under saddle commonly shed this habit, sometimes during their first ride under a ReactorPanel Saddle. For more information, or to purchase discs, click here.