Getting a new saddle. treed or treeless?!

[anyalousie123]

Hey Guys, I've just started riding some new horses and their owner would like me to chose a saddle I would like for myself. I ride English and hack mainly but also love to jump. I would like a style with a deep seat and a comfortable material. I'm not sure of my horses size but he is a 16:2hh thoroughbred if that helps at all?? i am 8 stone but i am a tall slim build too. I just wanted to know peoples favorite makes/brands and also opinions on getting a treeless saddle or one with a tree??? ill attach pictures of ones I have my eye on at the moment. Thank you! x
wintec

bates

 

[PaddyMonty]

If you are intending to do some jumping I would avoid deep seat saddles.

 

[Barnacle]

This is a good article offering points of view from proponents of both: http://www.horse-canada.com/magazine_articles/traditional-saddles-vs-treeless-saddles/ However, note that the research suggests a treed saddle (flexible tree preferably) is better at distributing pressure. I would always choose a treed saddle unless there was a specific (medical, recommended by vet) reason not to or if I was using it for a specific training purpose (for short periods) only.

 

[webble]

Heather Moffett Vogue GPS

 

[anyalousie123]

Thank you for that. Xxx

 

[Wagtail]

Wintecs generally fit TBs very well. However, any saddle you buy will require fitting by a qualified saddle fitter.

 

[Spreebok]

Love my treeless for hacking, wouldn't jump in it though, use my treed for that, much more secure

 

[Baois Glas]

I would always go treeless personally. Something like a Solution or an Ansur would probably suit your needs if you do a lot of jumping

 

[Stroppy Mare]

I would always go treeless personally. Something like a Solution or an Ansur would probably suit your needs if you do a lot of jumping

I have a solution, it's a beautiful saddle and it doesn't look like a treeless but wow, my horse feels so free and loose in it. I feel secure in it too, and so far have jumped up to 60cm as a course on her (she's 4 and only just starting her jumping education).

I think saddles can be a bit like marmite personally - what I might find great, you may hate and vice versa. Get a saddler out and try some treed saddles, they're certainly cheaper than a decent treeless saddle.