Karen did a marvelous job of describing the function of the Sports Saddle.
The two-independent trees, more obviously the pommel, "walk" (or trot,
canter, etc.) with the horse's movement. For example: When the right
shoulder moves forward, the right side of the pommel also moves forward as
the left side somewhat moves back with the left shoulder and vice versa.
Because there is no traditional "rigid" tree, the saddle flexes and moves
with the movement of the horse.
Because there is less between you and your horse, you can feel your horse and
your horse can feel you more readily. For this reason, communication between
horse and rider takes less effort. Also, because you are closer to the
center of gravity, you are playing "catch up" near as much, if at all, when
your horse changes stride, jumps a log or ditch, or, heaven forbid, shys or
bucks! Many riders find that they, as well as their horses, are less
fatigued riding in the Sports Saddle.
But, as with any saddle, someone invariably has problems. Personally, I feel
the saddle requires a balanced rider. If you ride crooked, your horse may
eventually become crooked. No doubt, this will occur with any saddle, but
with the Sports Saddle it may become obvious quicker.
Unlike a "bareback pad" the Sports Saddle is designed to distribute the
rider's weight. The rigging comes off the two independent trees (the cantle
and the pommel) into a "V" from which the stirrups and cinch hang from. When
a person stands, posts, are sits balanced, their weight is carried through
the rigging up through the pommel and cantle.
Feel free to email me personally with further questions or concerns.
Genie Stewart-Spears
Distributor for the Endurance Sports Saddle
Horse Works
(502) 443-1505 Office Hours 9-5 Central Time; Mon-Fri (unless I'm out
riding!)