Treeless or Treefree Saddles
Are you considering trying a treeless saddle?
Two or three years ago virtually no-one in the UK had heard of treeless saddles - now they are quite commonplace.
It turns out that in some countries they have been going treeless for years. One thing is for sure, the first time that I sat on one I knew immediately that it was what I was looking for. I had always wanted to ride bareback with stirrups, but I could never work out how to organise it!
Over the last few years I have been doing quite a lot of work with horses that have got into difficulties in various ways. I have also been starting quite a few youngsters. For both these tasks a treeless saddle was a real godsend to me. I could put it on virtually any horse and know that there was very little chance that it could be the cause of any physical discomfort. That was a huge relief to me as I have always been plagued with nagging doubts about saddle fit!
From day one I became almost obsessed with the concept of 'going treeless' and over the last couple of years I have become quite involved in the hows and whys of the whole idea. Put simply, the weight of the rider is spread across the back of the horse through the padding as opposed to through a tree.
Some important points to think about before using a treeless saddle (and for that matter any saddle) are
- your weight ratio to the horse
- the strength of your horse
- the age and development of your horse
- your riding style
- and the work you are doing or hope to do with your horse
Once you begin to use your treeless saddle (or indeed any saddle) continuously check to make sure that your horse is not having any problems with it. Look out for any rubbing or ruffled hair whenever you remove the saddle and girth. Always check for any sensitive areas on your horses back. Look out for any changes in the movement of your horse. Saddle problems can and do cause poor or restricted performance.
Look after and enjoy your horse.
Tom Widdicombe is a partner in Dartmoor Treefree Saddles.
Visit his website www.bewithyourhorse.com
Dartmoor Treefree saddles & accessories are now available online at www.bitlessbridle.co.uk
If you have any comments or questions regarding treeless saddles, or to read what others have to say, trot along to our Forum
Have you thought of 'going bitless'? - check out Dr Cook's in-depth articles on bits & the bitless bridle.
What about 'shoeless' - have you seen the information on barefoot trimming ? (NB: There is a difference between unshod, pasture trim and barefoot trim)
<<back to index of NAG articles