treeless people

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horseandshoes77

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has anyone got/ tried a Eric Thomas treeless ?
just in the process of buying a first ever treeless just for hacking and bringing on very hard to fit youngster.

I have a budget of 250/300

Also been looking at Libra aswell although they seem to have very mixed reviews they seem a good cheaper option ?

thanks
 
I haven't heard of it but I do have a libra which I really like. I would say though save up another fifty quid and go for a heather Moffat flexee. I got my libra second hand off eBay for ninety quid as I was on a budget but didn't want those nasty cheap ones on eBay but if I had three hundred odd quid then the flexee is what I'd choose. They have great feedback. Also the barefoots are suppose to be good. You could get a second on eBay for that price.
 
Sorry to hijack, but can someone please explain the pros and cons of treeless? I've been thinking of going treeless for a while as I think it's nicer for the horse but also heard that they slip a lot and not good when jumping etc.
 
BillyBob-Sleigh said:
Sorry to hijack, but can someone please explain the pros and cons of treeless? I've been thinking of going treeless for a while as I think it's nicer for the horse but also heard that they slip a lot and not good when jumping etc.
Click to expand...

Condensed version, IMO.

Pros:
No pinching.
No ill-fitting trees to dig in.
Adjusts with the horse as they gain / lose weight, change shape, muscle up, etc.
No more dodgy saddle fitters.
A lot of horses respond better to them, move more freely, etc.

Cons:
Weight distribution is usually dodgy in cheaper makes.
Not always very conventional looking, or good for jumping.
Many of them aren't as stable as a treed saddle would be.
Some horses don't get on with them.

Some treeless saddles are horrendous, others are brilliant. I have a Solution, and I haven't looked back since buying. We jump with no issues, and it stays in place well on a youngster who has a few hairy moments. The only time it really slips is if the rider's balance is off.
 
ShadowFlame said:
Condensed version, IMO.

Pros:
No pinching.
No ill-fitting trees to dig in.
Adjusts with the horse as they gain / lose weight, change shape, muscle up, etc.
No more dodgy saddle fitters.
A lot of horses respond better to them, move more freely, etc.

Cons:
Weight distribution is usually dodgy in cheaper makes.
Not always very conventional looking, or good for jumping.
Many of them aren't as stable as a treed saddle would be.
Some horses don't get on with them.

Some treeless saddles are horrendous, others are brilliant. I have a Solution, and I haven't looked back since buying. We jump with no issues, and it stays in place well on a youngster who has a few hairy moments. The only time it really slips is if the rider's balance is off.
Click to expand...

Thank you. I guess the ideal solution would be a treeless for hacking, schooling work and then a jumping saddle for XC, SJ etc.

How do they affect your posture schooling wise? A dressage saddle very much holds you in the correct position but with a treeless do you have to work doubly hard at keeping your position correct?

Sorry OP - I'll stop now!
 
thanks for e info guys, I have infact bought the libra trec, thought it may be a good budget starter saddle, have bought dressage girth and safety stirrups also but confused about leathers as it is a closed ring ? and also im watching an equitex (sp) saddle pad on ebay, any other things I may need or pads you recommend

thanks
 
You need stirrups that have the t bar. Type treeless stirrup leather sinto ebay and they should come up. Just be careful with the pads as you might need to shim. I had to with my girl so bought ones with pockets so I could get it sitting just right. Good luck:)
 
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