Treeless saddles

Spiritedly

Spiritedly

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I'm looking at backing our New Forest this year and our cob x will start 'proper' work so I'm looking at saddles for them both, they will be 3 1/2 and 4 in the summer. I would prefer not to have to keep getting new saddles each time they change shape so am thinking of getting a treeless which could adapt with them but don't really have a clue which are good and bad ones :o . So which ones do people recommend? I will have it checked and fitted by a saddler but would like to say 'I would like to try these makes' . It must be a saddle that can be jumped in. Thanks :)
 
I've ordered a Barfoot Cheyenne (turned up today :D) for backing mine this year on the many recommendations on H&H (thread about treeless saddles for backing prompted me to look - if you search fairly recently).
 
You cannot go wrong with a Libra Trec (look on Ebay). I am just about to buy my 4th - my first one is tatty after over 4 years of regular use, so replacing it with a new brown one. The other 2 went with ponies who went out on loan. Everyone finds them comfy, well made and hardwearing. They fit everything I have ever tried them on.

If you want a leather saddle and spend more money (?), then the Barefoot range are all excellent (I am selling an Atlanta at the moment because it is too heavy for me to carry over to the yard).

Ali x
 
Whatever you do, don't get the cheap ones - they are cheap for a reason! And make sure you get the proper pad to go underneath to clear the spine. I have heard good things about the Barefoot Cheyenne.
 
Yes, agree with cobsgalore about the cheap & nasties - avoid!!

I have a Barefoot Cheyenne, nothing fitted my horse but the BC is lovely! Fits well without having to do it up tight, keeps my seat nicely, very comfy. Alot of people (including me) take the pommel insert out & stuff it with rags or foam which works fine. I'd also recommend a non-elastic girth for the BC if you have a table-top. Takes a couple of goes to get used to it cos there's no knee rolls, and they are a very different feel to treed saddles, but I do love it - and so does my horse :)
 
Barefoots aren't the easiest things to jump in as there's no knee rolls and the position is different to a 'normal' saddle but otherwise fine. They are hugely comfy and in my opinion better for changing shapes and peace of mind. Definitey make sure you have a proper pad under them as they don't have spine clearance usually. Proper pads are essential - not cheap, but essential. I have read some issues about pressure from the stirrup bars but as long as you're not jamming your feet hard into them and ride lightly you should have no problems.
 
I've got a (virtually unused since late 2010 as sadly do not have horse it fitted) Solution Original Energist treeless saddle complete with Dorsal saddle pad and front & rear pads to go in it if needed.
Its lovely to hack in & I could pop small jumps but I wouldn't do 'big stuff' in it.
(am also looking to let it go if anyone is looking for one as it wont fit NH)
 
Love my Solution saddles. Backed one of mine in one last year and haven't had any problems at all. Contrary to popular belief treeless saddles do need "fitting" and the saddle maker is the best person to talk to about that. Solution have advisor's around the country who will come out to you and you can also trial a saddle if you want to try without buying.
 
GinaGeo said:
Love my Solution saddles. Backed one of mine in one last year and haven't had any problems at all. Contrary to popular belief treeless saddles do need "fitting" and the saddle maker is the best person to talk to about that. Solution have advisor's around the country who will come out to you and you can also trial a saddle if you want to try without buying.
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I did say that I am intending to have a professional check and fit any saddle I go for, but obviously if you ring a saddle company they are going to say their saddles are the best for what I require which is why I thought I'd ask for the opinions of people who have an unbiased opinion of them.:)
 
I have a Treefree exmoor which you can jump up to about 2 foot in, I think. It has knee rolls and is very comfy. My baby highland thinks its great! :D
 
I rang so many saddlers etc and nobody could or would or needed to come out to fit a treeless for me. You do need to educate yourself on the different makes and pads needed etc, but other than that they should be good to go.
I did tons of research on treeless makes - my advice would be read lots of opinions, from people's experience & feedback it makes a difference with each type of horse, & some makes seem to suit certain conformations better than others. :)
PS You can jump up to 3ft in a Barefoot
 
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