Treeless Saddle Fitters - Recommendations please!

[AppyLover1996]

Hi Fellow HHO'ers!

I'm quite early in asking this question, but I'm naturally a nervous/anxious person so I like to plan ahead as much as possible (I am aware things can change in the blink of an eye, however I feel better knowing I have some sort of rough plan in place!)

I'm after a saddle fitter who also fits treeless saddles - to cover the Devon/Cornwall area however I'm open to other fitters providing that they're happy to travel down to me.

The equine in question is my wonderful yearling who has not long joined me - I am planning on starting him treeless and bitless, with the eventual aim of training him to have a treed saddle and a bit too. I'm wanting to start him treeless and bitless to mitigate as much risk as possible for accidental catching in the mouth with a bit etc

I have limited experience when it comes to treeless saddle fitting, hence why I would like someone who knows what they are doing and can advise me on what to look out for.

I have looked primarily at the Barefoot treeless saddle range, so would love to hear what people think of them, but I'm also open to other recommendations to try, however I'm not a fan of the Total Contact Saddles - I've nothing against them, I just didn't like the feel of the one I was using (I had it on trial from a friend for a few months and did a variety of things to test it out). With regards to the Barefoot range I've looked at the Cheyenne, Nevada and Arizona Pro Line - but again I'm also open to different suggestions of the make to try. We will mainly be hacking and exploring the countryside, so something that is comfy for me would be fab, but the fit to my horse is most important and I can always sit on a cushion to ease any aches etc until I get used to the feeling aha! I'd also like to be able to do things like fun rides, pop the odd log out hacking here and there and something that kind of imitates knee rolls/ something for stability as my usual hacking areas can get rather steep and twisty - I don't think it a wise choice to be hanging onto a young horse for dear life (even though he is a complete snuggle monster and adores being showered with affection!).

I have used EasyTrek in the past (a friend of mine had her horse in one and I rode for her whilst she was recovering) and I did enjoy the feel of the saddle and how much it resembled a normal treed saddle, but with the bonuses of treeless. However, I am reluctant to use them as I'm after something more lightweight especially as I'm planning on nice long picnic rides with it - I want my horse to be as comfy as possible.

For reference, I am 5'1, around 14 stone (coming down from being a fair bit heavier!) and my end goal is 12 stone, I have ridden and feel most comfortable in a 16.5" GP english treed saddle and am roughly a 14-16 dress size currently (although hoping to make it a 12-14 or 10-12 eventually!).

Also when it comes to saddle cloths, am I correct in thinking I would have to use brand specific ones or could I theoretically use my GP/CC style saddle cloths? If I'm right in thinking I have to use brand specific saddle cloths, are they easily available or are there similarities for sale that do the same job but without the expensive tag of being branded?

Thanks for your help guys - and if I ever figure out how to upload a photo of my yearling I will (technology isn't my strong point...)

 

[w1bbler]

My friend has a smart saddle, fitted by tori aylemore. She loves it & her horse moves really well & looks fab.

 

[sbloom]

I can't help with someone hands on, but this lady has become a friend since I've been travelling up to Scotland and she would give you a truly holistic approach, remotely. I do know that, with treeless, the heavier you and the longer/harder you rider, the less likely you are to be able to avoid a specialist treeless saddle pad for under the saddle.

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[MiJodsR2BlinkinTite]

With the Total Contact Saddle, did you try it with the seat-pad as well? Or just on its own. I ask because I personally cannot ride in the TCS without the seat-pad (which TCS make) as well.

I'm in Devon, and the only person I can think of who might be able to help you is Johan and Andrea who make the lovely TreeFree saddles. They are based at Moretonhampstead on Dartmoor. They may fit another brand of saddle other than the one they manufacture, it would be perhaps worth an ask.

If it is Ghost you are after, then someone at my yard is a supplier for Ghost and she may be able to help you.

 

[Highmileagecob]

I only have experience of Barefoot saddles, and they do need to be padded and shimmed with the correct saddle pads. The pads provide the profile of the underside of the saddle; saddles should never go straight onto the horse's back. You are correct in thinking your weight may make a difference. The saddles obviously do not have a framework to spread your weight, and you are effectively sat bareback. Going up a size in saddle to accomodate you could result in a saddle sitting too far back, and transferring weight where it shouldn't be. The Barefoot website used to give quite clear instructions about fitting and weight ratio. Good luck - hope you get your boy started as planned.