updated 07/10/08

Flex Panel Saddles by R. L. Watson

Frequently Asked Questions

Please Click on the Question to see answer

• Why is a flex panel saddle better than a flex tree saddle?

• You do not recommend "Booties" or  "Socks" for your saddles, Why?

• Do the mounting points on flex panel systems cause pressure points?

• What makes your saddles so comfortable that you can ride as many miles as you do?

• Will your saddles work on gaited horses?

• I recently had a saddle custom made by another saddle company. It was measured and fitted to suit my horse, but 6 months later is it not fitting.  Why?

• Another Flex Panel Saddle Company offers a wide gullet, Why don't you?

• Why isn't my present saddle good enough?

• You have raised your prices, WHY?

• Your Flex Panel Saddle prices are still less than others, WHY?

• Who makes your saddles?

• How are your Saddles constructed?

• What is a flex panel system and how does it work?

• How are your fenders attached?

• Imported flex panel saddles Dealers say their panel must be replaced every TWO years; Do your panels need to be replaced?

• What is adjustable rigging?

• Will these saddles fit my horse?

• What pad do you recommend?

• How do I know what kind of saddle is right for me?

• What choices do I get in my custom saddle?

• How long will it take to build my saddle?

• What is my warranty?

• Is there other information I should know about your saddle maker or you as a dealer?

• I'm convinced, How do I order a saddle?

Why is a flex panel saddle better than a fixed tree saddle?

Flexible tree saddles bars are made from various materials, plywood, rubber, and other combined methods. When the tree is bare the bars will flex but the pommel (fork) and Cantle are still in a rigid position. Once the saddle is covered in leather, it has very limited flexing and the bars, fork and cantle dig in just as a standard saddle tree. Fitting of this type of saddle is good only at the initial fitting.

Horses are like Athletes, they change shape on a continual basis. Research has shown that a horse being ridden 20-40 miles can loss between 5% - 7% of its own body weight. The largest weight loss takes place in the first 10 miles. Unlike flexible tree saddles, our FLEX PANEL SYSTEM SADDLEs adapt to the changing shape of your horse through the riding season alleviating the need to replace your saddle due to fitting problems.

Unlike a flex tree saddle, where the bars are sitting directly on the horse's back, the trees of our saddles are mounted on panels. These flexible panels not only contour themselves to the width of the horse but, because they flex, they "open and close" for the horse's shoulder (scapula) to move underneath. This makes these saddles more comfortable for the horse than a rigid tree. Not only does it provide comfort for the horse, but the rider will also notice a reduction in side-to-side movement, instead of the horse's shoulder bumping the tree and causing the saddle to be pushed from side to side, the panel "opens" for the horse's shoulder, which lets the saddle remain more stable. This can greatly help riders with knee, hip, or back problems, since it eliminates the "walking" motion many riders experience in a traditional saddle. (back to top)

You do not recommend "Booties" or "Saddle Sox's" for your saddles, Why?

Booties are an old Ortho-Flex item that we found caused loin friction rubbing.  After studying the effects we found they did not warrant usage.  In addition to loin rubbing they interfere with the flex panel action and did not to allow them to work at their fullest range. (the material on the side nearest the tree creates a wedge effect)  Also the synthetic wool or wool fleece allow the saddle to slip when they are wet. After researching many pads we found that the SaddleRight© offers the best protection.  Your pad should not be more that 3/4 of an inch thick and wool felt (not fleece) next to your horse offers the best contact, SaddleRight© fits all of this.  (back to top)

Do the mounting points on the flex panel systems cause pressure points?

This is one of the oldest MYTHS about flex panel saddles.  Our pivot (mounting points) are made to distribute the weight of the rider evenly over the entire panel surface.  Our panel system has been in use over 18 years and we have personally ridden with them for over 50,000 miles.  None of our horses have ever suffered a sore back or white spots from our saddles.  There are some companies who are new in the flex panel business that use special adjustable mounting screws that will cause problems when not adjusted properly (breakage is one of them).  Our mounting system is maintenance free, will not break and does not require any adjustments.  If you use this formula you will see just how much pressure is on your horses back with one of our flex panel systems. The panel surface is approximately 400 square inches, so you divide your weight by 400.  This will give you your approximate weight per square inch on the horses back.  Example: a  250 pound rider    250 ÷ 400 = .6th's of a pound per square inch.  A standard tree built saddle has an average of 48 square inches of surface.  250 ÷ 8 = 5.2 pounds per square inch .  (back to top)

What makes your saddles so comfortable that you can ride as many miles as you do?

It is a combination of things.  First the flex panel system of our saddles fit the horse so they are comfortable and can enjoy the pleasure of being out and having fun.  Second our saddles fit the riders. When you order a saddle we ask you for information that will make your personal saddle perfect for you.   If the saddle fits you, you are going to be comfortable.  Last the seats have 1" of memory foam and the saddle is constructed of quality soft leather making it the most comfortable in the industry.  All of this gives us the most comfortable ride possible.  Read our customer comments and then try one for yourself and your equine friend.  You will experience one of the best rides ever. (back to top)

Will your saddles work on gaited horses?

Our FLEX PANEL SADDLE adapt to the shape of almost all horses.  It does not matter what breed they are.  We have fit them to almost every breed.  Gaited horses may show improvement in their gait when using a flex panel saddle.  (back to top)

I recently had a saddle custom made by another saddle company. It was measured and fitted to suit my horse, but 6 months later is it not fitting.  Why?

Horses are like Athletes they change shape on a continual basis. Research has shown that a horse being ridden 20-40 miles can loss between 5% - 7% of its own body weight. The largest weight loss takes place in the first 10 miles.  Our FLEX PANEL SADDLE adapts to the changing shape of your horse through the riding season alleviating this frustrating, and very common problem. (back to top)

Another Flex Panel Saddle Company offers a wide gullet, Why don't you?

A wider gullet does not mean it fits better.  It is the angle and correct setting of the panels that make the correct fit.  Companies offering wide gullets use 3/8" spacers, or adjusters on the panels, thereby taking up space that would allow correct flexing of the panels.  A wider gullet can cause rubbing problems on the scapula and wither area.  Also the wider gullet saddle can not be used on other horses with narrow withers. (back to top)

Why isn't my present saddle good enough?

Traditional saddles use a rigid tree that is placed directly on the horses back (with a pad).  It may be great for the rider.  When the saddle is girthed to the horse and the rider is in place, it is equivalent to a splint on the horses spine.  It causes pressure and the horse's performance suffers.  Some quickly develop behavior problems, head tossing, inability to extend, bucking or outright resistance to being saddled or mounted. Some questions to ask yourself are:

• Does your horse not tolerate saddling, cinching or mounting?

• Bucks, Runs Away, Nips, Sidesteps, and Tosses head?

• Hollow-backed, Cold-backed, Dry spots under a wet blanket?

• Hard to girth?

• Does not travel down-hill well?

• Refuses jumps?

• Hard to catch?

• Stumbles frequently?

• Difficulty walking calmly?

• Quits working mid-season?

• Tacks-up more on one side than the other?

• Do his gaits appear uneven? (back to top)

We regret this matter and will be happy to answer any questions you may have.   (back to top)

We will be happy to answer any questions you may have.   (back to top)

Who makes your saddles?

Our saddles are hand built for us by Master Saddle Maker R. L. Watson.  He has over 30 years of experience.  He uses his own designs and special techniques in building his trees and flex panel systems.  Quality and affordability are at the top of  his list.   He custom builds the finest saddles and uses the highest quality materials available today.  (back to top)       

How are your Saddles constructed?

It all starts with a saddle tree made in the saddle makers own  tree factory.  A perfect saddle tree is the foundation for a perfect saddle.  He has over 30 years experience crafting trees for his saddles. 

He starts with solid wood and tools it on a duplicating lathe so each tree is exact. This ensures that the tree will be the same with every saddle he makes. Next, the epoxy resin ground seat is set in place and the entire tree is encased in fiberglass. This locks in the strength and durability. Once a tree is completed, he begins crafting your custom saddle.

Our saddle maker uses only the highest-grade USA cowhides. No lesser grade leathers are ever used. The cowhide for your saddle is dyed in vats to ensure consistent depth of color, then master leather carvers tool and/or carve your saddle. Top quality foams are used to form the perfect seat that will last the lifetime of the saddle and give you a fit that will be comfortable for hours of riding.  It will also be the envy of all your friends!

Every piece of leather is fit to the tree until the top of the saddle is finished. Now comes the part that makes these saddles different from all others: the specially designed flex panel system is attached to the tree. The flex panel system self adjust to fit your individual animal.  (back to top)

 What is a flex panel system and how does it work?

The flex panel system is made of a high polymer acetate called Delrin®. This space age product has the ability to flex and bend in all temperatures without taking a permanent shape. The single panel is encased in special materials between a cowhide leather top tooled to match your saddle and a real sheepskin fleece. It is then mounted to the bottom of the saddle tree in such a way that allows the panels to change pitch to accommodate for a higher withers, rounder top line, or for those shoulders that are fully developed. The panel flexes every time the animal moves or takes a step, conforming with each stride. This allows for a greater weight distribution than a traditional saddle. Other saddles can be made to fit a horse standing still... but who rides an animal standing still?  (back to top)

How are your fenders attached?

The fenders on our saddles are individually attached on hanger bars.  This gives you a very free swinging fender.  The attachment is at a point that gives you a balanced position for just setting back and enjoying your ride or you can post.  (back to top)

Do your panels need to be replaced?

NO! Not unless they are accidentally damaged.  Our flex panel systems are made of a single layer high polymer acetate called Delrin®. By using Minimum cutting we preserve the integrity of the Delrin® material.  It is not necessary to replace our panels.  We have been riding our personal Flex Panel Saddles for over twelve years (thousands of miles) and have not found a failure or degeneration of our panels.  A QUALITY Flex panel saddle should last many years with normal saddle leather maintenance.  

We have been told by a Dealer of IMPORTED flex panel saddles, that their saddles require replacing their panels every two years to perform correctly. (Theirs apparently break down and become to flexible causing injury to your horse)  This could be a very costly process around $400+ every two years.   Imported flex panel saddles contain many cuts and stacked pieces to make their system appear unique and more flexible.    (back to top)

What is adjustable rigging?

The adjustable rigging is one of the unique features on these saddles.  It allows you to set the saddle and girth in perfect alignment.  You can adjust it from approximately 7/8 rig to center fire with just a simple movement of the Conway buckles.  Because the rigging is dropped lower, it is less bulky under your leg and you will need a 4" to 6" shorter girth than you presently use.  We offer a quality girth at a very reasonable price.  (back to top)

Will these saddles fit my horse?

The flex panel system will fit MOST* of the horses or mules in the world.  There are some animals that are difficult to obtain a good saddle fit. These saddles solve the problem of hard to fit, high withered, short backed, flat backed and "mutton withered" horses.  We have fit saddles to mules and almost every breed of horses.  Our customers have ridden thousands of miles in flex panel system saddles and NEVER SORE THEIR HORSES BACKS. 

*You must use a saddle that dimensionally fits your animal.  See Saddle positioning at Helpful Information   (back to top) 

What pad do you recommend?

We recommend using a "SaddleRight®  pad"  with the felt liner.  The pad will help keep your saddle in place and the felt liner is easy to clean.  

The materials in the SaddleRight pads totally protect specific Neuro lymphatic reflex systems. SaddleRight formulated layers of this complex material that protect sensitive trigger points on horses' backs, even under strenuous competition. Constant pressure on these points will inflame certain muscle groups and create less effectiveness, especially pelvic girdle area (rear end), pulling with their forehand, favoring leads and diagonals, among other things. Other pads allow fluids & air (under pressure) move away from saddle bars creating MORE pressure allowing their materials to pack and compress flat, becoming hard and very ineffective.   (back to top)

How do I know what kind of saddle is right for me?

If you're reading this, you love to ride, that's a given! Some prefer the great outdoors, trail riding a scenic route with a group of friends. Others hunger for the speed and stamina of endurance. Possibly it's a show ring or arena you frequent doing western pleasure, roping, reining, or speed events.  We have a saddle for everyone's need.   We can help you decide on a model which will be perfect for your needs.  We will help if you need assistance, as you design that perfect saddle.

From the pony that carries our children to the long-eared mules that we love, even the high-stepping draft breeds, whether they are gaited or walk, trot and canter, none are too small nor too tall - we can fit them all!

We offer affordable saddles that will suit your needs and those of your equine friend. We specialize in some very unique saddles that you won't find anywhere else in the saddle industry.  (back to top)

What choices do I get in my custom saddle?

Flex Panel Saddles is not your ordinary saddle company, it is a "full custom" Saddlery. A better question may be: "What can't I do?" There are many options to choose from: many models, different horns or no horn, leather color(s), fender types, tooling and carving, choice of silver, choice of stirrup styles and types of hardware. The only restriction is that it does not interfere with the function and/or quality of the saddle.  You are limited only by your imagination!  It is your saddle and we believe you should get it the way you want it.  (back to top)

What is my warranty?

Our saddle maker is so proud of the integrity of his saddle trees that he gives them a LIFETIME GUARANTEE! If your tree breaks while on the horse they will replace it!  There is a one year warranty on workmanship and materials. If the saddle is the wrong size for you or your horse, he allows an exchange for a different size or model.  Please be aware that modifying the saddle or panels in anyway will void the warranty.  (back to top)

How long will it take to build my saddle?

Build time is different on each model and depends on the options you choose.  Each step in the construction of your saddle takes time and patience... the results are worth the wait!  If you don't have time to wait, visit our In Stock Items for Immediate Delivery.    (back to top)

Is there other information I should know about your saddle maker or you as a dealer?

 CLICK HERE You will taken to a new page with for this information.  (back to top)

I'm convinced, How do I order a saddle?

We are extremely proud of our experience in saddle fitting, love for horses and friendship with the people who ride them. Our years of experience enables us to advise you on the best saddle to fit your needs and those of your equine partner.  At times we have saddles in stock for immediate purchase, but we will always be happy to help you create and order that special "Saddle of your Dreams!" Go to our Helpful Information Page or to one of our saddle links on the left side bar. If you need help or have questions Email: jgranch@hughes.net, call or fax us.    (back to top)