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  Discussion on Are there any comparative reviews of treeless saddles?
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New Member:
Ejaco

Posted on Friday, Feb 24, 2006 - 12:11 am:

I am looking into buying a treeless saddle and there are now quite a few on the market. I wondered if anyone knows of any comparative reviews of these saddles? Also, anyone who has one and is happy or unhappy with it, I would be interested to hear. - Elizabeth
Member:
Vickiann

Posted on Friday, Feb 24, 2006 - 8:30 am:

I've tried out some belonging to friends but do not remember the brand names. The close contact they give was a feature I liked. Depending upon the shape of your horse's withers, because the saddle takes the shape of the horse's back, sometimes the horn pushes toward the rider's belly and that can be unpleasant. I discussed these with a saddle fitting expert and he preferred for the good of the horse a saddle with a good tree and fit, yet thinks they are fine in some circumstances. I know people who are frequent and hard riders who use them with success. For less accomplished riders I wonder whether there could be some added stress to the horse's back due to bouncing and less support. This would depend upon the skill of the rider and amount of time spent in the saddle. I would recommend you try to borrow and try out as many as you can if you know anyone who has one or look for a source that has some demonstration models.
Member:
Ajudson1

Posted on Friday, Feb 24, 2006 - 3:44 pm:

Hi Elizabeth,

Welcome to our family!!

We've discussed treeless saddles on here a few times. I am still very happy with mine, it's a Bob Marshall Sport saddle, barrel racing style, by Circle Y. It is very comfortable but as others have pointed out, you do have to watch out that the saddle isn't hitting on the withers. It will buckle on a sway backed horse.

I think Vicki makes a good point as far as a riders ability affecting how well the horse will do with the saddle regarding getting a sore back. I imagine it is possible a "bouncy" rider could make the back sore.

I bought mine because A.) I am the only rider (most of the time) with 3-5 horses at any given time, and I wanted a saddle that would fit most of them. (it's too long on my Arab) B.) I wanted something comfortable, and something with the stirrups placed under my body, not "forward" C.) it had to be "secure feeling" to me. Which it is.

I think my treeless saddle fits all the above criteria.

You will find people totally against them, and those who will insist you have to have some kind of special pad under them. All of these people will either try to sell you a very expensive pad, or a different saddle....I personally haven't been convinced of any harm from using a treeless saddle.
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