Can anyone with TD or ring steward experience or other relevant experience tell us if a treeless saddle in the style of the Black Forest Aspen or the Barefoot Cheyenne satisfies the USEF Rulebook section DR121.1? Specifically we are inquiring about these models, although both companies make other models that it’s easier for us to believe they satisfy the rule.
Our human momslave has found lots of other COTH threads about the treeless/treed saddle debate to be very entertaining and informative, so not looking to re-enact any of that. Instead, hoping for a simple answer…
Thank you in advance
Cinnabar and Maverick
I don’t believe so. The issue is the design on those models has a swell in front. The USEF rules specifically prohibit that for dressage.
You likely know that treeless is allowed. It’s specifically called out in the rules so another treeless style without the swell would be fine.
From USEF:
Saddle. An English type saddle, with or without a tree, with flaps and stirrups is compulsory for all tests and classes other than FEI tests. For FEI tests it is compulsory to use a dressage saddle that is close to the horse with long, near-vertical flaps and stirrups (except for FEI Para Dressage tests). The use of a saddle with a horn, swell, gallerie, or open Saddle. An English type saddle, with or without a tree, with flaps and stirrups is compulsory for all tests and classes other than FEI tests. For FEI tests it is compulsory to use a dressage saddle that is close to the horse with long, near-vertical flaps and stirrups (except for FEI Para Dressage tests). The use of a saddle with a horn, swell, gallerie, or open gullet, or the use of an original or modified Australian, Baroque, Endurance, McClellan, Spanish, Stock, or Western saddle is prohibited.
Caveat that I am not a TD, and you can always confirm my interpretation with USEF if you’re really committed to that style.
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