ACTHA bans treeless saddles

[katyb]

[QUOTE=Shagyas Rock;8838350]
I don’t really have a dog in this fight but was just wondering - what is your evidence that treeless saddles distribute weight as well and evenly as a well fitted treed saddle?[/QUOTE]

It’s anecdotal, but the number of horses competing treeless in endurance rides (with their backs checked regularly by professionals) is a pretty good indicator that a treeless saddle CAN be the best choice. For me, it’s how my horse moves out and feels. Free flowing, open stride - eager to go, go, go. That’s enough proof for me. Other riders/horses achieve that with a treed saddle. Whatever works for each pair is the right choice.

[saratoga]

Yeah, anyone considering treeless doesn’t have to get all caught up in the physics of weight distribution- just try some. For my 2 Arabs, they work great. I rode my endurance horse in a treed DeSoto saddle for many years with no problems, but when I rode him in a Barefoot Cheyenne one time, wow, he goes SO much better, longer stride, more balanced transitions, much better canter. My mare is going great in the arena with an Ansur-I don’t even use a special pad for her.

I’m not a heavy person so I can’t speak to that aspect of treeless but they are definitely at the top of my list of saddles to try.