treeless??

[Sol_Gemma]

I was just wondering what the benefits of treeless saddles are? Have googled it but not much info. Would treeless be of benefit to a 16hh 24 year old ex eventer who now hacks and lightly schools? Thanks

[ShariN]

It depends on the horse and rider.
For me....Treeless saddles are the only saddles my Icelandic's like and an added bonous they are really comfy for me.

This is one of the best web sites for Treeless info out there.
http://www.freewebs.com/alternativehorse/

[doris]

There are a lot of treeless saddle out there. I have a Barefoot Cheyenne which I like, but to be honest, I miss the knee rolls! The Sensations one is lovely, have sat in one but not ridden in it. This has knee rolls but is more expensive at around £675 in this country. Whatever you choose, I would pay the extra and have the best recommended pad available for that particular saddle as this makes a big difference.

[carrieh]

Benefit of treeless saddles to the horse: a saddle that always fits him even if he gains or loses weight. A saddle that therefore does not cut into his shoulders or pinch him or cause him pain. A saddle which allows him to go forward with ease. Some horses prefer the treeless saddles that have panels underneath to lift the saddle off the spine, some prefer the ones that are 'flat' underneath but with which you use padding instead to keep the saddle off the spine.

[I am not saying every treed saddle causes a horse pain or fits incorrectly! Just pointing out the benefits of a treeless. Not all horses like treeless.]

Benefit of treeless saddles to the rider: a very comfortable saddle into which you can 'sink' into a deep seat, and thus feel every movement of your horse's back beneath you. It is much easier to ride from your seat in a treeless saddle. You feel more 'part' of the horse than perched on top, if you see what I mean!

We've just splashed out and bought a Heather Moffett Fhoenix dressage. This saddle has meant that I can continue riding my 26 year old Fell even though he has had major back problems earlier this year. It has knee rolls that hold your leg very firmly in the correct position and is very very comfortable for both of us.

[Crystal Fire]

If you go treeless I would say avoid the "old generation" treeless saddles that have blocks front and back. They are good, but things have moved on a lot from there, and there are some pressure hazards with them. I have a Sensation saddle (I imported mine before there was a UK distributor). It is a fantastic comfy saddle, made to measure for me and my two ponies. I would say it is more of a hacking/pleasure saddle than dressage etc, because it is quite big under your leg and therefore your leg aids aren't so refined. Well, mine aren't, but my legs aren't very long :) I also have a Freeform saddle from Goldfinch, which allows you to get more light feel in your leg, and is more conventional to look at. I really like both of these saddles, but probably feel closer to my horse with the Sensation.