Treeless saddles: yay or nay?

allyj

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It says it all in the title really! I'm debating on getting a treeless saddle which resembles a "classic" GP saddle, as B is constantly changing shape! I think in the long run, its a cheaper option to changing gullets/saddles every season!
 
I love the Solution Saddles - not had any issues with them and the horse's go very well in them. I do everything in mine and they don't move. I haven't got any experience of other makes though.
 
Definately a 'yay'! My barefoot cheyenne was a god send to me whilst my horse recovered from a bad back caused by an ill fitting tree'd saddle. I had mine for over a year and it put me in a lovely position. Only went back to a tree'd saddle as i wanted to start jumping lots more, and I'd saved up the money to have a new saddle fitted.

I do miss it though, very comfortable.

'Barefoot' saddles with vps system all the way!!
 
Like all saddles they a) have to suit the pony/rider combination, and b) have to be carefully fitted.

Contrary to some of the urban myths around they do not 'fit all horses', for example, I tried one expensive brand which we could not get to fit at all, and I now ride in another design which both pony and I love - yet other people ride very successfully in the saddle I could not.

Treeless saddles are technical bits of kit and there are good designs and bad, just like with treed. You tend to get what you pay for - good materials and construction costs. Do your research thoroughly.

If you have a shape-shifter pony you still need to check balance and fit very frequently just as you would do with a treed and you may find you need a couple of different pads for seasonal shape-changes. The pad is a critical part of setting up the saddle.
 
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