Menu

Stay in Touch
Sign up for ENews
Subscribe Now

Unlimited access >

Menu

Barefoot Arizona Saddle/Arizona Nut Saddle

Endurance and Trail Riding
#1

I am strongly considering a Barefoot Arizona Nut Treeless Saddle. It’s the first treeless western saddle I’ve seen that actually LOOKS like a western saddle. I tend to change horses frequently, and its so hard to find a good-fitting western saddle. Even my last custom saddle, in my opinion, left some things to be desired. After my hip accident last year, I found that more traditional saddles still put a little bit of uncomfortable “torque” on my knee and hip…leading to aching afterwards.

So, has anyone tried these? Pros, cons?

Thanks!

#2

No experience with that particular saddle, but if you’re looking for treeless saddles that actually look like western saddles, another one to check out (when it’s available) is the Freeform Barrel Trail - pictures are in the photos section of the yahoo treeless saddle group in the “** Freeform Barrel Trail - NEW” album

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/treelesssaddles/

It’s not actually available yet, but it sure is pretty.

#3

I don’t have any personal experience with the Barefoots so I can’t speak about them but there are several treeless saddles that look like western saddles:
Sharron Patterson Miracle Comfort Saddle: http://treeless.webs.com/apps/photos/
EZ fit: http://ezfittreelesssaddle.webs.com/
Starrtrek Western: http://www.saddlingsolutions.com/ST.html
Sensation Western Sport: http://www.freedomtreeless.com/G4Western.html
Black Forest: http://www.blackforestsaddles.com/saddles-synth.html Just to name a few. I am particularly partial to the Sensations, though, since I own a Sensation Hybrid and absolutely love it.

#4

[QUOTE=PRS;]
Just to name a few. I am particularly partial to the Sensations, though, since I own a Sensation Hybrid and absolutely love it.[/QUOTE]

And I got you beat with 2 :wink: I loooove my Sensation western. And my dressage although I think I wanna get the G4 seat for it.

I had a Barefoot Cheyenne Drytex when I first ventured into treeless saddles for the golden boy. He is funky shaped like lotsa Haffies are. It wasn’t a bad saddle but I sold it in favor of a Sensation western and have been even happier.

#5

Thanks guys…

I am really trying to stay as traditional looking as possible, meaning leather, horn, etc. It’s tough to find those that don’t look “obviously treeless” even though some of them are probably super well made and comfy!

I am definitely a traditionalist…have heard really good things about the Sensation but wish it looked more standard.

Apparently the endurance/lighter weight synthetic Barefoot aren’t quite as substantial and sturdy as the Arizona but…with that said, nobody seems to have tried one :slight_smile: Hmmm

#6

The Sensations come in a wide array of leather. I like mine. And admittedly I prefer no horn. I think of it more as an endurance saddle than a western. I remember one ride where Mitch and I scooted under a low hanging branch and I was almost flat on his neck. Gotta love short horses.

I haven’t heard much about the Arizona Nut. The issue I did have with the Barefoot was the width of the twist. I felt like I was sitting way wider in one than I do in a Sensation. Not sure if that’s changed lately.

#7

![](y son has the Black Forest western saddle and loves it.

[IMG]http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i334/jula4me/IMG_2966.jpg)

[IMG]http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i334/jula4me/IMG_2918.jpg)

#8

Do you find the Black Forest to be well made and durable? How long has he had it?

Yeah, I am a total traditionalist…I am switching from show ring stuff to trail riding so I still like “the look” of traditional tack…

#9

I’ve been considering a barefoot as well, although not the western model. But I know that there is one listed on ebay and one on draft horse village

#10

Katyb,
I have the same saddle and noticed in your photo that the stirrup leathers are over the fenders.
You can put the leathers under the fenders, as it may be a bit more comfortable…

#11

Huntertwo, how do you like it? How do you feel it’s constructed? It’s so much less $$ than the Barefoot Arizona Nut which of course, THRILLS me…but wondering how it’s built, etc? Have you had it long? Any pros/cons you’ve noticed?

I know…lots of questions, LOL!

#12

I have the Barefoot Cheyenne. Purchased new several years ago specifically for endurance. LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT!!! I use it for all my endurance riding - most comfortable saddle EVER when you put a Merino sheepskin cover on the seat. Quality construction, too. It REALLY holds up to the punishment and abuse. Mine is the old fashioned one without the panels underneath. Since I’m a featherweight, I don’t need the special pads (AAMOF I sold the pad (it was sitting gathering dust) and got my full $$ back)

I have been eyeing the Arizona as a “fun” western saddle for parades, etc…but just haven’t had the time to try one out.

I adore my Sensations - have the English Trail and the Dressage. Use them for flatwork, jumping, non-competition trail and foxhunting. LOVE THEM. But only tried them a few times with endurance and then retired them to less strenuous use. They have a lot more “spring” than the Barefoot, and on a jackhammer trotting horse it just gets a bit tiring after 40 miles. I don’t feel anywhere near the spring/bounce from the hoof/ground/shock in the Barefoot which is much, much smoother riding in the long run, making it far more comfortable for longer hours on the trail.

Had looked at the Sensation western, but was disappointed in the lack of a horn. Nickers (the company) explained they didn’t put the horn on the saddle because of safety concerns - ie: they didn’t want people trying to use it since it was merely decoration and not tied into a frame.

#13

[QUOTE=SoCalGal;5284760]
Do you find the Black Forest to be well made and durable? How long has he had it?

Yeah, I am a total traditionalist…I am switching from show ring stuff to trail riding so I still like “the look” of traditional tack…[/QUOTE]

He has only had it since April, so I can’t really say anything about how it has held up. We haven’t had any problems with it. Quality wise, I’d say it’s medium - there are no defects in workmanship or anything, and ours is the synthetic, and the real leather would probably suit you better. It doesn’t look like a high end western saddle, but I love the way it fits, and it is super light.

#14

[QUOTE=gothedistance;5285425]
I have the Barefoot Cheyenne. Purchased new several years ago specifically for endurance. LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT!!! I use it for all my endurance riding - most comfortable saddle EVER when you put a Merino sheepskin cover on the seat. Quality construction, too. It REALLY holds up to the punishment and abuse. Mine is the old fashioned one without the panels underneath. Since I’m a featherweight, I don’t need the special pads (AAMOF I sold the pad (it was sitting gathering dust) and got my full $$ back)

I have been eyeing the Arizona as a “fun” western saddle for parades, etc…but just haven’t had the time to try one out.

I adore my Sensations - have the English Trail and the Dressage. Use them for flatwork, jumping, non-competition trail and foxhunting. LOVE THEM. But only tried them a few times with endurance and then retired them to less strenuous use. They have a lot more “spring” than the Barefoot, and on a jackhammer trotting horse it just gets a bit tiring after 40 miles. I don’t feel anywhere near the spring/bounce from the hoof/ground/shock in the Barefoot which is much, much smoother riding in the long run, making it far more comfortable for longer hours on the trail.

Had looked at the Sensation western, but was disappointed in the lack of a horn. Nickers (the company) explained they didn’t put the horn on the saddle because of safety concerns - ie: they didn’t want people trying to use it since it was merely decoration and not tied into a frame.[/QUOTE]’

Thanks that is really helpful! Can you post in it? Even though right now I ache after posting I will eventually work through it with these rehabbing muscles and then certainly want the option.

I like the idea of the panels, that is what kind of made me lean towards the Barefoot vs some saddles I’ve seen in the past.

I imagine that is a valid reason for not putting a horn on however, I like the look and at times it is handy. I have my hunt saddle for the no horn look, LOL!

Good useful info describing how the different saddles feel, too. I am looking for max shock absorption as I get through the body issues I have leftover from last year’s accident, so again Barefoot sounds pretty neat.

I wish SOMEONE out there had tried an Arizona Nut but, maybe it’s a really new model, who knows!

#15

[QUOTE=SoCalGal;5284064]
I am strongly considering a Barefoot Arizona Nut Treeless Saddle. It’s the first treeless western saddle I’ve seen that actually LOOKS like a western saddle. I tend to change horses frequently, and its so hard to find a good-fitting western saddle. Even my last custom saddle, in my opinion, left some things to be desired. After my hip accident last year, I found that more traditional saddles still put a little bit of uncomfortable “torque” on my knee and hip…leading to aching afterwards.

So, has anyone tried these? Pros, cons?

Thanks![/QUOTE]
Hi,
We have been the importer/distributor for both Barefoot Saddles and Freeform saddles and would be happy to answer any questions. Our newest Western saddle is the Freeform Barrel Trail which looks just like a traditional western saddle. These saddles will be available in January and within the next few weeks there will be information on our website about the features and of course pictures of the saddles.
Happy Holidays.

With Warm Regards,
Candace Kahn BE ONE WITH YOUR HORSE
www.ActionRiderTack.com
www.BarefootSaddlesUSA.com
877-865-2467

#16

[QUOTE=Action Rider Tack;5285946]
Hi,
We have been the importer/distributor for both Barefoot Saddles and Freeform saddles and would be happy to answer any questions. Our newest Western saddle is the Freeform Barrel Trail which looks just like a traditional western saddle. These saddles will be available in January and within the next few weeks there will be information on our website about the features and of course pictures of the saddles.
Happy Holidays.

With Warm Regards,
Candace Kahn BE ONE WITH YOUR HORSE
www.ActionRiderTack.com
www.BarefootSaddlesUSA.com
877-865-2467[/QUOTE]

Hi Candace,
Great to hear from you! I looked up the Freeform, they are very nice but quite a bit beyond my price range! So can you tell me more about the Arizona Nut?

How does it differ from previous Barefoots, what is the twist width like, can one post if needed?
Thanks!
Jenny

#17

I forgot to post the most “drool worthy” western treeless saddles I’ve ever seen. I don’t have any personal experience with them but they have gotten VERY good reviews from people who purchased them. They are more expensive but if you want a saddle that looks just like a traditional western saddle…
The Bill Huston “Soft Saddle” http://saddleuphuston.com/Gallery.php

#18

[QUOTE=SoCalGal;5284064]
I am strongly considering a Barefoot Arizona Nut Treeless Saddle. It’s the first treeless western saddle I’ve seen that actually LOOKS like a western saddle. I tend to change horses frequently, and its so hard to find a good-fitting western saddle. Even my last custom saddle, in my opinion, left some things to be desired. After my hip accident last year, I found that more traditional saddles still put a little bit of uncomfortable “torque” on my knee and hip…leading to aching afterwards.

So, has anyone tried these? Pros, cons?

Thanks![/QUOTE]

I’ve been using this one:

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x90/HorsingRound/2010%20Apr%2017%2018%20poppies/2010Apr1718eyepoppingpoppies047.jpg

for over 10 years and have been very happy with it. I mostly trail ride, but I’ve used this saddle team penning too. It seems to fit every horse I’ve put it on.

#19

[QUOTE=HorsingRound;5287654]
I’ve been using this one:

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x90/HorsingRound/2010%20Apr%2017%2018%20poppies/2010Apr1718eyepoppingpoppies047.jpg

for over 10 years and have been very happy with it. I mostly trail ride, but I’ve used this saddle team penning too. It seems to fit every horse I’ve put it on.[/QUOTE]

Off topic, but that picture is freaking gorgeous. Where was this taken?

#20

Thank you, dreamswept.

It was taken last April at the Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve near Lancaster, CA.

Get your Digital Subscription here - only $21.95 / year

Subscribe here
See gift options

Sign up to our monthly newsletter!

By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. You may also receive promotional emails from The Chronicle of the Horse. You can opt out at any time.

Copyright © 2023 The Chronicle of the Horse