Exploring the Trend of Treeless Saddles
In recent years, there has been a significant shift in the equestrian industry towards treeless saddles. While this trend was initially met with skepticism by Western riders, it has since gained widespread acceptance among trail riders and barrel racers alike. Treeless saddles offer greater freedom of movement and closer contact with the horse, making them an attractive option for many riders.
Treeless saddles are easier to fit compared to traditional saddles and can accommodate a wide range of riding stock. In this context, it is worth noting that treeless saddles are particularly well-suited for thin riders and horses with swayed backs.
In this article, we will explore the reasons why treeless saddles have gained popularity and examine their benefits and drawbacks.
What A Treeless Saddle Is
Saddle trees are a fundamental element in many horse saddles. They provide a solid, sturdy foundation for the leather and padding of the saddle to be built around. The tree is designed to conform to both the horse's back and the rider's seat. Originally crafted from wood, modern saddle trees are now made from a variety of materials such as fiberglass combined with metal, plastic, or still some wood.
The leather of the saddle is attached to the tree using staples or small nails. However, a treeless saddle does not have this solid structure as the foundation of the saddle.
A treeless saddle is a type of horse saddle that lacks a solid internal tree, which is typically made of materials like wood or hard plastic.
Why A Treeless Saddle Can Help You
If you're an equestrian, you know that finding the perfect saddle for your horse can be a challenging task. A poorly fitting saddle can lead to discomfort and even health problems for your horse. This is where treeless saddles come in. Treeless saddles are an innovative alternative to traditional saddles that offer numerous benefits for both the horse and rider.
Treeless saddles are a lighter option that enables the rider to sit closer to the horse's back, but they may be less secure than saddles with a tree. Careful fitting is essential to prevent pain for the horse or rider.
Treeless saddles come in different styles such as Western, English, and trail. They tend to be more substantial than a simple back pad.
Some riders prefer treeless saddles for easier lifting onto the horse, personal comfort preferences during riding, or to fit horses with wide backs that may have uncomfortable pressure points with traditional saddles.
Benefits of Treeless Saddles
Full Freedom of Movement for Your Horse
One of the most significant advantages of treeless saddles is that they allow for full freedom of movement for your horse. The construction of these saddles is such that they can adjust immediately to the movements of the horse, allowing for free and full extension of the horse’s shoulders. The pommel area is non-weight bearing, which means that the horse can move forward without restriction or pain. This freedom of movement helps to build or rebuild the horse’s topline, leading to a healthier and happier horse.
Solutions for Hard-to-Fit Horses & Riders
Another great advantage of treeless saddles is that they can fit almost every horse's back. This is especially helpful for hard-to-fit horses who may have a unique shape or size. One saddle can potentially fit all your horses, saving you the cost of purchasing multiple saddles for each horse. These saddles also offer solutions for hard-to-fit riders who may experience discomfort or pain in traditional saddles due to health issues.
Easy Tacking up with a Lightweight Saddle
Treeless saddles are lightweight and easy to handle when tacking up. You don't need to struggle with a heavy saddle or worry about injuring yourself or your horse while trying to saddle up. The lightweight design also makes them ideal for long-distance riding or trail riding, where you need to minimize the weight your horse is carrying.
Balance, Freedom & Comfort
Perhaps the most important benefit of treeless saddles is the comfort they provide to both horse and rider. The experience of sitting in a treeless saddle is similar to bareback riding, only much more comfortable and safer. You have very close contact with your horse, allowing you to feel their free, muscular movement and rhythm beneath you. You feel comfortable and secure in your seat, and your balance improves. You also experience relief from back, knee, and neck pain, making your riding experience more enjoyable.
Final Thoughts
The trend of treeless saddles took some time to gain acceptance from Western riders, but today they have become popular among trail riders and barrel racers. One of the benefits of treeless saddles is that they offer greater freedom of movement and closer contact with the horse, making them a suitable choice for equestrians who prefer a more natural riding experience.
Treeleess saddles are easier to fit and can accommodate a wide range of riding stock, making them an excellent option for horses that are hard to fit with traditional saddles. Finally, treeless saddles are particularly advantageous for thin riders and horses with swayed backs. Overall, treeless saddles offer a viable alternative to traditional saddles and have become a popular choice for many riders.
Richard Sutherland
RichardSutherland@bitsnspurs.orgRichard is a western lifestyle author for Bits N' Spurs, the weekly newsletter that keeps pace with today's rodeo. His articles are featured on dozens of rodeo and Western related websites and provide a window to the world of cowboy culture.