Treeless Saddles (continued)

head high, the horse's back lowers and sags

Treeless saddles are certainly not a new idea, more a return to a far older method, and the most common 'generic' patterns in use can be traced back many hundreds - if not thousands - of years. Coupled with new technology and 'space-age' materials, treeless saddles are now hybrids of the old and the new.

Of course they have to be carefully designed to spread rider weight efficiently - as any saddle must - so it would be foolish to suggest that any old treeless saddle is going to be good - but they do offer a significant difference in one very important respect.

During exercise the horse's back continually flexes, going through numerous postural changes, both large and small. The tree'd saddle lacks the flexibility to copy these changes - even the semi-flexible 'spring tree' saddle.

head low, the horse's spine pulls up

In contrast a good treeless saddle fits the horse more like a glove - and, because of its flexibility, can faithfully follow each change in the contour of the horses back. Typically this produces lighter paces with smoother transitions and greater elevation. The same variety in saddle accessories is also now available, from girth to stirrup types.

Having watched alternative saddlery being used on a steadily increasing number of horses for the first time there is one thing that sticks in the memory and makes the process a very pleasant one. So often the owner will have complained that the horse is sluggish or unresponsive and grumpy, until the new gear is tried out.

What follows is very often an epiphany for the owner - exit one grumpy and unwilling worker - enter one happier, more comfortable and more willing partner !

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