Treeless / Treed Saddles

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cob1

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My physio has recommended a treeless saddle for the ned since his ligament injury.

Im not so keen - for one ive never rode bareback, and being a little nervous at times i dont think it would suite me either. Im not a begineer, but a definate novice and say, can get wobbly when doing new things.

I wouldnt say me bouncing on his back because the saddle doesnt support me enough would be good either, since the damage is right under his saddle?

Ive always been with saddle fitters in that trees are best (when fitted correctly). I understand i will have to monitor his weight and get refits as and when, so that is OK.

Anybody any thoughts?
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Hmm... I personally dont like treeless saddles. I know someone who used to use one but it ended up hurting the horses wither. I like to have no pressure directly on the spine. Maybe get a second opinion?
 
I hate the things they put pressure on the horses spine and wither and you end up rolling off..!!! ask a saddler what they think but personally i hate them (sorry)
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My saddler hates them too so its fine!

Ive read some research on a comparison by the SMS and that said, no advantage to using a treeless. And basically said both types can do damage if not fitted correctly, more so treeless because people think you can just buy one off the internet and you are sorted.

I dont think i can personally go down the treeless route.
 
I have a treed and a treeless saddle. I went treeless through choice and to give something new a try. My back man didn't think me crazy, and even recommended the brand I have bought.

I trialled it first and had it fitted. I have been riding in it for 3-4 months now, with no side effects, and my horse will let me know when he is not happy!! They can slip round a bit more, although I haven't had any issues with this. Mine is a dressage version and I find it really fits me snugly in the saddle, and I feel well 'bedded' in and not wobbly at all.
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I have a treed and a treeless, I much prefer the treeless as does the horse it is fitted to, but my other horse does not like it at all. I feel very secure in mine, I can get on off the ground (although I try, as with any saddle, to hop on rather than pull all my weight up on one stirrup), I have felt no difference when the horse has been lively or spooky and it never hurts my back (which treed saddles do).

A couple of treeless companies will rent you a saddle for a very reasonable amount (it was 50 quid a week for a TTS when I tried it 18 months ago) and you can try it out before you buy.
 
I think it depends very much on the brand you choose. Some of the cheaper treeless saddles actually have solid arches over the withers, which can't be a good thing, and they also feel like sitting on a table top. I've got a Heather Moffett saddle which is lovely - very comfortable, probably more supportive than a treed saddle because of the memory foam seat, and the horses like it (although it's possibly for sale at the mo because I need the money for something else!). The Solution saddles look good too although I've never ridden in one.
 
Saying that treeless saddles cause pressure problems is a bit like saying bits make mouths sore. There are so many varieties of treeless saddles on the market, the designs are different as well. There is a lot of cheap rubbish to be avoided, much like treed saddles I gues. You can get several of the treeless makes on trial, The Freeform from Goldfinch Saddles and the HM Fhoenix range come to mind. They aren't cheap, but I think they're worth it. If you decide to try, get the saddle fitted, just as you would any other saddle. Don't buy off EBay unless you know what you're doing.
 
I have been using treeless saddles for seven years with no problems.

You need to buy the correct type fpr your horse. These saddles are easy to buy online it you know what you're looking for.

It all depends on your price range.

I have bought all of my collection from ebay and websites.
 
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