Treeless
Treeless Dressage Saddles have been around for a few years now and are becoming increasingly popular. They are said to fit any horse, particularly if he has a very wide back or uneven musculature around the shoulder although that does not mean you should just bung it on his back and off you go. You still need to check it isn't pressing on the horse's spine. However, as long as you have the right stirrup leathers and a saddle pad underneath, the treeless saddle is a good idea particularly if your horse is having problems with a normal saddle.
The treeless saddle typically has a seat made of foam padding covered with leather. The cantle and pommel are of fibreglass. The main difference between riding with a treeless as opposed to a treed saddle is that you may feel rather insecure and unbalanced at first and it can make you feel as if you are sitting "wide" as if riding bareback. But persevere, you will soon get the hang of it and you will find that they are supremely comfortable and have the added advantage of a nice close contact.
A report in 2008 by the Society of Master Saddlers said (amongst other things) that pressure points can occur beneath the stirrup bars, however this usually improves if riding without stirrups or with a dressage style stirrup. You can read more about this report in Yourhorse.co.uk Of course, the SMS will have a biased view on this as with no tree in the saddle they would be out of business.
At the end of the day, only you can make your own mind up. Many people and horses are very happy with a treeless dressage saddle.
Treeless Dressage Saddle on eBay
 |
NEW HILASON DRESSAGE ENGLISH TREELESS SADDLE 18 |  |
0 Bid | US $295.00 | 23h 15m |
 |
New Hilason Dressage English Treeless Saddle 16 | |
0 Bid | US $295.00 | 4d 22h 48m |
 |
Islandic Dressage Treeless Saddle 17 Leathers Irons | |
 |
US $249.00 | 8d 2h 40m |
 |
Islandic Dressage Treeless Saddle 18 Leathers Irons | |
|
US $249.00 | 8d 2h 43m |
Leave your response!