Saddles often seem to be one of the most overlooked investments we make for our horses. We buy our horses with dreams of riding far and wide, chasing adventure as the miles fly beneath us. We spend on the horse, the truck, the trailer, the vet care, the bodywork, and the chiropractic sessions. Yet, all too often, the one thing riders don’t budget for is a properly fitting saddle, for both their horse and themselves.
I’ve spent my entire life around horses in one way or another, and in that time, I’ve watched the industry grow and change — some changes for the better, and some that leave me scratching my head. But one area that has seen the least amount of meaningful innovation is saddles. Orthoflex started something good, Hillview Farms brought it into the 21st century, and now I’m carrying that torch, building quality saddles while helping riders and horses find solutions that keep them happier, more comfortable, and riding longer.
This is where I share my experiences, thoughts, and philosophies, all shaped by a lifetime spent in the saddle and beside the horse.
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The Saddle Struggle: Why Finding the Right Fit Feels Impossible
If you’ve ever spent months—or even years—searching for a saddle that actually fits your horse, you know the feeling. The frustration. The second-guessing. Even the guilt, wondering if you’re doing something wrong. Many riders come to me after trying saddle after saddle, each one leaving pressure points, white hairs, or a horse that refuses to…
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Get to Know the Saddler
My Background How I Started in Horses My education in the world of horses started when I was a child, the tender age of 7. Dad went out of town on business. So my mother took it upon herself to ask for forgiveness rather than permission to get me my first horse. When my dad…
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The Kerry
On the Endurance Tree Mixed with Western Charm Designed, Constructed & Article Written by Tracy P. (Apprentice) This saddle is named after a very long time friend and leatherworker who passed away early in 2023. Double T Leather Works Double T Leather Works was owned and operated by Kerry Wilcox, I met him while…
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Navigating the Heartache of Letting Go
End-of-Life Decisions for Your Beloved Animals While our focus here is usually on saddles, there comes a time in every horse, dog, cat, or any pet owner’s journey when we must make difficult choices regarding their well-being. We understand that as caretakers and loving owners of these wonderful creatures, we will inevitably encounter the challenging…
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The True Value of a Well-Fitting Saddle
Introduction: The Cost vs. Value Dilemma Investing in a well-fitting saddle is a critical decision, yet often overshadowed by other expenses in the equestrian world. Riders and horse owners are willing to spare no expense on their horses, from chiropractic care to massage therapy and vet bills. They diligently address elusive issues causing behavioral problems…
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Understanding Washing Machines and Caring for Saddle Sox
Not All Washing Machines are Created Equal It’s important to recognize that different washing machines have distinct functionalities. While this may seem like common knowledge, what might not be immediately evident is the potential harm that eco-friendly washing machines can cause to items like Saddle Sox, wool saddle rugs, and pads. Traditional Top-Loaders vs. Eco-Friendly…
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Final Preparations and the Event
Leading up to the race weekend, we undertook a final dress rehearsal to ensure we were fully prepared for the big day’s momentum and the challenges it might bring. Our preparations included assembling at the scenic Big Eau Plaine County Park, undergoing check-ins, vetting procedures, trotting out, and embarking on our initial loop. Upon returning…
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Miles…
I’ve been told that as you put on more miles even the most mild mannered horses will spook and you’re going to fall off. I have to admit in the miles that I have done on my most recent horses were relatively fall free. Needless to say it has been a few years since I…
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Pace Yourself
When conditioning your horse, it’s important to understand that you won’t maintain the same pace as you would in a race. We recently embarked on a conditioning ride, averaging around 4 miles per hour. This exercise was designed to give us a feel for setting a pace during longer trail rides. Establishing a suitable pace…
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A Training Ride
I’ve pondered the question of my riding prowess: how fit am I, really? Regrettably, I must admit that I fall into the realm of average. At the ripe age of 50, I can no longer claim the agility of my high school days. Those memories have become distant echoes. However, I don’t lead a sedentary…
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My Hard to Fit Horse
My Journey Starts I had a hard to fit horse, I have probably always had hard to fit horses, still do! I just know more now than I did then. That is the beauty of the equine industry, no matter which part you participate in. There is always something knew to learn. Dixie is where…
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Conditioning for Endurance
Conditioning – Just Riding? You would think that it is just about riding your horse and getting them and you fit enough to complete the ride. But there is so much more such as, finishing the designated miles in the designated time limits, with excellent metabolic recovery rates. I am no expert, I am a…
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How to Palpate Your Horse
Have you ever been curious about how to palpate your horse? If so, you’re in luck! In this series of videos, Cathy will guide you through the process of performing a full body palpation on your own horse. Palpating your horse before you ride serves as an essential baseline assessment, allowing you to compare subsequent…
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Saddle Fitting is a Science and an Art
Saddle fitting is both a science and an art, requiring careful consideration for both the horse and the rider. It’s important to understand that horses and riders undergo changes throughout their lives, making it rare for a single saddle to fit them perfectly for extended periods without adjustments. Saddle Fitting Evolution In the pursuit of…
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Perform a Safety Check on Your Saddle
Performing a Safety Check on Your Saddle. This is one thing that I see neglected often among riders. This is not for lack of caring for their own safety or their horse’s. I have found that it is because they were never shown. I was lucky as a growing equestrian at the tender age of…
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Horses In Motion
Have you ever observed your horse or a group of horses in motion, gracefully moving around the pasture? Notice how their muscles flex and ripple along their entire body, from nose to tail. It’s fascinating to witness such fluidity and grace. Yet, despite this natural fluidity, we often place rigid trees on these magnificent creatures.…
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Flex Panel Saddles: Addressing the Misconceptions
Flex Panel Saddles: Addressing the Misconceptions The Discussion That Sparked This Post Recently, I engaged in a brief discussion in a Facebook group regarding misconceptions that surround the flexible panels that are used on Evolutionary Saddles. The group’s admin raised concerns about the saddle’s functionality, comparing it to conventional saddles with their rigid trees. They…
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The System X How does it fit?
The System X construction – Why and How does it work? The appropriate System X panels for each size of tree are built on to fit your horse and distribute the rider’s weight for a lifetime. The System X panels are made out of a DuPont material called Delrin. It is a glass product that…
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In Search of a Saddle – A Trainer’s Perspective
Background Since about 1955, I’ve been searching for a better way to gain my horse’s cooperation, a better way to help him reach his potential, a better way to help him perform with enthusiasm and willingness. I know that if something hurts me, I don’t want to do it and neither does my horse. Effectively…
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Where is the Flexible Panel Saddle Today?
Companies that are out of business or re-marketing There have been a lot of changes in the flexible panel saddle industry in the past 40+ years. Here is a brief synopsis of what has happened and where things stand today. 2023 – The Status of the Flexible panel saddle makers Rocking R, Watson Brothers Saddles,…
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The Next Evolution – System IX and The System X
THE NEXT STEP System IX In 2005 after 35 years of combined experience in repairing all of the earlier systems of saddles. Eldorado Saddle and Tack along with Hill View Farms came up with a better panel design. Added to the rear mounts are stainless steel slides, making the panels virtually maintenance free. Which is…
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Systems VI thru VIII
MODIFIED EXTRAS & VARIATIONS THAT IS WHAT SYSTEMS VI THRU VIII HAVE BEEN. System VI or Mock 6, and the later System VIII or Mock 8 by the Ortho-flex Saddle Works Company. This system took the rivets out of the fingers of the Original Ortho-Flex System III. Then replaced this design with a flower petal pattern in both…
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The System III and System IV
The System III and System IV were good evolutions that needed to be taken a step further. Their contribution to later Systems was invaluable. THE EXTRA: System III In the quest for further progress, the Original Ortho-Flex developed this panel. It was designed to address fitting the most difficult horses to saddle; those with very pronounced shoulders,…
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System II – The Next Mounting System
The System II or Mock II Patent (8/15/1991-USA) began in 1990. The Original Ortho-Flex developed a breakthrough in the existing technology. The System II offers a new mounting system for the panels, allowing the panels to conform to all three dimensions of motion dynamics. Providing an automatic fit, not only in the shoulder rotation, but also…
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Delrin Panels Available Worldwide
Delrin® Panels are available for saddle makers worldwide to use on their saddles! Developed by the NASA space program, Delrin ® is used throughout all aviation aircraft and in the medical field. The Original Ortho-Flex ® Saddle Company developed the panels using the Delrin sheets, which were the heart and soul of Ortho-Flex. Don’t Be…
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Why My Saddle with The System X?
Did you know that 80-90% of horses experience back problems? Many riders assume these issues come from poor riding posture, but the biggest culprit is often the saddle itself—an ill-fitting saddle can cause discomfort, pressure points, and long-term physical damage to both horse and rider. Unfortunately, many horses suffer in silence. As natural prey animals,…
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Are there Options?
I have been there, wondering what are the options and how much am I going to have to spend on a saddle? How long will it fit before I am on the search again? What if it doesn’t fit me too? How can the traditional saddling industry, cover all the variations of shape of our…
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How to Saddle with a Flexible Panel Saddle
I am contacted almost everyday from folks that have picked up a pre-owned flexible panel saddle and have trouble their first time out with the saddle. Sometimes this has to do with fit or functionality of the panels, but most of the time it has to do with placement of the saddle on the horse’s…
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Saddler’s Bloom or Mold?
What’s that white substance on my leather tack? Upon encountering the white residue on saddles and tack, individuals often jump to the conclusion that it’s the notorious culprit of the leather world – mold. However, the white substance you’re observing is likely not mold; it’s more accurately identified as Leather Bloom, Leather Spew, or Saddlers…
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When and How to Shim – The Basics
When and How to Shim, it is a question that has crossed the mind of many riders as they saddle up. A recent phone call inspired this latest topic: Shimming using my Correction Pad, but the concepts of shimming are still the same across all brands of pads. Rule #1 Shim only as a last…
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Design Your Saddle
Are you looking for a saddle that fits both you and your horse perfectly? We understand that finding the right saddle can be a long and sometimes frustrating journey, filled with both disappointment and joy. You may find a saddle that fits your horse well, but after an hour of riding, you’re in so much…
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The Liberty
The Liberty a model of Evolutionary Saddle is constructed very similarly to your traditional saddles, except for the panels. In many ways the Evolutionary saddle is easier to construct than all of your traditional saddles, which is what makes it so customizable for the rider. The panels will fit the horse, so much of the…
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De-Dazzle Saddle Contest! – WE HAVE A WINNER!!
Recently we were brought a saddle for cleaning and what we have come to call de-dazzling. It inspired the De-Dazzle Saddle Contest! I know that there are some saddle makers that will do this per a customers request. This was a DIY job that I thought was going to be a disaster and it turned out far…
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Puddles – Bottomless Pits?
Puddles – I finally understand why horses see them as bottomless pits! Hopping puddles when riding a horse is annoying! I have a horse that was my regular riding horse that refused to put a single hoof in a puddle. I learned why on this particular road trip in July of 2020. The road trip……
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Camping Must-Have Items for Horse Owners
Camping with your horse can be an enjoyable experience, but it’s important to remember to be prepared. In this article, we’ll cover these camping must-have items that you need to ensure a safe and comfortable trip with your horse. The Camping Must-Have Items Remember that the most important thing is to have fun and relax!…
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Saddle Fitting Philosophy
Discover how Evolutionary Saddles approaches saddle fitting for both horse and rider, including the importance of balance, weight distribution, and physical limitations.
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Maintaining Your Panel Saddle
Panel saddles are designed with moving parts that can wear out over time, especially if you use your saddle frequently or if you are a heavier rider. To keep your panel saddle in good working order, it’s important to perform regular checks and maintenance.
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My Endurance Journey 2023
Like many others I made a New Year’s Resolution. I guess it could just be considered a goal for this year with a new horse in a new sport. My desire to try the sport of Endurance Riding has been brewing for a couple of decades, but until recently I never knew where to start.