True, they do look like a lot of hype.  I'm still picking through the site.  What he says about bridging is really interesting.  The horse's back comes up at least an inch when walking, and more when going faster, bending or turning.  If the bars of the saddle have too much curve, the center of the horse's back comes up and hits the bars of the saddle. So bridging is really not all that bad, you evidently want a bit of a straighter bar and a little gap to allow the horse's back to rise.  It basically looks like a glorified shim system.  I liked all the photos of the saddle trees, it really gives some insight as to what's inside your saddle and how it sits (or is supposed to sit) on the horse.

Amanda

I'd sell the saddle instead of constantly messing with padding. Typically no amount of padding will correct a poor fit long term.

A Flex panel saddle may alliviate your issue of the horses body changing as his condition changes. RL Watson and Timberline make flex panel saddles. The older Orthoflex saddles are good also.

As far as Les and the Corrector, I don't think there is much stock in his claims as he bashes the very design he created and then when he bankrupt the Orthoflex company and sold the name does he come out of the wood work and say bad things about them. Richard Watson (RL) and Rick Bousefield of Huckleberry Stables both worked for Les and Orthoflex. They would be able to answer questions about flex panel saddles as well as the Corrector pad.

Also Several dealers of Timberline will let you try before you buy to make sure the saddle will work for you.

If you do end up going the saddle route I highly recommend http://www.dixielandgaitedsaddles.com/

Don't let gaited saddles in the name keep you from checking them out.  They use fit forms to fit your horse for the proper tree and they have several clients that do not ride gaited horses and even one who is a team penner.

I just recently ordered my saddle and Cynthia was great in fitting my high withered TWH, while I took my horse to her she will send you the forms and instructions on how to fit your horse.  Good luck with your search!

JacciB

I had a Dixieland gaited saddle and sold it because of the weight. I had a western style round skirt and it weighed 28 pounds. I also did not care for the very stiff stirrup leathers and the rise in the seat was too high and became uncomfortable when my mare went into a running walk. Fit her great, it was pain to me.

My husband still rides in his though and is able to heft it on to his horse. They are very well made saddles.

Even with a form fitted tree it does not mean that it will fit if the body conditions changes due to exercise or lack there of later on. Also if the horse is very young and then matures, a form fitted saddle may need to be sold and then you are back to square one in finding another fit.

A fiend of mine had a heck of a time fitting a short backed horse whose body condition changed a lot. He is ridden regularly 5-6 days a week. She tried just about every pad combination trying to fix a shoulder pressure issue. She ordered a RL Watson and has been using it for several months. She does Competitive trail... very rigourous riding in my opinion. So far so good and a happy horse.

I think you will see a great improvement in your horse if you find a saddle that fits the horses body. There are numerous companies out there like Dixieland that will ship you trees to try on the horse. Dixieland trees are made my Steele, so you can contact them directly with fitting questions too. I know this can be a pain. I went through 4 different saddles to fit my MFT and one that was comfortable for me.

With a competitive discipline that you are in, the comfort of your horse is very important in it's ability to excel and perform well as I'm sure you know.Good luck on your saddle fit quest.

If you are referring to the 5 Star - for one thing, they include a new dry cleaning sponge w/every new pad.  If you use it to brush off dried sweat & hair, it really helps.   When you do need to wash it, they wash very nicely w/a pressure washer & plain cold water.  We take ours to the carwash.  There is a right & wrong way to dry them.  You are correct - you would not want to leave them forever to get stiff & crusty.  With the 5 Stars having the amount of virgin wool they have in them (the most of ANY wool pad), they are a nice soft pad that is easy to clean & also has the highest compression & concussion rating of all of them.