'Fitting' a treeless saddle

[Bertolie]

Can anyone give me any tips on 'fitting' a treeless saddle? I have been looking for a saddle for my cob for the last 6 months and can't find a suitable saddle (either new or secondhand) within my budget as he is a very awkward shape and made to measure would be too expensive. My saddle fitter has gone into hiding and I haven't heard from her for 4 weeks when she infomed me that she was still looking and hadn't forgotten about me!

In desperation I am thinking of getting a treeless saddle - either secondhand Torsion or new Barefoot. I have tried a Torsion saddle on my horse but was told by the yard 'experts' that it didn't fit and was putting pressure on his spine. I don't know enough about these saddles to judge whether they were correct or not!

What should I be looking for when fitting a treeless saddle? Are there any rules I should be aware of?

Any help would be appreciated as I haven't been able to ride my horse properly for the last 6 months.

 

[LittleBlackMule]

If you're using a treeless that doesn't have a gullet you MUST use an appropriate pad underneath designed for treeless saddles; one that has spinal clearance and padding each side.

If you were using one of these, it would be virtually impossible for a Barefoot or Torsion (both good makes) to press on the spine unless you weigh 20 stone or your horse has a razor blade for a spine. Or both.

 

[Shysmum]

Hiya ! I tried several treeless saddles (including Torsion ) when I decided to make the switch. The decision was based on the fact that Shy's shape constantly changes, and having borrowed a few treeless saddles, I knew he went far better in them.

Anyway, my favourite to ride in was the Barefoot Cheyenne - so i went for that, and we both LOVE it. Have a look at this website -

http://www.horseandharmony.co.uk/

They will give you any info you need about fitting. Really, you are buying the saddle for the size of your backside . The other essential thing is to use a proper Barefoot Pad, as they are designed to work with the saddle.

I sound like an advert, but changing over has been brilliant.

 

[Bertolie]

Thank you for the replies.

I am edging towards buying a new Barefoot but don't want to spend the money to find it doesn't suit him! However, having tried countless treed saddles and having none fit him I think I might just have to bite the bullet! Unfortunately I don't know anyone with a Barefoot that I could try.

My problem is my cob is a typical wide, flat backed cob but he has high withers worthy of a tb! I did notice that Barefoot do a saddle pad for high withered horses, which might be what I need.