GOING TREELESS?????????

[Bert&Maud]

As I've previously mentioned in earlier posts, my horse has recently been diagnosed with kissing spines, for which he is undergoing treatment with Tildren. I have been researching the possibility of using a treeless saddle when he returns to work in a few weeks time, in particular the Ansur, and would be interested to hear from anyone that uses one, particularly on horses with KS, but any other experiences and observations would be really helpful.

 

[claire1976]

I use a treeless although not the Ansur - not heard of that one.
My personal experience is that I love it , I like the idea of riding the horse not the saddle - it takes some getting used to though.
As your horse has KS you might need professional advice on the whether treeless is suitable as not all horses are suited to them. I don't have any exp of KS so can't advise you there.

 

[Bosworth]

Before you make this decision I would try and speak to Kay Humphries - she has been involved with several horses with kissing spines and knows what is involved with saddleing them. I would be hugely concerned about using treeless because of the pressure issues. With a tree and conventional flocking allowances can be made for scar tissue. Kay is at Norton and Newby in Beaconsfield. She has just been and seen a cose friend of mine's KS horse and made several suggestions re the saddle.

 

[Bossanova]

I find them exceptionally uncomfortable and wouldnt waste my money.....

 

[Moggy in Manolos]

Well i love mine, it does feel totally different, opinion certainly varies about treeless,but i went for it and me and my mare have done great with ours, however mine is not ansur,as i could not afford that brand name.
I am really not sure at all re the kissing spines, i would get a few opinions from different saddlers if i were in your position.
Good luck

 

[claire1976]

[ QUOTE ]
I find them exceptionally uncomfortable and wouldnt waste my money.....

[/ QUOTE ]

Really, thats strange, everyone who has tried mine wants to steal it!! I think it depends on what you want to do and if you have really long periods in the saddle then I suspect they probably get a little uncomfy as essentially its a bit like a bare back pad. The most I ride in mine is 2 hour hacks, 1/2 hour schooling, have done longer hacks 3-4 hours but this is an exception.
Kissing spines is going to need professional advice on any saddle I would say.

 

[Macha]

Your Horse mag have a treeless test this month with very good reviews.

will I get shot for mentioning another mag