well, I guess I am one of the few that likes the Bandos saddle…of course, now once I can ride again (been off since July for my pregnancy) I will have to see if my opinion has changed! I do have a backup lightweight western now that fits him, but I want to get back to treeless:)
I also like the Sensation Ride Hybrid. Unfortunately, they aren’t recommended for horses with prominent withers.
[QUOTE=paintedtrails;2935771]
Which treeless models have an adjustable stirrip plate, aside from Bandos? (one of the many reasons I am leaning that way!)[/QUOTE]
Sensation Ride Treeless saddles have the adjustable stirrup plate on all thier models.
Does anyone know a affordable treeless saddle for a high withers, gaited horse?
Freeform saddles do, too.
Affordable Treeless
Take a look at:
http://www.blackforestsaddles.com/default.html
The Black Forest saddles have changeable pommels and a fairly high clearance. The right pommel and a saddle pad witht he right thickness of inserts should work for a high withered horse. They also have a couple of synthetic moddels that are quite low priced. I’ve heard good things about this brand.
Do be aware that many riders of gaited horses have problems with treeless saddles. You have to be sure to have really good support under your seat bones. Some riders never seem to get it right, horses developing white hairs under pressure points. The problem is that the saddles with the best support under the seat are also higher prices saddles. However, many riders also just don’t buy a good enough saddle pad, others rock back and forth across the horses back as they ride. You should talk to people on the Treelesssaddles yahoo group.
Bonnie S.
I have gaited horses
and I use Bob Marshall and Deb Sibley treeless saddles. BM’s are my favorite and I use them to train and school in. The Deb Sibley is a much more rigid treeless saddle and it feels more like your regular western saddle. If you visit her website, be sure you look at the trail model saddles, not the barrel racing saddles (barrel saddle have much taller pommels).
All of that said, you MUST use the appropriate pad for your saddle. BM’s need a skito (dense foam inserts) for proper weight distribution.
I have never had any rolling with my BM saddles. I think a good seat helps!
StarTrekk saddles
I am intrigued with these saddles, which are “semi treed.” I’m going to try a demo as soon as I’ve saved up enough to justify even checking them out… They’re not cheap, but may an option for horses with withers and for heavier riders. (I’m not that heavy, but heavier than most treeless saddle manufacturers like).
[QUOTE=CanterQueen;5227446]
and I use Bob Marshall and Deb Sibley treeless saddles. BM’s are my favorite and I use them to train and school in. The Deb Sibley is a much more rigid treeless saddle and it feels more like your regular western saddle. If you visit her website, be sure you look at the trail model saddles, not the barrel racing saddles (barrel saddle have much taller pommels).
All of that said, you MUST use the appropriate pad for your saddle. BM’s need a skito (dense foam inserts) for proper weight distribution.
I have never had any rolling with my BM saddles. I think a good seat helps![/QUOTE]
Deb Sibley saddle are not treeless they are built on a flex tree.
[QUOTE=SharonA;5227723]
I am intrigued with these saddles, which are “semi treed.” I’m going to try a demo as soon as I’ve saved up enough to justify even checking them out… They’re not cheap, but may an option for horses with withers and for heavier riders. (I’m not that heavy, but heavier than most treeless saddle manufacturers like).[/QUOTE]
I highly recommend to anyone who is considering going treeless to join the treeless saddles yahoo group. It is free and there is tons of wisdom and experience to be had. Many of the saddle designers and manufacturers are members so you can sometimes have direct access to the saddle designers. Many of the members are dealers too and will be happy to assist you in your search. If they don’t sell the particular saddle that is suitable for you and your horse they won’t hesitate to point you in another direction. They are good folks.
The new ones have a flex tree according to her website, but didn’t the older ones start out treeless? I seem to remember someone saying her daughter-in-law took over and added the flex tree in the 80’s – or maybe she took it out for awhile. I don’t remember. Anyone out there know???
http://gallopinggrape.com/treelesssaddles.aspx
I have the Black Forest (Western) and really like it. The synthetic looks just like real leather. Super comfortable too.
I love my Bandos. It’s very comfortable for both my horse and me. I love the adjustable stirrup plate.
My son has a Black Forest saddle, and it works very well on his high withered horse. He really likes his saddle too.
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my Barefoot Sierra! The Sierra is the same saddle as the Atlanta, just has a horn. I have had it at about 3 years.
I ride almost every day, and have never hit my saddle time limit. I can ride all day, and stay completely comfortable.
I use a Skito pad too. Our set up works great for my horse and me.
I do some Endurance rides. Unless it is dead of winter, I trail ride. We have a huge indoor arena, but if it is doable, I would soooo much rather ride the trails.
We have had the BEST Indian summer, BUT, according to the forcast, Winter is coming later this week :(! So, I am sure my time stuck in the indoor arena is coming. We set up poles and do things to make it “more” fun.
I had the Barefoot Cheyenne for two years before my Sierra. I did like it, but the Sierra just fits me perfectly. It is my favorite saddle I have ever had.
