Could someone please explain what...

[Portia]

(specifically relating to part-treed or treeless saddles btw!)

... the twist on a saddle is, and how that might affect the horses' way of going?

I understand it to be the narrowest portion of the seat, located just behind the pommel, but why would a narrower twist in a treeless or part-treed be an advantage over a wider twist? Is it rider comfort, is it horse's comfort (am more concerned with the latter!), could a narrower twist be an increased risk factor for muscle atrophy caused by a part-treed saddle?

Sorry, so many question :o - and so much to learn about treeless and part-treed! Am hoping to trial either a vogue gp or a fhoenix soon, so want to understand and ask sensible questions.

Thanks all :)

[Mehitabel]

it's rider comfort - someone fairly small won't be able to cope with a wider twist. i have trouble with wide-twisted saddles, as i have short thighs and a smallish pelvis, if the bit i actually sit on is too flat and wide, it feels like my whole legs are stuck out horizontally and i cant' get my knee against the horse. it has nothing to do with the underside of the saddle though.
i have ridden in treeless saddles that were far too wide for me.

[FeatheryFeet]

...

[Portia]

it's rider comfort - someone fairly small won't be able to cope with a wider twist. ....i have short thighs and a smallish pelvis...


ahhh, that makes sense. I'm a similar build, so would most likely have the same problems. I have somewhat iffy hip joints, get muscle spasm for the first minute or so after mounting current treed saddle - so a wide twist would be a def no-no then.

thank you :)

[molly34]

Its definitely rider comfort! And it can also affect your position.
The first few times I used my treeless saddle I was walking like John Wayne afterwards. Now I've invested in a HM hipsaver I'm much more comfortable, and my hips & legs are better positioned too.

That said though, the HM saddles are manufactured with more of a twist to start with, so you shouldn't have such an issue as with the barefoot/torsion style saddles.

[newforest]

it's comfort and suitability for horse and rider.

my pony has a wide twist, though refering to his back!!! :rolleyes: he's chunky lad, he is xw if had treed and i can't get my long legs on.:eek: