Treeless Saddles - Pros and Cons?

Question

Hello! I am familiar with all of the traditional wisdom about using treed saddles... If you have a well fitting one, it distributes the riders weight across the horse's back and prevents soreness. The channel gives air flow and helps keep horses cooler. It prevents your seat bones from digging into the horse's back.

However, it seems as if people are rethinking a lot of these. I was doing some reading, and apparently the reason why people started using trees was for military maneuvers where you want the rider to stay in the saddle. I read that no matter how well a tree is fitted to your horse, a tree puts pressure on a certain points on a horse in motion.

Do any of you use or have you used treeless saddles? You are the people I am specifically interested in hearing from. What are the pros and cons? What brands are you using? You using English or Western?

Please, no kids voicing their trainers opinions. I want people who have actually used these saddles to weigh in.

Answer 1

I've been riding for about 10 years on an assortment of horses, from Morgans and Quarter Horses to Thoroughbreds, Warmbloods, and Shires. I really like treeless saddles, as they allow me to switch horses without worrying about whether or not the saddle will fit. It's a lot like riding bareback with stirrups; you're right down on the horse's back and you can really feel what he's (she's) doing. Horses with back problems especially prefer the lighter feel of the treeless saddle, in my experience. Some horses don't really have a preference, so if you have a chance, ride with several different saddles before making a financial decision. The only time I hesitate to use a treeless saddle is when I'm riding a green or difficult horse; there isn't much security.

I use an Ansur dressage saddle... english, obviously. ;-)

If you're just riding one horse, you might prefer to have a nice or custom made saddle. It all depends on the horse and your usage.

Answer 2

I use a Barefoot treeless saddle and I love it and apparently so does me horse, he doesn't like me me putting the western saddle on him anymore. The only problem I have with my saddle is it tends to role if I put to much weight on one side but I was told that will help me be a better rider.

I'm glad you shared the info on the treed saddles, did you also know that the bit was invented for the military as well. Armies couldn't train their horses fast enough during wars, so they came up with the bit to help control the green broke horses.

Answer 3

I LOVE my treeless saddle, but my mom used hers on her horse for years, and it apparently attributed to some major back problems for him. Because the saddle has no real support on their back, all of the weight was pressured on one spot on his back which caused alot of soreness. Of course, he also has Lyme disease, shoulder problems and navicular. So whether or not the saddle contributed to his soreness is still up in the air. My horse has not had any problems with me riding him in the treeless saddle, and hes 20 years old. My moms is only 11. They are very comfy to ride in I'll tell ya that much!

Answer 4

Hi! I was just looking up treeless saddles, and I thought your question may have some answers. Not yet it seems, but here is a website you might like to look up, it has some good information:
http://www.horse-connection.com.au
Also, it has a few brands of treeless saddles imported to Australia from I think its Europe and America. Hope that helps :D

Answer 5

I'd say this depends on what you plan on doing with your mare. Of course at 5 years old she is in that final filling out stage of her growth. If you only plan on casual riding and trails a treeless could be just fine. If you want to later do lots of sporting events you should get a real, proper saddle once she is about done growing.

Answer 6

I love mine!! I normally ride in a bareback pad. But those saddles works great! Just like the other person said they fit a lot of horses!!

Answer 7

hi! im sorry to bug you. i dont have an answer to your question but actually a question. if you get any useful answers on your question, could you please share them with me? I have an older horse and from your descritption, I think this saddle would work magic on him. i have never heard of this kind of saddle. if you cant it is ok, but if you do have the time, please email me! I would greatly appreciate it! Thanks a lot!