Saddle fitting newbie - from treeless to treed - I need advice!

[SueAllen]

Tomorrow I am having a saddle fitting. My first ever. I have been riding Ned in a treeless one for the last 18 months. For hacking it is brilliant and hunting it is ok (we dont jump much and I go twice a week most weeks for all of the season) but for schooling, as I learn more (I am a real novice at this) it is becoming more difficult for me to use effective aids as the seat in this saddle for me is just not secure.

It helped me a lot in the early days of riding this horse as he was spooky and I was a cr*P rider so it was good for feeling how he moved underneath and for staying on when he spooked. HOWEVER, instructor has convinced me (with use of treed dressage saddle) that it would be far better for flatwork to use a treed saddle and I am very tempted to go for a treed hunting/jumping saddle too, again for stability of leg/position.

I've just read this post back and I think I sound like a complete numpty or even a troll!! So sorry. I think what I am is very confused about what saddle is good for my horse and looking for your thoughts about how to choose a good fitting saddle!! And anyone's experiences positive or negative about treeless v treed. Thanks for getting this far!

 

[Happytohack]

After riding treeless for 8years, I have just gone back to a treed saddle. I bought a new horse 4 months ago, and my old treeless saddle just didn't suit her. I got an independent saddle fitter out and opted for a Fieldhouse (GFS) GP saddle which is fairly cutback and so frees the shoulder. My mare goes very well in it and I have to admit to feeling much more secure in it than in a treeless. If the saddle is fitted properly, you shouldn't have any problems going back to a treed saddle. The secret is to have it re-flocked regularly to take account of any shape changes your horse might have.

 

[Dovorian]

Have you thout of a saddle with cair or flair air systems? They give a closer feel to the horse and my horse really moves well in his.

 

[Patches]

I've got a Saddle Company saddle. I used to have a Wintec VSD but always felt perched on top of my horse and couldn't feel her movement at all underneath me. Canter transitions were very hit and miss.

As soon as I sat in the saddle co saddle I was amazed at how different it felt, and yet I felt like I was sitting into her more...if that makes sense. It's been incredibly secure and felt right for hacking, jumping lessons (I'm no good at jumping so there haven't been many), a hoolie across the stubble and pleasure rides. Extremely comfortable for both of us.

Had it just over 12 months and Patches back has come up and top line has improved no end. Not overly expensive either. They have a flexible tree in them, so a sort of compromise!

 

[ss1]

I'm actually thinking of going Treeless with a 'Solutions' saddle. I'm currently riding in a GFS pro event but my mare's back is sore and I'm just not entirely happy with the fit, it did fit well but she has muscled up quite a lot and even after flocking, it has made her sore. She has typical thoroughbred withers but is fairly broad behind the saddle so she is not the easiest horse to fit a saddle to.

Having looked at the website i'm intrigued so am going to try one out for a week and see if it makes a difference. I have read reviews of people eventing to high standards with them so would have thought that they must give you a fairly secure feeling, is this not the case?