Re: [RC] Do treeless saddles distribute weight properly? - Karla Watson
I've been riding with a Bob Marshall treeless
saddle for 3+ seasons on several different horses. Never had any back
issues. Get good scores on back at vets. I'm a heavyweight. Balanced riding is
important so is having the right pad underneath. Don't let some people scare
you. They are not for every horse and rider but they have worked
successfully for many, many people, including FEI riders and many heavyweight
division riders. Treeless saddles are VERY comfortable and I cannot imagine
riding 50 miles without mine.
Subject: [RC] Do treeless saddles
distribute weight properly?
Hi all - Wellll...thought I had my perfect endurance saddle
picked out, but now I'm not so sure! Good grief, I never realized there
were so many options and possibilities!! I was planning to get a treeless
saddle because I like close contact and it seemed like it would be more
comfortable for my horse, but then I read some articles that said treeless
saddles don't do an adequate job of distributing a rider's weight. I've
also looked at flexible tree saddles, adjustable tree saddles, and custom
fit saddles on traditional trees. Then there's the choice between English
and Western rigging. I'm overwhelmed and confused! I learned to ride
English and did a little dressage and jumping. Right now I do probably
half my riding bareback and the other half in a traditional Western trail
saddle. My saddle fits me perfectly, but it feels bulky and doesn't fit my
mustang as well as I would like it to. She doesn't complain (yet!) -
but we haven't done 50 miles in it, either!! I'm sure you're all sick of
this subject, but if anyone has some spare time I would appreciate some
advice on what to consider when buying a saddle?? What are the
advantages/disadvantages of the different styles? Those of you with
treeless saddles - do you like them?? Thanks so much - sorry to be a pest,
but you all are teaching me soooo much and I really do appreciate
it!! Jen
