All About Treeless Saddles
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Treeless Saddle Types and Designs
Treeless saddles have become increasingly popular as riders look for more freedom of movement and a closer connection with their horse.
They can be a great option when used correctly, particularly for horses who struggle with traditional saddle fit. However, they are often misunderstood, and incorrect setup is one of the most common causes of discomfort and back issues.
There are several different types of treeless saddles, and not all designs function in the same way. Understanding the differences is important when choosing what is right for both horse and rider.
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IMPORTANT:
All treeless saddles must be used with a correctly fitted, supportive treeless saddle pad with appropriate shimming.
This is not optional. The pad is what creates spinal clearance, distributes rider weight, and protects the horse’s back.
Without the correct pad and shim setup, a treeless saddle can collapse onto the spine under rider weight, creating pressure points, instability, and long term damage.
A treeless saddle should always be considered as part of a complete system. The saddle and pad must work together to function correctly.
Most problems people experience with treeless saddles are not caused by the saddle itself, but by incorrect pad and shim setup.
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Showing Examples of Soft Saddles with the Sensation Treeless Saddle Made In Canada and The Freeform Treeless Saddle Made In Italy.
Type 1- Soft Saddles With No Hard Parts:-see above for examples.
BENEFITS:
These saddles sit between a treeless saddle and a bareback pad, while still allowing the use of stirrups like a full saddle.
Well-regarded brands such as Sensation and Freeform Saddles are handmade in Canada and Italy under ethical working conditions, and this shows in both quality and longevity.
Quality treeless saddles use layers of memory foam and supportive padding within the body of the saddle, helping distribute pressure and protect the horse’s back.
Because there is no rigid tree, these saddles allow greater freedom through the shoulders and reduce restriction across the back. This often results in a more natural way of going for the horse.
The close contact design improves rider balance and feel, allowing you to stay more connected and in tune with the horse’s movement.
Most designs allow a level of customisation through adjustable stirrup positions, pommel, and cantle.
Soft Saddle Systems are typically lightweight, around 4 to 6 kg, and are the most flexible of all treeless designs. This makes them suitable for a wide range of horse shapes, especially those who have struggled with traditional saddle fit.
They are also a practical option for riders working multiple horses, as they can adapt more easily between different builds.
Importantly, these saddles contain no rigid structures such as wooden trees, fibreglass inserts, or fixed pommels that can limit movement.
Quality matters with this type of saddle. A correct treeless saddle pad with appropriate shimming is essential to lift the saddle off the spine and protect the horse.
PITFALLS:
Avoid cheap imported copies, particularly those mass-produced in India using low-grade materials and unethical labour practices.
These saddles often imitate well-known brands visually but lack the internal structure and design needed to protect the horse.
Poorly made treeless saddles can create pressure points, instability, and long-term damage to the horse’s back. They can also compromise rider safety.
Some models have rider weight limits, so this must be checked before purchase.
If there is any doubt, ask where the saddle is made and how it is constructed. If that information is vague or unavailable, walk away.
KEY DIFFERENCES WHEN USING A SOFT TREELESS SADDLE:
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Use a mounting block whenever possible to minimise saddle movement and protect the horse’s back.
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Expect increased forward movement. Horses often move more freely when restriction is removed.
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Girth in three stages. Tighten gradually, walk the horse between each stage, and allow the saddle to settle and mould to the back.
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Always use a correct treeless saddle pad with appropriate shims. This is non-negotiable. It keeps the saddle lifted off the spine, improves stability, and protects the horse from pressure.
Showing Examples of Zip Out Pommel Insert Types of Treeless Saddles with the Barefoot Treeless Saddle, Edix Treeless Saddle and Torsion Treeless Saddles.
Type 2-Zip Out Inserts Treeless Saddle Models:-see above for examples
BENEFITS:
This style of saddle was one of the early pioneers of the treeless movement and helped bring treeless saddles into the mainstream during the late 1990s.
Brands such as Torsion, Barefoot, and EDIX are well known examples, along with many similar designs that followed.
These saddles feature a zip-out pommel insert at the front, allowing some adjustment to the width of the front arch and offering basic wither clearance.
They can feel more structured than a bareback pad and may suit riders looking for a simple, lightweight option for light riding.
PITFALLS:
Despite their popularity, these saddles are often a step down in both design and performance compared to higher quality treeless systems.
They function more like a structured bareback pad than a true saddle, offering limited support, limited weight distribution, and minimal protection for the horse’s back.
Although they are often marketed as being designed in other countries, many of these saddles are manufactured in developing countries, including Pakistan and India. This includes brands such as EDIX, Barefoot, and Torsion, which can result in inconsistency in materials, stitching, and overall build quality.
The internal design is typically quite basic, lacking the layered support and engineering found in higher end treeless saddles.
Because there is very little internal structure, rider weight can become concentrated, particularly under the seat bones and stirrup attachment points.
They rely heavily on the saddle pad and shim system to do most of the work. Without a correct setup, there is a real risk of pressure points and the saddle dropping onto the spine.
Stability can also be an issue, with some models prone to movement or rolling depending on the horse’s shape.
They are often marketed as adjustable and suitable for many horses, but in reality they do not solve underlying fit issues and can still be unsuitable for a wide range of back shapes.
For riders expecting the support or protection of a traditional saddle, these designs can feel lacking.
For light riding and hacking, they can be suitable when used with the correct pad and setup. However, they are not designed for higher impact riding or situations where greater support and weight distribution are required.
KEY DIFFERENCES WHEN USING THIS TYPE:
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Expect a much closer feel to a bareback pad than a structured saddle.
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Rider balance and symmetry become more important due to the lack of internal support.
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Saddle stability can vary significantly depending on the horse’s shape and movement.
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A correct treeless saddle pad with appropriate shimming is essential, as the saddle itself provides minimal protection.
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SUMMARY
I wholeheartedly support treeless saddles and believe they are a great option for many horses, particularly those who are difficult to fit with traditional saddles.
Having owned draft horses for most of my life, I know firsthand how challenging saddle fitting can be. Treeless saddles have provided a practical solution where conventional saddles often failed.
I have also been a treeless saddle fitter and dealer for more than 20 years, and have worked with a wide range of horses and saddle types over that time.
However, quality matters. It is important to choose products from reputable companies that understand correct saddle fit and design.
Cheaper, mass-produced saddles, particularly those manufactured in developing countries with inconsistent materials and construction, are best avoided.