The Horse Owners Guide to Treeless Saddles

Introduction

In the UK 50 years ago, the choice of saddles readily available wasn't great compared to the wide spectrum on offer today. We all rode in jumping, general purpose or dressage saddles with solid trees or spring trees and three different gullet widths, that were marrow medium or wide. 

How things have changed for the better with a real focus on the comfort of the horse. Today, one of the saddle-buying considerations is to decide whether to go for a treeless saddle so read on and find out more.

What are Treeless Saddles?

Treeless saddles do not have a solid internal structure called a saddle tree. However, traditional Western and English saddles have saddle trees made from wood, fibreglass or carbon fibre. Treeless saddles are designed to fit a horse's back without a tree, and the modern versions look very similar to traditional saddles but by comparison, are usually lighter.

Is a Treeless Saddle a good choice for my Horse?

Some riders swear by treeless saddles while others avoid this type of saddle, so before deciding on a treeless saddle you must know the pros and cons of using one and then make an unbiased informed decision. So what are these pros and cons?

The Pros:

• They are designed to mould snugly to the horse's back without the possibility of pressure points that are associated with poorly fitted traditional saddles.
   
• Modern versions now bridge the spine to prevent spine pressure and many have interchangeable gullets to fit a number of wither widths.
   
• Under the seat, there are bendable pads that adjust with the rider's weight and their weight distribution. They permit freedom of movement along the horse's back and can be more comfortable for both horse and rider. In particular, the horse's shoulder can rotate and this permits freedom of movement.
   
• Treeless saddles are generally lightweight because there is no internal tree and they fit a variety of back shapes including sway backs. In addition, as a horse becomes fit their back changes shape and the treeless saddle will mould to the new shape.

These advantages make treeless saddles popular with many endurance rides, also numerous trail riders and happy hackers swear by treeless saddles and would not ride on anything else.

The Cons:

• On some horses, treeless saddles do not provide the stability of a traditional saddle and are less likely to remain in place for strenuous equine activities. An unsecured saddle that slips is always dangerous, so this is a real disadvantage for some equestrian activities.
   
•  The treeless saddle does not distribute the rider’s weight over a large area as a saddle tree does so they are not always suitable for heavy riders.
   
•  Some treeless saddles have weight over the spine and are not for horses that have a kissing spine and others are not easily fitted to horses with high withers.

Treeless saddles are unpopular with eventers, showjumpers and polo players. However, there are a growing number of barrel racers who use these saddles.
 

Some examples of Treeless Saddles:

What is the cost of a Treeless Saddle?

Now you have the information to decide whether a treeless saddle is for your horse you must consider the financial situation. Many of these saddles are not prohibitively expensive and you will not need the services of a master saddler when your horse's back changes shape. 

So treeless saddles can be a good option if your purse strings are rather tight. As a bonus, many have interchangeable gullets to fit different horses, so it is likely the saddle will fit a number of horses.

What must I be aware of when buying a Treeless Saddle?

Like all equine products you will get the quality you pay for so avoid really cheap saddles as they will not be durable. Buy saddles that bridge the spine and avoid versions that create spine pressure. Many types of treeless will need special saddle pads and these must be checked for compression and the creation of spinal pressure.

Horses with high withers will be more difficult to fit so go for a saddle with interchangeable gullets so the withers can be effectively bridged.

The take-home Message

You have read the horse owner guide to treeless saddles and will be able to make that informed decision based on your horse's welfare, followed by your safety and your riding requirements. There are some ridden activities, like roping, that are absolutely not suited to treeless saddles but for many types of riding a suitable treeless can be obtained. 

If you are a lightweight rider and you like the idea of a treeless saddle for your equestrian activities then this could be the saddle for you.

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