>>> I also like the Smari Clover saddle which is a flex-panel saddle with >>> airbags etc.
I don't like airbags or flex-panels for saddles or saddle pads. The flex-panels seem like a good idea, but they don't seem to work in practice nearly as well as they sound. We had one for a while, and the horse (Skjoni) developed an aversion to being ridden, that went away when Cary switched to the Sensation. We then lost a lot of money when we sold that saddle, more than I've ever lost on selling one. I don't like air in panels - if there's not quite enough air, the panels will bottom out and be worthless. If there's enough air to offer protection, then the panel is hard - ever seen someone who has had an automobile airbag explode in their face? They may save lives but they are hardly like landing on a pillow. My daughter had bruises and a black eye for three weeks after she was in a wreck once. (She's alive, so we aren't complaining - but I wouldn't want to use air as a cushion on a daily basis...) Air panels aren't breathable either - if they were, the air wouldn't stay where it's supposed to be, so they are prone to heat build-up. Has anyone seen that video clip that Liz and Dave made about the flex-tree saddle? I think Judy posted the link here once before. That was an eye-opener. Karen Thomas, NC
