Treeless saddles...worth a try????

L

littlenordic

Well-Known Member
Joined
28 October 2010
Messages
108
Location
Bedfordshire
Visit site
Hi All, I have a 21 yo TB gelding who over the years has been a nightmare to fit saddles for. I have always used dressage saddles as we do compete although not so much now. I have gone from KN's to a Wintec Isabelle to most recently an Ideal Suzanna which I love but as he is getting older his back is changing more and more and am now struggling to keep him happy in a tree'd saddle. He has had 7 months off and am just bringing back into work (only long lining at the moment) but am almost scared to use his saddle as I know he has changed shape again and am worried it wont fit correctly. Is it worth looking at treeless sadles? I have read some very mixed reveiws but like the idea of them. His saddle looks so big on him and where he has lost muscle looks like it doesn't belong to him. Would a tree less saddle suite him better? He can be cold backed so would a lighter treeless saddle be good for him and I have heard they mould to the horses back more and do not restrict movement in the shoulders which was also a probelm we came across a lot with him. Any advise / suggestions welcomed!!
 
I'm not totaly anti treeless but I'd recommend looking at a flexi panel saddle - the support of a tree for the rider, flexi panels for the horse - and they give great clearance on narrower horses with the flex at the wither allowing muscle to regenerate wherever possible. I fit (and own one!) ReactorPanels but there are Orthoflex (or American Flex) and Free'n'Easy as well. The world champion endurance rider, plus much of the British team, ride in them, that's how well they spread weight.
 
Thanks for your response sbloom. What kind of price can I exoect to pay for this type of saddle? I am on a budget! Can you suggest a website giving more info? Thanks!
 
I have an Arab on perm loan and he came with a lovely dressage saddle we started to ride him he was great at first but as he started to fill out he became difficult to ride with his head constantly in the air always wanting to go home so I started to ride bareback instantly realising the problem was his saddle. I'm very into treeless saddles as long as they suit the horse and rider and we tried my friends on him and he went perfectly. So not wanting one that didn't look like a normal saddle we searched and searched and found an easy trek saddle and by god it's comfy and we have a very happy boy aswell it was £150 2nd hand but as new really and is show legal and I can jump in it. I'd try and find someone with a treeless to try it on him first before you buy my friend had a very awkward fitting Andalusian mare and had a wintec before now which caused alot of bucking but she now has a dreamteam saddle one of the most Comfiest saddle I have ever sat in x
 
I have a virtually new dream team saddle you can have a look at if you want plus pad and I'm Bedford pm if interested.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top