Treeless Saddle Types and Designs

BENEFITS: These saddles are a hybrid between a treeless saddle and a bareback pad. They can be used with stirrups like a full saddle. Some well-regarded brands include Sensation and Freeform Saddles, which are handmade under ethical working conditions in Canada and Italy. These treeless saddles often feature layers of protective memory foam and other padding inside the main body, providing comfort and protection to the horse. They are designed to offer increased flexibility, allowing more freedom of the shoulders and fewer restrictions across the back. The material and design of these saddles allow for close contact, improving balance by helping riders feel the horse better and be more in tune with the horse's body. They can often be customized by adjusting the stirrup leather locators, pommel, and cantle to fit each rider. Soft Saddle Systems are typically lightweight at around 4-6kg and are the most flexible of all treeless saddle types, making them suitable for a wider variety of horse shapes. They're ideal for use with multiple horses or those previously experiencing saddle fitting issues. This is because they do not contain any rigid framing components such as wooden pommels, flexible trees, or fibreglass inserts, all of which can restrict movement. Quality is crucial with this design, and we encourage finding a saddle manufacturer that advocates using a correct treeless saddle pad to raise the saddle from the horse's spine using protective shims.

PITFALLS: Avoid purchasing inexpensive saddles that are made in India using inferior materials in sweatshops with unethical working conditions and low wages for workers. These cheap saddle copies may look similar to trusted brands or types in photos, but they are often poorly made without any consideration for the horse's physiology. There have been numerous instances of these copies causing harm to both horses and riders, so it is best to be cautious and avoid them. Additionally, some models have weight restrictions for riders, so it is important to check before making a purchase. If you are unsure about a saddle, it is recommended to inquire about its design and manufacturing location to ensure its quality.

DIFFERENCES TO BE AWARE OF WHEN USING A SOFT TREELESS SADDLE: 
1. You must be more mindful to use a mounting block whenever possible.
2. Expect your horse to be more forward-moving due to the freedom provided by these saddle designs.
3. Girth up your saddle in three stages to avoid slippage. Take a short walk around in between each stage to allow the saddle to settle and shape onto the horse's back.
4. It is crucial to use the correct treeless saddle pad with the correct memory foam shims to keep the saddle raised up off the spine at all times. This will help avoid slippage and protect your horse's back.