Treeless Saddles

In harmony with the movement of your horse

Whatever discipline a rider is interested in, from trail riding to international dressage, the first aim will be the same - to produce a horse that is working under saddle in balance and relaxation. And for this to be possible there must be the least possible interference in the horses posture and freedom of movement.

Traditional saddle tree that lacks the flexibility to copy the changes of the horses back.

The saddlery we use forms the interface between horse and rider. So our saddle has a specific job of work to do; acting as an interface for the efficient transfer of rider weight to the horses back; with the bridle acting as our communications interface. Of course we are also able to communicate by altering our own posture and with our legs, and it is clearly important that the saddle should not impede this by being too bulky or intrusive.

The job of the saddle is very simple - it must spread rider weight over the supported area of the horses back, but must not bear on the unsupported loins. It must provide a good safe seat for the rider, without causing back-ache or discomfort to the horse. The saddle should allow the horse to move fluently and without restriction, and must not concentrate heat or friction while doing so.

And, before we go any further, let's get it straight - a saddle can only do so much. Horse and rider must be a balanced pair - where the horse is big enough, strong enough and fit enough to happily carry the rider's weight - and where the rider is fit enough, lithe enough and supple enough to be able to harmonise with the movement of the horse.

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