Barefoot Cheyenne or Cherokee....cant decide...going insane!

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Marley&Me

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Hi all, I am wondering if the Barefoot Saddle people could help me make up my mind as to which to order. I have narrowed it down to these two models.

I am going to order from Horse and Harmony as they let you trial them for a week and you can return if unsuitable.

But I am going round in circles. The Cherokee Classic seems good as it has knee rolls and a nice girthing system. The Cheyenne is lighter, cheaper but (no knee rolls).

I would like to do occasional local level dressage/showing plus sponsored rides. But little (if any) jumping, to a max of 2ft 6" I love the look or the normal Cherokee in black/brown but need more traditional/plain for what I want to do.

Anyone tried both? Anyone got one in particular? Good/ bad points? Please put me out of my misery of indecision so I can get on and order!
 
Ummm I have the Cheyenne.... its so comfy. :) I love it, suits my horse perfect.

I havent tried the other one you mentioned.

However I dont fancy jumping in it, as theres no knee rolls, and obviously treeless can move a bit.

Only problem i've had with mine so far is, having to get off out on a hack, then not being able to get back on, as mounting from the ground is impossible. lol.
 
The Cherokee every time! I have had both and love the Cherokee for its security and comfort, yet you can still really feel the horse move through it. My friend loved mine so much she bought one. I have used mine on two very different shaped ponies and it was super for both. Never felt insecure no matter what they did, and the just backed one did pull a few tricks out of the bag ;) I have jumped quite decent heights and the knee rolls really come into their own. I sold mine when I lost my little mare and I'm kicking myself for it now. Well worth the extra money. I probably have some photos of her in it somewhere I can dig out for you.
As an extra bonus, I sold both saddles for the same as I paid for them new. Which is a bit odd really... but I wasn't complaining! They really hold their value so if the one you buy doesn't suit you you'll easily make your money back. If you have any questions about them feel free to pm me

ETA re mounting, I used to vault on my pony mare, but developed this odd half vaulting/mounting technique with my larger pony. Never really had any problems getting on from the ground, but if you have something quite large you might want to make sure theres a handy tree stump around
 
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Sorry if hijacking, BUT I borrowed the Cheyenne from a friend and tried it on mine, as I'm going through this very same debate on what to do!!!

I thought it was a lovely saddle, suited my boy fine, he seemed to love it and it was fantastic being able to really "feel" the horse. He's always been a bit lobby and on the forehand but in this Barefoot saddle he seemed to engage from behind a lot more.

However, I did miss any support to my knee, and for a few days afterwards had quite a lot of lower back pain. I've got a funny back anyway, and I put this down to the fact that I'd probably ridden "properly" in this saddle!

If going for a Barefoot (am thinking about it, plus looking around at other treeless saddles as feel I need to try a few first) - then I'd definately go for the Cherokee which has got knee rolls as I really missed the support. I was fine in walk, better than I thought I'd be in trot, but in canter I felt I was going to fall off forwards, it was a really odd feeling!

The other thing I noticed was that when dismounting the classical way, i.e. right foot over the back of the saddle/horse, was that I somehow got the crook of my knee stuck over the high cantle of the saddle!!! Bleddy embarrassing - so presumably one would have to refine one's dismounting technique in this sort of saddle.

I really felt very strange though when reverting to my normal treed saddle; and now I've gone treeless, am finding it very restricting in a treed saddle.

The other thing that's important in a Barefoot (or presumably any treeless saddle) is to get the right size for YOU the rider; I tried the bigger version (size 2 I think it must have been), which was really too big for me - I'm 5"3 - and really could have done with the smaller version.

I think the Barefoots have a good reputation - my chiropractor treats me plus the horse and she's buying one for hers, so that says it all for me really.
 
I have been agonising over this as well - I have a barefoot cheyenne, but I would like to upgrade to the VPS system version. However, I have been looking at the cherokee and wondering if it is better or not.

I finally decided to get another cheyenne as I have the pads already and also a memory foam seat saver for it as well (which is VERY comfy). I don't really miss knee rolls and have jumped in it fine, nothing to big though, just logs in the woods.

I spoke to the woman at Horse and Harmony and she helped me decide. Good luck with which ever one you choose!
 
Ok Cherokee Classic it is then. Just have to wait until I get paid.

It is the pad that goes with it that is sooo expensive! I need the physio pad (being on the heavy side) and that is £159 on its own!

I am also in love with their bridles! and I found on the german site you can order custom colours! :D
 
Ive had my barefoot cheyenne for 5 years now , my horse and i love it .

i have to say i dont notice the fact it has no knee rolls and i do extreme hacking .

i also have the barefoot "cedar " bridle ,it turns into a headcollar very easily and i have to say its fantastic quality its also about 5 years old now.
 
.....any more?

I have marianna from better saddles coming on friday to fit a new ned. If it were just for me i'd buy another fhoenix but im trying the cherokee as i think it might be more suitable for my very novice hubby.

Any thoughts?
 
I've got the cheyenne on order (HURRAH), but it's been quite a wait thru Horse and Harmony - check stock before you order. I could have ordered direct from germany, but by now, they would both arrive at the same time.

http://translate.google.co.uk/trans...e&hl=en&rlz=1T4SNYK_en-GBGB391GB391&prmd=ivns

germany you get a 2 week trial, UK one week.

There are several cheyennes on ebay atm - one size 2, several size ones.


I'll keep you posted on how we get on, can't wait as I love the cheyenne saddle :)

I have also ordered an easytrek bitless bridle/reins for £30, so will report back on that too.

Shoeless, treeless, bitless - lady godiva for me next ?
 
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Mmmm, be aware that the "new" Barefoots are nothing like the older models: a friend of mine recently sent hers back because the quality was frankly naff and the company (which others have referred to above) is being iffy about refunding her!

So be careful. If you want a really good Barefoot, best place is secondhand on e-bay, but the new Barefoots are disappointing to say the least.
 
thanks very much for that - given me real confidence in what for me is an exciting purchase. I've worked long and hard on this decision. Actually feel like crying now. :rolleyes:
 
Sorry!!! - I was on the verge of ordering one for my boy; but was glad to be told about this. The person concerned knows what she's talking about as does equine physio, so basically I've done a complete @ss about face and am considering having a treed saddle fitter out for my boy as he's so blimmin difficult to fit .... but that's another story.

IF you're ordering from the company mentioned, then (sorry to be obvious) make sure you pay by credit card as you've got more consumer protection then.

Hope it goes OK for you. At least you've got the option of sending it back within the set period if you don't like it.
 
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