Posted 2017-09-25 1:09 PM (#7365115 - in reply to #7365068) Subject: RE: Len Brown's Barrel saddle
I Prefer to Live in Fantasy Land
Posts: 64847 Location: In the Hills of Texas
He's been trying to re-invent the barrel saddle for at least 20 years. A friend of mine had what he called the bare bones. Her mare was very hard to fit and this is the only saddle that fit her. As soon as she sold that mare she went and bought a new saddle and it wasn't one of his.
He also worked with Beth Cooper trying to design one and that also went no where.
Posted 2017-09-25 1:16 PM (#7365120 - in reply to #7365068) Subject: RE: Len Brown's Barrel saddle
Half-Eaten Cookies
Posts: 1933 Location: Fort Worth / Springtown
I wish i had the money to buy one! I've been following him for over a decade and I love the way he disects saddle fit. He's absolutely correct in a lot of areas where others have cut corners or did not even think about an aspect of a saddle that would interfere with a horse.
For instance, there is no leather lacing at the back of the saddle between the bars. I have seen a white spot on a horse before (not mine) caused by the lacing in the middle of the skirting rubbing the spine. I have had a saddle that pressed so hard right there on my horse's spine that it would feel like my finger was getting shocked if I stuck it under there when walking the horse. I sent that saddle back to the maker.
And recommending the latigo on both sides of the saddle (not one off billet). If I think about it, it makes sense and a minor detail that could cause major problems over time - or even a short time, depending.
I wish I could give a personal review of his saddle - but it is on my list to buy - why not? And the price is much lower than it used to be. I've tried over 60 others.......but I'll be following your thread!
Posted 2017-09-25 2:15 PM (#7365131 - in reply to #7365068) Subject: RE: Len Brown's Barrel saddle
Expert
Posts: 2073 Location: Deep South
I would never spend any of my hard earned money to support this whack job. He is relentlessly hateful to anyone who disagrees that his saddle/pads are the best invention to ever grace the planet.
Posted 2017-11-10 4:18 PM (#7372170 - in reply to #7365166) Subject: RE: Len Brown's Barrel saddle
Expert
Posts: 3815 Location: The best kept secret in TX
spitzh - 2017-09-25 5:03 PM Interesting perspectives.... Is there a part of the saddle that he created that you would change? Do you see any design flaws?
I am bumping this instead of starting a new post. Recently found this video. I like a lot about his saddle designs, OP. Here is a good video on how one of his barrel saddles are made. Pretty interesting stuff, all other opinions about his character or attitude aside, He has good ideas. https://youtu.be/rhgOVOzuWf4
Posted 2017-11-14 6:49 PM (#7372555 - in reply to #7372170) Subject: RE: Len Brown's Barrel saddle
Elite Veteran
Posts: 621 Location: Arkansas
IRunOnFaith - 2017-11-10 4:18 PM
spitzh - 2017-09-25 5:03 PM Interesting perspectives.... Is there a part of the saddle that he created that you would change? Do you see any design flaws?
I am bumping this instead of starting a new post. Recently found this video. I like a lot about his saddle designs, OP. Here is a good video on how one of his barrel saddles are made. Pretty interesting stuff, all other opinions about his character or attitude aside, He has good ideas. https://youtu.be/rhgOVOzuWf4
I agree with you. I own 3 of his saddle pads & they are what I run in. If just trail riding I use other pads. He may have an ego/eccentricity issues but his products work.
Posted 2017-11-15 8:42 AM (#7372581 - in reply to #7365068) Subject: RE: Len Brown's Barrel saddle
He's been doing saddles for decades. Whether he can make a good barrel saddle or not, he does seem to turn out a quality product. He used to have a business in south MO, mostly in endurance saddles - but it went bust. I tried a saddle that was either one of his patterns or similar with floating panels, but when the horse set to turn, the saddle was still moving (adjusting) for a few seconds. Unfortunately, you'll probably have to buy one to figure out if it works for you and your horse. I don't know where he is located now, but when he was in MO, you could haul your horse there and fit a saddle to him/you.
Posted 2017-11-15 9:22 AM (#7372594 - in reply to #7372566) Subject: RE: Len Brown's Barrel saddle
Expert
Posts: 3815 Location: The best kept secret in TX
Cowjazz - 2017-11-14 9:38 PM He is a self impressed idiot.
This made me giggle. Some of the things he talks about during the video are questionable. But again, his character and attitude aside he does have a few good ideas that I do like.
Posted 2017-11-16 2:28 PM (#7372886 - in reply to #7365068) Subject: RE: Len Brown's Barrel saddle
pressure dripper
Posts: 8566 Location: the end of the rainbow
Have any of you that dislike him so much ever dealt with him.in person or are your opinions based on his videos &online interactions? I emailed back & forth with him about several things & he was a perfectly nice guy even though I did not buy any of his products (mostly because of cost - I'm horse poor right now) I'd love to try one of the barrel saddles & see how it rides. I also want a couple of the never tight cinches.
Posted 2017-11-16 3:11 PM (#7372896 - in reply to #7372886) Subject: RE: Len Brown's Barrel saddle
I just read the headlines
Posts: 3893
willrodeo4food - 2017-11-16 2:28 PM
Have any of you that dislike him so much ever dealt with him.in person or are your opinions based on his videos &online interactions? I emailed back & forth with him about several things & he was a perfectly nice guy even though I did not buy any of his products (mostly because of cost - I'm horse poor right now) I'd love to try one of the barrel saddles & see how it rides. I also want a couple of the never tight cinches.
I bought one of his barrel saddles many years ago. It was comfortable and I think my horse liked it ok, but I didn't like it on the pattern. I felt like it moved too much in the turns. It didn't move on his back, the saddle was where I placed it when I cinched up.
Posted 2017-11-16 4:04 PM (#7372899 - in reply to #7372896) Subject: RE: Len Brown's Barrel saddle
GLP - 2017-11-16 3:11 PM It was comfortable and I think my horse liked it ok, but I didn't like it on the pattern. I felt like it moved too much in the turns. It didn't move on his back, the saddle was where I placed it when I cinched up.
Posted 2018-10-08 3:58 PM (#7409909 - in reply to #7365068) Subject: RE: Len Brown's Barrel saddle
Elite Veteran
Posts: 1032 Location: Southeastern Idaho
Haven't tried his saddles but am using the corrector saddle pad. Saving up to buy another. I have seen a huge difference in my mare since I started using it. More free in her stride and a LOT less grumpy with me.
Posted 2018-10-11 9:54 AM (#7410216 - in reply to #7365068) Subject: RE: Len Brown's Barrel saddle
Wish I would have read this thread before having dealt with him and making my purchases. He is everything they are saying. Yes, his products are quality. His customer service stinks.