Bob Marshall or Black Forest -

[Huntertwo]

Okay, I’ve finally narrowed it down.

Thank you Chicamuxen1 for providing the link to the Black Forest treeless saddles.
http://www.blackforestsaddles.com/default.html

I never even heard of these before, but after checking their site, and seeing a positive review on Tack Trader, I’m willing to give one of these a try.

But, I also found a Bob Marshall original on Tack Trader (good condition) for $650.
Owner emailed me a picture and it looks in good shape and the size I need.

[SIZE=3]Saddle[/SIZE]

[SIZE=3]http://papers-and-stuff.com/yahoo_site_admin/assets/images/saddle.13145629_large.jpg[/SIZE]

I have to say that the Black Forest does look more comy than the BM. And for almost the same price, I can get a brand new saddle.

Help…

[PRS]

Neither one of those saddles has enough of a twist for me…I like my Sensation Hybrid. It is comfy and has the twist I need to keep my hips from pulling out of socket. http://www.freedomtreeless.com/G3Hybrid.html LOVE my saddle!

[GallopingGrape]

The Black Forest has more spinal relief than the Bob Marshall so you are not sitting on the horses spine. And Black Forest has a synbthetic version for a couple hundred dollars less. The synthetic leather is gorgeous and you can’t tell its not leather. Great Great product!

[Auventera_Two]

Love my Bob Marshall. Have tried the Bandos, Barefoot London, and a knockoff treeless that looks like a Barefoot Cheyenne. The BM is by FAR the most comfortable and stable on any horse I put it on.

You don’t sit on the horse’s spine, if you use the correct saddle pad, that has a built in spine channel.

[stryder]

I don’t know anything about the Bob Marshall. But there are several Black Forest saddles at my barn. The owners love them. A barnmate recently bought a new one, in leather. It’s gorgeous, and the barnmate was able to request certain features that Black Forest gladly accommodated.

[Lieselotte]

I have never ridden in either saddle myself, but my training partner rides in a Bob Marshall and curses it, often… She’s saving money to buy a new saddle WITH tree, I think she’s done with treeless.
When I ride behind her I can see how she’s constantly correcting the saddle position as it does not stay in place even though she is using saddle pads that are recommended (Skito) and of course the saddle should never affect your riding like that. Mounting is also a problem.
In general, I’m not getting a good impression. After each ride her horse’s hair is wavy where the saddle was, probably from the constant rocking it back into place, and he has gotten white hairs as well, so there are pressure points indeed.
It sounds as if you have made up your mind about buying a treeless saddle and I’m not going to talk you out of it, but…

[Huntertwo]

Well, I ordered the Black Forest Shasta Echo last night.

After doing some reading over at the Yahoo Treeless groups, I think the BM would be too long for her back.

Someone posted a picture of a POA who was of similar size to mine and many of the posters thought the BM sat too far back on the loins.

But if someone is looking for a BM, the one I posted above is on Tack Trader for $650. Includes free shipping too.

[Leather]

Haven’t tried a BM, but I LOVE my Black Forest Shasta. I have a very short backed Paso Fino and it fits her just fine.

My friends that tried it loved it too–one became a dealer!

[lawndart]

@Huntertwo;4763425

Well, I ordered the Black Forest Shasta Echo last night.

Well I will be waiting to see how you like its Quality, fit, and comfort, as I like that particular saddle too. And my mare is shaped like your mare, I’m sick of trying to find a treed saddle that will fit both her and I.

Be sure to post an update after a week or two.

[Huntertwo]

@lawndart;4763932

Well I will be waiting to see how you like its Quality, fit, and comfort, as I like that particular saddle too. And my mare is shaped like your mare, I’m sick of trying to find a treed saddle that will fit both her and I.

Be sure to post an update after a week or two.

Will do! Although, I think everyone must be sick of all my saddle posts by now…

[gypsymare]

The BF looks like a knockoff of the Torsion. I can’t stand to ride in any of the saddles that have that wide of a twist but I know other people who LOVE them. I prefer a narrower twist like my Freeform. The Torsion was the saddle that convinced me to go treeless though after feeling the change in my horse’s movement.

[CanterQueen]

@Lieselotte;4763404

When I ride behind her I can see how she’s constantly correcting the saddle position as it does not stay in place even though she is using saddle pads that are recommended (Skito) and of course the saddle should never affect your riding like that. Mounting is also a problem.

Wow. I’ve owned and ridden in BM for years now. I have narrow, high-withered TWHs and wide, flat QHs. I use Skito pads and NEVER had an issue with mounting or slipping on any horse. Honestly, the first think I thought of when I read your post is your training partner doesn’t have a balanced seat.

And let me tell you about comfy . . . . I have “turned” many a rider into a BM fan after just one ride in one of my BM saddles.

I’m sure your new saddle will work just fine for you, I just had to comment on the BM issues. Thanks!

[Diamond_Jake]

From what I understand, Black Forest used to be a Barefoot dealer, and then knocked off the line and named their new ones for themselves.

If you see a Bob Marshall for a great price, double check the manufacturer. Some of the less expensive ones were made by Circle Y for a time. I know someone who loves hers made by Circle Y… just a matter of choice.

Great to hear so many people like the Black Forest saddles. it is nice to have options.

[sbwinde]

I love my BM, but my new mare is also getting white hairs from it. I think I might have to venture back to a treed saddle as well.