Tammy, I just took a tour of the factory this
summer, (it is in Arkansas, not Missouri) and here is what is new.
Yes, they have shorter panels and yes the old ones
still fit some horses. The older English/endurance style OF models, (I don't
know which one you have) have the billets sewn onto the flaps. I learned that
they were not all done precisely and therefore one side could be way off what
the other side is. So, even if you have the shorter panels, the billets could be
causing problems just because of the way they are placed.
If the saddle you are looking at is fairly cheap,
like less than $1000 and in great shape, I would spend a couple hundred more and
send it to the factory and at least get the billets changed to the newer
rigging. Also measure the panels because they did start to shorten them before
the original owner went belly up.
If you have any more questions, call and talk to
Mr. Johnson. He is the owner and very knowledgeable. I have many OF saddles from
the 80's and 90's and I have to say, the current design is far superior. Of
course a new one is very expensive, but the quality it top notch.
