I'm too fat for tree-less, other options?

[neversaynever]

FWIW, The U.S. Ghost saddle dealer states that the rider weight limit for their saddles is about 165 lbs. From their website: http://www.badlandsequine.com/page/2555/Choosing%20a%20Ghost

“Note that most treeless saddles, Ghost included, recommend maximum rider weight of around 165 pounds and less for faster riding endurance riders. We are currently testing different panel shapes and materials to extend this range or add to your comfort zone especially if you ride for particularly long times.”

From the Australian Dealer http://www.horse-connection.com.au/ghost-saddles - “Please note that the weight limit for the Ghost saddles is 80kg for pleasure riders, we may make an exception if you are a little heavier provided you are balanced and do not spend long hours in the saddle. The saddles are not suitable for stirrup heavy riding, i.e. ‘competitive endurance’, regular jumping or any other sport that involves lots of two pointing/standing in the stirrups. If you spend long hours in your saddle on the trail or you are a bit heavier, we now have thicker panels available that can be ordered for older and new Gost saddles, waiting times apply.”

[stoicfish]

http://www.horse-canada.com/magazine_articles/traditional-saddles-vs-treeless-saddles/

It sounds like the treeless has higher pressure points but some of those can be mitigated with proper pads.
I think it is fair to say that the pads will have a limited effect if the weight is high enough. It is a matter of weight per square inch and of course a treed saddle can distribute the weight better…the whole point of a tree.
BUT if the horses back falls outside of the normal for treed then a treeless is a wonderful option and will have better results than a treed that doesn’t fit.
Btw OP, I do not think your fat. I think you are a lovely lady that is enjoying riding your horse.
The physical reality is that a treed saddle can distribute weight better if it fits properly, and your case may put too much pressure per square inch for that treeless saddle brand. Whereas a smaller person may not exceed that PSI. Just physics. Same with a tall muscular man that’s weight will exceed the amount a pad and treeless can distribute. No shame.

[katyb]

[QUOTE=Lieselotte;8722114]
Oh boy, KatyB, assume much? (I’m referring to your reply to my post specifically…) I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt since you do not know me. But clearly you know very little about actual endurance riding. It makes absolutely no sense to waste additional energy over long distances so if you can help yourself and your horse by riding in a more solid setup, causing less fatigue, that’s a good thing. It doesn’t mean I need my saddle to hold me in place, like you suggest. And there are a lot more choices between a treeless saddle and a saddle with horn and high cantle

And thanks for suggesting riding lessons just because I do not love riding in a treeless saddle, lol… I have a strong core, thank you very much, ride dressage as x-training and, just in general, may have a few more miles under my belt than you do. I’ll challenge you to a 50-miler any day and see who is more balanced in the saddle at the end

The one generality you threw out there and I totally agree with was but I would like to add that it is still crucial to consider the job the horse is asked to do. And only the OP knows.[/QUOTE]

That was a general you. Not a specific you. I apologize for not being clear in that. If you ride endurance (again - GENERAL you) with any frequency and/or success, I would assume you are a balanced and capable rider.

I just don’t think treeless generally works well for unbalanced riders, green riders, riders who rely on the saddle rather than their ability to stay aboard. It’ a different riding style that doesn’t work for everyone.

I’ve ridden a few miles myself. I have no interest in riding a 50, so no doubt you (specific you, lol) could beat me at that. I did ride every day for the first 125 days of this year. I’ve done quite a few trail miles. Treeless works for me and mine. The OP will have to decide if it is a good option for her, and for her horse. Ruling it out as a concept because a few other people don’t prefer treeless would be silly, as would ruling out a treed saddle just because I don’t like them.

[Meredith_Clark]

[QUOTE=stoicfish;8722681]
http://www.horse-canada.com/magazine_articles/traditional-saddles-vs-treeless-saddles/

It sounds like the treeless has higher pressure points but some of those can be mitigated with proper pads.
I think it is fair to say that the pads will have a limited effect if the weight is high enough. It is a matter of weight per square inch and of course a treed saddle can distribute the weight better…the whole point of a tree.
BUT if the horses back falls outside of the normal for treed then a treeless is a wonderful option and will have better results than a treed that doesn’t fit.
Btw OP, I do not think your fat. I think you are a lovely lady that is enjoying riding your horse.
The physical reality is that a treed saddle can distribute weight better if it fits properly, and your case may put too much pressure per square inch for that treeless saddle brand. Whereas a smaller person may not exceed that PSI. Just physics. Same with a tall muscular man that’s weight will exceed the amount a pad and treeless can distribute. No shame.[/QUOTE]

Well shucks! You make me blush! :lol:

This all has been great information. My first priority is the comfort of my horse and I wouldn’t put that at risk for my own comfort. I hope to get down to a lower weight as my BMI is too high and my doctor keeps telling me “if you want to have a baby you need to loose weight” (news flash … my babies have 4 legs and neigh!) but I recognize the health risks. Trail riding has actually made me much more active than I’ve been recently, I’m very fortunate to live 5 minutes away from a 5,600 acre natural resource area with beautifully manicured riding trails. I want to increase my distances and gaits to get myself more active!

[AshleyandAnnabel]

I used to be an eventer so when I first tried my mentor’s treeless I literally fell off the other side while mounting because I’m used saddles with a tree. It’s like riding in a bareback pad and I don’t like the lack of security. I felt that it wasn’t for me. I ended up getting a Tucker Endurance saddle and it’s one of my most proudest purchases and I felt it was worth every penny. My mare is also happy with it too. It weighs 22lbs but isn’t a problem for my 16hh girl. Tucker is known for making beautiful well quality saddles for Trail Riding (and Endurance).

[beckya]

EZ-treeless saddle

I have a mare that is really hard to fit. Never could find a traditional saddle that would address her confirmation. A friend told me about the EZ-treeless saddle. She is a different horse now. It is designed with panels on the bottom like English saddles so you never have to worry about wither or spine clearance. Worth looking into. Good luck. Becky

[beckya]

I noticed in your picture you was riding an english saddle. If you are still wanting to ride treeless you should check out EZ fit treeless saddles. They are designed with a panel on the bottom like english saddles. I love mine. They also have a 2 week demo saddle. Very reasonable priced.

[Guilherme]

[QUOTE=Gestalt;8719781]
Just asking for clarification here - I thought Dr Clayton said the study was moot because the correct pad was not used.[/QUOTE]

That’s not how I read it. I read the claim the comparison is not valid from the advocates of the “treeless” systems because a special pad was not used.

Attempts to compare failure to use a “special” pad as being the equivalent of intentional or negligent misuse of equipment are invalid. If the “treeless” concept is valid if, but only if, special equipment is used then that says the design of the treeless saddle, by itself, is defective and the defect must be corrected with “special equipment.” We now don’t have “treeless saddles” we have “treeless saddle systems.” That, IMO, violates the KISS principle.

The Laws of Physics dictate that proper materials must be used if weight is to be effectively distributed. The laws of equine biomechanics and conformation dictate how the Laws of Physics will be obeyed for any given horse.

G.

[Bogie]

@Guilherme;8732594

Attempts to compare failure to use a “special” pad as being the equivalent of intentional or negligent misuse of equipment are invalid. If the “treeless” concept is valid if, but only if, special equipment is used then that says the design of the treeless saddle, by itself, is defective and the defect must be corrected with “special equipment.” We now don’t have “treeless saddles” we have “treeless saddle systems.” That, IMO, violates the KISS principle.

That would knock out some high end English saddles (like Tad Coffin) which push their “special” pads hard to ensure proper fit. I thought if you were spending $5K plus on a saddle that it should fit without the $425 pad :D. The fact that there are so many shimmed and special saddle pads available now leads me to believe that many people fit their horses through padding rather than by buying a saddle that fits.

I do have one horse that came to me slightly crooked (her right side is built up more than her left). Working with my saddle fitter we added one shim to a Mattes pad while i worked with her to even her up. Much easier than reflocking the saddle for a temporary condition.

I don’t have a problem with using a treeless saddle pad with my treeless saddle. My treed saddle are fitted every six months and I always have my saddle fitter check my treeless configuration at the same time.