Weight Limit for Riding on Treeless Saddle?

[doris]

Is there a weight limit for riding on a treeless saddle?
I'm thinking of getting one but my hubby is 16 stone (105kgs).
Also, I'm 5'2" and he's 6ft, so would we need to get 2 saddles of differrent seat sizes?

[Bay Mare]

I guess it would depend on the treeless and on the horse that it's on but certainly the SBS (and presumably the Fhoenix) would definitely be ok with that weight.

[KarinUS]

Please consider the limited weight distribution in a treeless saddle under a heavier rider.
What kind of riding is he planning to do with it? If he rides for prolonged periods of time, etc. he may put less pressure on your horse's back if he has panels that distribute teh weight.

[virtuallyhorses]

Each of the treeless models should tell you about any restrictions. Some for instance will provide a weight limit (often around 200lbs) and others may say that they aren't suitable for high withered horses . If in doubt ask the vendor before buying. I've looked at the Startrekk which has different models for different weight riders.

[Yann]

I would be very cautious about using a treeless saddle with a 16st rider, there's no way they can distribute the pressure of the rider's weight as effectively as a traditional tree and panels, whatever the model. After all that's why trees came into being, as horse's backs couldn't take the weight of armoured cavalry riders without them.

You'd need to be even more careful if you husband is a novice rider, as they are 'heavier' for the horse to carry due to balance and other issues.

[MadWoman]

I use both treed and treeless (SBS), and I am no lightweight (6ft, size 20, don't own scales!) and my husband over 16 stones. The SBS actually gives better weight distribution than the treed saddles (a close contact and a Portuguese), as the weight is taken down the entire length of the thigh as well as under the seatbones - I get larger and more even sweatmarks from the SBS. I've been out hunting for 6 hours on it and Harriet has remained very happy throughout and never shown any sign of discomfort or sore spot afterwards.

I can't vouch for any other treeless saddle, but you would have no problem int he SBS/Fhoenix.

[Showjumper]

I'm going to ditto Yann, but also mention that it sounds like MadWoman has had a lot of success with her saddles. Definitely wouldn't try it on a Fitform type though! :)

[dlace]

Riding weight 14s. Have 4 horses all mare, cob with short back & short coupled is fine in treeless, cob with longer back does not like it at all and hollows away. Arab very short back and is fine in treeless, TB is long backed and narrower and does not like treeless, won't stride out and hollows. Have thought that perhaps the pressure/weight ratio is concentrated on a smaller percentage of the back with longer backed horses?

[doris]

Thanks all of you for your comments.

I haven't heard of the SBS or Fhoenix? Are they names or makes, and is there a website please?

Horse & Harmony sell one and they say it is OK as long as I use theirs with one of their special Physio pads.

[No_Angel]

heres the site you need.

www.enlightenedequitation.com