Opinions on Freeform saddles....

[mayoguinness]

I'm looking for a treeless non leather saddle that doesn't make my legs come to far out from the horses side(thats the problem with my present saddle) and I saw a german non leather freeform that wasn't very expensive and was wondering if anyone has one or has tried one and what you think of them! Really apreciate any help but its been sugested that I should trial one. Does anyone know which site I can trial one off?:)

Thanks in advance:D

[No_Angel]

all the freeforms i know of are leather. is it the one on ebay? if it is it isnt a freeform, but a cheaper barefoot type saddle:)

[mayoguinness]

Yes it was..... it said it was a freeform...... oh well do you know if its any good??

[Crystal Fire]

There are two saddles on EBay being called Freeform saddles, and neither are the Freeform saddle sold by Goldfinch. (I wonder if Helen and Barbara know about this!). I think their Freeform saddle is expensive but worth it, but I don't know if you can get a synthetic one.
Both saddles look as if they are the older generation treeless saddles, with blocks forming the pommel and cantle. These style saddles can be really good provided that they fit properly - and these adverts give no indication of the width of the front block. If it's too wide then it can end up resting on the wither, if it's too narrow then it won't be long before you see pressure signs on your horse's shoulders. You also need to make sure that the seat is the right size for you, that your bum won't put pressure on the back block (a common problem). You really also need to know about weight distribution - are the stirrups hung on the end of a single strip of webbing that runs across the horses back? The better designs (normally the more expensive ones) deal with weight distribution more effectively, well what I mean is they deal with weight distribution full stop. :D If you can get this all right then maybe these saddles will be fine.
If you get a saddle like this make sure you avoid the temptation to rest back into an armchair seat (or riding on your pockets as I believe is advocated in some PNH circles). If you do this you will put pressure on the back block, and this can cause some really nasty problems.
p.s. Does anyone sell saddles made of leather from cows that have lived happy lives and died in their beds??

[mayoguinness]

There are two saddles on EBay being called Freeform saddles, and neither are the Freeform saddle sold by Goldfinch. (I wonder if Helen and Barbara know about this!). I think their Freeform saddle is expensive but worth it, but I don't know if you can get a synthetic one.
Both saddles look as if they are the older generation treeless saddles, with blocks forming the pommel and cantle. These style saddles can be really good provided that they fit properly - and these adverts give no indication of the width of the front block. If it's too wide then it can end up resting on the wither, if it's too narrow then it won't be long before you see pressure signs on your horse's shoulders. You also need to make sure that the seat is the right size for you, that your bum won't put pressure on the back block (a common problem). You really also need to know about weight distribution - are the stirrups hung on the end of a single strip of webbing that runs across the horses back? The better designs (normally the more expensive ones) deal with weight distribution more effectively, well what I mean is they deal with weight distribution full stop. :D If you can get this all right then maybe these saddles will be fine.
If you get a saddle like this make sure you avoid the temptation to rest back into an armchair seat (or riding on your pockets as I believe is advocated in some PNH circles). If you do this you will put pressure on the back block, and this can cause some really nasty problems.
p.s. Does anyone sell saddles made of leather from cows that have lived happy lives and died in their beds??

Well I dont think I'll be getting that saddle then;) !! I'm desperatly trying to find a sutible saddle and I cant find one anywhere. I used to have a synthetic Torsion but I sold that on becuase it kept slipping and I was happy with this one I have but Jayne Lavender said on my last lesson that we couldn't progress much further in that saddle as it kept my legs to far away from his sides:o !! I take it you dont know of any synthetic treeless saddles?
If only they did have saddles made of animals that have died of natural causes:rolleyes:

[No_Angel]

ive just come across this one:)
http://www.ekmpowershop.co.uk/ekmps/shops/scotknots/index.asp?function=DISPLAYPRODUCT&productid=113

[mayoguinness]

I'll take a look. thanks

[mayoguinness]

That looks good. What do you think of it?

[No_Angel]

i havent tried that particular saddle, but had one of a simialr design,and old style trekker talent and didint have any problems with it.
a good treeless saddle pad, liek an equitex, will give some cushioning and some spine clearance:)

[mayoguinness]

ok well I might look into buying it. I'll send a pic and some details to Jayne Lavender (NH riding insructer) and see what she thinks. I better get saving up and trying to sell my cashel. Oh joy;)

[Crystal Fire]

Will this company give you a saddle on trial? I ask because again, they are giving no indication of the width of the front block.
I sound picky because I am - I used to sell the Dartmoor Treefree saddle (which I liked) so I had to be very aware of fitting issues.
I just wonder, if the Cashel isn't giving you the right leg contact (you have got a Cashel haven't you?), will these be any different? They look as if they will take your leg further away... I know what Jayne means, with these more casual shaped saddles it can be hard to get the level of refinement where you feel your leg is just "brushing the fur".
You're going down the same route I've been, and all I can say is I ended up spending a lot of money. I've now got a Freeform (the real one) and a Sensation. The Freeform gives me a better feel with the leg, but to be honest I'm sure I'll end up going for something like an Ansur - they are called something else in the UK and a different company, but I can't remember the name. None of these are synthetic though!!

[mayoguinness]

No your right Crystal Fire. It's best if I can have it on trial first. I hope it might give more leg contact than the cashel. The Cashel has a big thick D ring clip to atach the styrups onto and Jayne thought that was uncommon so I'll have to see. But yeah I'll defanatly trial before I buy. Thanks both for your advise;)

[marieb]

Hi, I bought a freeform treeless with my criollo. Its so comfy, especially with a sheepskin over it!! I know they are not cheap but very very good.
found this site that may help;
http://www.freewebs.com/alternativehorse/index.htm