Treeless Saddle Questions and Answers

Here is the list of questions a gal recently asked me to answer because she was doing an article for Horse-Canada magazine. I thought I would share them here with you too.


1. Do you use treeless saddles all the time or just some of the time? If you don't use them all the time, in what situations would you use them?

I use them all of the time.


2. How did you first discover treeless saddles? What made you want to try them?

I discovered them through the constant research I do always on the lookout for the best ways to keep my horses comfortable and healthy. I loved the fact that a treeless has the ability to move with a horse’s back compared to any treed saddle making it an easy decision. From here the problem of fitting even the toughest horse’s conformational situations were gone. Plus knowing that all horse’s physically change shape throughout their lives (from age, training, seasonal changes) made the problem of a treeless saddle not fitting later obsolete.


3. What are the benefits of using a treeless saddle? How do they help the horse? How do they help the rider?

There are numerous benefits for using a treeless saddle but for me the most important one is for the comfort (pain free) and added mobility for the horse. Because of its ability to flex in all directions it allows for the horse to freely move without any pain (no pressure points like in a treed saddle). This ease of movement enables sideways movement of the thoracic spine and the ability for the horse to lift their back.
A treeless saddle weighs and costs considerably less than a treed one plus I can use one saddle for multiple horses (which is a huge cost savings!).
Treeless saddles help the rider have closer contact therefore they can feel rhythm and body movements which creates better balance for both parties.


4. Are there downsides to using a treeless saddle? Does the rider have to learn to ride a bit differently? What do people say after trying them? Are they good for longer rides?

The only limitations of a treeless saddle are for those who participate in such events as vaulting, trick riding, roping, or competitive jumping.
Riders do not need to learn to ride differently unless they have been sitting in an unnatural state from an incorrect seat and saddle. Instead they will find better balance because of the added connection to the horse’s movements and being in the correct vertical position. The most common comment I hear from those who try a treeless saddle is, “Wow, I can feel my horse move better, calmer and more freely”. Many endurance riders are using them so long rides are not a problem.


5. I understand that over time, the saddle molds to the shape of the horse's back. Are you able to use that saddle on a different horse? Will it reshape itself again?

There is some molding taking place but not so much that you can’t use it on multiple horses. I have 5 horses that I use the same saddle on but what’s most important is to use the pads correctly for different conformational needs and comfort. Individual usage would also pay a big role here but it must be stressed that padding correctly particularly the pads that are designed for these saddles should be used.


6. How easy are the treeless saddles to take care of? Do they hold up well under use?

I have owned 3 Barefoot Treeless saddles for over 5 years now and taking care of them is very easy. I like to use Doc Bailey’s leather care products because they can clean, condition and waterproof. I am very impressed how well these saddles and pads have held up under usage.


7. What should someone look for in buying a treeless saddle?

Look to the companies who can demonstrate long term research and commitment. There seems to be a few knock offs being made these days. You can usually spot them because the price is too good to be true and they are weaker in construction. Look for those offering a Vertebrae Protection System and are happy to discuss all your needs and questions.


There is also a bunch of great questions and answers about treeless saddles at Happy Horseback Saddles faqs page.


Elaine Polny