Treeless saddle fitting?

[Beckandred]

Pony needs a new saddle, he’s seriously lacking top line (prominent dips either side of his withers too) with very high withers. We don’t expect him to be able to build up too much muscle over his top line now because he has cushings. Just want him to be comfortable for hacking and light schooling (retirement is not an option). He’s always been a fussy fit but this lack of muscle really isn’t helping.

one idea is treeless which can be a bit more forgiving if he slightly changes shape, the other idea is to use a half pad with shims and a traditional treed saddle (advised by physio)

HOWEVER, I know treeless saddles still need to be fitted but it seems like only the companies themselves will come out to fit. Is there such a thing as a saddle fitter for all treeless saddles? Or anybody who can advise which style will suit him best? Can a master saddler advise or do they just work with treed saddles?

We’re near to Ormskirk (Lancashire) if anybody has specific recommendations, TIA

 

[saddlesore]

I don’t have a specific answer sorry but wanted to recommend solutions saddles. They are super. If it’s temporary you could look at a thorn pad?

 

[Marigold4]

I have a solutions saddle too and reall like it. Expensive though! There's a Facebook page for secondhand ones. I think there are some saddle fitters who do a range of saddles including treeless.

 

[sbloom]

You could try Better Saddles, but mostly fitters are dedicated to one brand.

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

Another recommendation for Solution saddles. They do have local fitters. I think ours comes from Lancashire. My Draft mare had one sided muscle wastage which using a Solution saddle improved. I found the saddle very comfortable for me, too.

 

[hollyandivy123]

Sbloom...sorry to jump on you post OP, but I wondered what Sbloom catchment area is for fitting?

 

[webble]

Danielle Grey fits a variety of treeless and is based up North, she does travel

 

[maya2008]

I have two that do not require specific fitting - just common sense. Torsion worked well for my TB and also for my pssm mare who has the topline issues you describe. I use a half pad and a thick treeless pad under the saddle for her. My worry with a Solution saddle was that essentially you end up with the same issues as with treed - fit changes as the pony changes shape, and needs adjusting. In the interim, the saddle is not comfy for the pony. We also have Freeform saddles (best for flat backed types) and Thorn pads for the kids (used on the pssm pony also for my 6 year old with her usual treeless padding underneath).

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

My Solution saddle was bought with the intention of it fitting 2 horses (one unbroken at the time), I have a selection of shims and a thick saddle pad which always has to go under it. It is easy to add or remove a shim as the horse changes shape.

 

[Lipglosspukka]

I have regularly used both the torsion and barefoot Cheyenne.

I've never had a fitter out and have used these saddles on a variety of horses and ponies for around 8 years.

 

[sbloom]

Sbloom...sorry to jump on you post OP, but I wondered what Sbloom catchment area is for fitting?

East Anglia, East Midlands and a substantial part of the south east, I use my real name and have info on websites and FB

 

[hollyandivy123]

East Anglia, East Midlands and a substantial part of the south east, I use my real name and have info on websites and FB

cheers will have a look