Treeless... recommendations for a heavy cob?

ShadowFlame

ShadowFlame

Well-Known Member
Joined
6 April 2007
Messages
1,468
Location
West Mids
Visit site
Bit of background info - cob in question is a 14.3 (ish) 5 year old traditional, very wide, flat backed, low wither and downhill (still hoping he'll level out!). I'm 5'6" and around the 10st mark.

Pone was backed and broken in a Heather Moffett Fhoenix saddle (old model) beginning of this year and was perfectly happy in said saddle. However, I found the combination of downhill, set back stirrup bars and inability to "sit deep" in it a bit of a problem. As soon as pone started baby-boings, or threw in an excited buck / silly spook, I found myself coming out the side door. Nice saddle, just wasn't secure enough for me. Due to this, I had him fitted up for a Throwgood T4 cob saddle and we've had nothing but problems with the fit of it.

Having done some research, I now want to go back to the treeless / flexible route - he was happy that way and he changes shape too often to make a treed viable. My question is which treeless is suited to a wide cob which also gives the rider reasonable security? I'm looking at Solution / Smart, maybe HM Vogue, Freeform, Trekker, Sensation, or any others that can be suggested? Also does anyone have any experience with Strada saddles? Price isn't too much of an issue providing it's the right saddle, obviously I'll look into trials beforehand.

Any replies welcome - thanks!
 
I have my 15hh chunky cob mare in a Freeform classic. She is built like a tank, no wither, and I have done everything in this saddle - jumping, x country (both to 1m 05) and low level endurance. We hurtle round stubble fields and it has never moved, although I always use a mounting block. I love it and so does she!!
 
I'd second the Freeform. I used the SB (short back) version on my cob.
I can't get my HM saddle to stay still on my roly poly pony. Dartmoor Treefree has always been a stable saddle. Sensation Saddles are brilliant, and I found that to be stable as well. I'd just say avoid cheap and cheerful treeless saddles and go for quality. If you're buying new and can trial the saddle that would be ideal.
 
I have a treeless Freemax jump for sale at moment - pictures on ebay it has modifications whcih make it more secure and is basically an english GP/Jumping style so more veratile that the endurance style ones IMO. Have a look and see what you think!!

Loved it on my cob but she's not jumping now and it won't fit my tb coz of his mega withers!
 
I have a 15.1 roly poly cob, and our HM Vogue saddle is absolutely fantastic. Combined with a non-slip girth and saddle pad, it stays put and she moves much better in it. We previously had a Wintec wide and it was dreadful - I came off far too regularly through it slipping and knocking our balance.
 
sorry but treeless my worst nightmare tried a few on different horse while schooling for owners all say same hes to wide for a proper saddle what twaddle get yourself a symonds or fylde wh saddle and a gel non slip pad they come to fit th ewidest of wide and will stay put and are super comphy x
 
A correctly fitted treed saddle should not need a non-slip pad. I fit very wide and flat horses as a speciality, and always fit them so they are stable, do not slip and do not lift at the back.
 
sbloom said:
A correctly fitted treed saddle should not need a non-slip pad. I fit very wide and flat horses as a speciality, and always fit them so they are stable, do not slip and do not lift at the back.
Click to expand...

This ^^

Alternatively if you are particularly wanting treeless, then the Solution SMART saddles come in several designs for different disciplines and types.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top