Barefoot London -v- Cherokee

[JULIA G]

Anyone have a Barefoot London (preferably the newer version) ? Likes/dislikes about the saddle etc? I'm considering buying a new version London or possibly one of the new Cherokees (without the conchos/horse's head etc) but can't decide.

[Drifted]

I have a cherokee and love it, it comes with detachable kneepads which are quite big. When I first got mine I used the kneel pads from an old saddle until I got used to the treeless, but have the proper ones in now. Also went for the wide pommel insert as my lad fairly wide.
A couple of comments:
It is quite a stretch for the top of the legs and I was sore for the first couple of times.
It forces you to keep a good upright position in trot, or else you end up hitting the pommel, as with the above, after a couple of days and you settle into position and all was fine.
Can't comment on the London, but believe it is a dressage saddle.
Also tried the Cheyenne, that was nice, but went for the Cherokee for the kneepads.

Don't like the dressage girth as can't manage to tighten from the saddle, that's the only downside for me.
I would recommend that you get a proper treeless pad, I have the grandeur pad which has shim inserts, perfect for the saddle.

Good luck with your journey.