Orthoflex Question

[TddWil@aol.com]

I got my Softsteel Patriot about a month ago and have a question for other 
ortho-flex users. The leather that wraps around the bottom of the stirrup 
leathers is causing a lump that is seriously bruising me - through half chaps 
and jeans. I soaked them in neatsfoot oil to soften them up but it still 
hurts. Do I need it to keep the cam lock buckle shut or can I take it off? My 
saddle also came with fleece stirrup leather covers (they did not cover the 
leather at the bottom) but I took those off because of the bulky feeling. I'm 
5'4" and ride with a fairly short stirrup. By the way, as far as quality goes 
my saddle is very nice. I would have liked leather but I'm on a serious 
budget. This saddle is very secure and the high pommel is only a problem if 
you lean down to adjust stirrups without thinking.  

                                                    Shelly in DE