I no longer show at all but a friend, who has had a devil of a time with saddle fitting her gelding, finally found a saddle that both she and the horse are comfortable with- a Reactor Panel Tribute. Her trainer is questioning whether or not the saddle is legal to show in. Thoughts?
It was a long time ago, 1993-1999, but I showed in an Ortho-flex saddle at the recognized shows and regionals without ever having a TD say anything to me. I wasn’t aware that their panel system could be considered against the rules.
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I had as friend show in one just fine but you can always ask USEF just to be 100% sure.
*edited to correct USDF to USEF since my brain did not want to work this morning
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Reactor Panel is a sister company to EQ Saddle Science, which I know are show-legal (given that you ride with the flap attached). This has a flap so I don’t foresee any issues with it. You may even be able to get one of the special saddle pads from EQ Saddle Science if you’re worried about the look.
Glad she found something he likes! I demo’d an EQ jumping saddle and my horse loved it.
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I think she said that she did have one of those pads
Thank you all for confirming what I thought as well (but it’s been a while since I was in the “game” lol)
She is contacting USDF to confirm
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USEF is the one that makes the rules, so that’s who she needs to contact.
Here’s the USEF language - “Saddle. An English type saddle, with or without a tree, with flaps and stirrups is compulsory for all tests and classes other than FEI tests. For FEI tests it is compulsory to use a dressage saddle that is close to the horse with long, near-vertical flaps and stirrups”.
Based on this it seems fine to show in although it never hurts to check!
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thank you- yes, I should have said USEF
