Endurance Riders

[Willow1]

Hi, just wondering if any of you endurance riders out there could recommend any particular endurance saddles, particularly suitable for an Arab, (round flat back, no withers and big shoulders). I currently do everything (other than jumping) in my dressage saddle, as due to its straight cut there is no shoulder interference, however I would like something a bit more comfortable for me to sit on as well so we cab both be happy!
So any suggestions would be helpful, plus any feedback on treeless saddles as well would be interesting.

 

[nuffield]

I have Arabian Saddle Company Endurance saddles. never had any problems with them.

 

[the watcher]

Shared a yard a little while ago with an endurance rider who used a 'Podium' (?) saddle on her arab and seemed very happy with it.

 

[jester]

hi, i do endurance with a NFxTB, but he has the same confirmation you describe as well as a very short back. i've had great results with a treeless; a barefoot cheyenne - his average trot speed has doubled since i swapped to one of these and no more games of slidy saddles or rubbed elbows!
only thing to bear in mind is if you want to do endurance in one i'd definately reccommend getting the 'physio' pad rather than the normal one as you'll need the extra padding for longer rides.
check out www.horseandharmony.co.uk
hope that helps!

 

[OWLIE185]

Free and Easy Saddle

 

[mrdarcy]

I currently compete in a WOW, have also got a Podium which are pretty good saddles but I'm about to get fitted with a Specialized Saddle (http://www.specializedsaddles.co.uk/). I like the design and the adjustable panels. I've never been keen on the Ortho-flex, FnE and Reactor Panel type saddles as they're quite heavy though many endurance riders swear by them.

 

[Willow1]

Thank you for your replies - being very new to endurance means any/all advice is very welcome!

 

[hussar]

I've been competing in endurance for 10 years now on 2 horses and have used Thorowgood synthetic endurance saddles for both. My 9yo has the extra-wide 17" - he's a Polish Arab, very barrel-shaped.

I find the saddles very comfortable and neither horse has ever had a pressure bump or a rub - neither have I! And you don't have to worry about wet weather ruining your nice leather saddle.

Friends who have tried treeless saddles agree that they are fine for shorter distances but can cause problems for 60kms upwards.

Hope you continue to enjoy endurance - there aren't enough of us on this forum!