Freeform saddle questions

[GreyDes]

I picked up a used a Freeform classic for longer trail rides, and have a question about the panels and stirrup placement.

Panels - I put the panels on with the stuffing that came in them, and am using it with a Skito pad. The saddle feels comfortable and balanced, but I felt perched above my mare’s back and could put more than four fingers under the pommel.

For those of you who have a Freeform, do you typically ride with the panels? If so, how much do you stuff them, and with what? It looks like they currently have two different materials inside, and the seller sent a third with the saddle.

Stirrup placement - Does anyone have a photo of where you’ve put the stirrup velcro? I’m having trouble figuring out the right spot.

Thanks!

[irish_horse]

I can only help a little bit: I don’t ride with the panels. I’ve found with my Freeform and Haf Pad with Skito inserts that I have more than enough clearance on my horse. He has pretty good withers, though not shark fin my any means! I’d try it without the panels and see if you have enough clearance then. Not just wither though, you want to make sure you have clearance all the way down the spine (try the “string test” if you haven’t already).

As for the stirrup placement, it’s so individual. I ended up setting my father back that I thought: I prefer a longer, more “dressage” style leg, and I just played with it until it felt right. A bit of a hassle, but if you play around, I think you’ll find the right fit. The whole saddle took while to get used to, but my horse and I both like it.

As a full disclaimer: while we both love the saddle, when I feel my horse is going to be a bit more silly, or we’re planning15+ mile rides, I switch to my Solstice. This isn’t the fault of the Freeform, just my weenie self not being quite as balanced!

[paintedtrails]

I don’t have a FF, but I do have a ghost with panels. I think if it came with different types of “stuffing” the goal is to find which single or combination of things works best.
And my Bandos (which is a FF knock off basically) that I had used the adjustable stirrup bar - Loved it because YOU put them where it feels right

Paulita is semi-local to me and helped with my previous treeless saddle and fit for a gelding - she will help on any treeless question! But, also happens to help design FF for endurance and probably your best person to ask

https://treelesssaddle.com/

[GreyDes]

Thank you both! I’ll do some experimenting this weekend to see what works. This gives me a good place to start.