I am just beginning my search for a treeless saddle. I would like an all around saddle type so I may use it to show dressage, trail ride and do LD endurance rides. So far, I located a dressage saddle made by Freeform that may fit my needs. I have never owned a treeless saddle but know some are better than others.
I really like my Freeform saddle, and have done conditioning rides in it. My horse really likes it, but his um, exuberance, during actual competition has led me to stick to my Arabian Saddle Company Solstice, a treed saddle. I would find a reputable vendor (Freeform, Barefoot, Sensation, bob Marshall, Ansur, I’m sure I’m missing some) and demo some saddles. They are all very different. Most need a good supportive pad, but there are many variations on that too. Good luck!
Take a look a Sensation saddles. I’ve ridden in an English style one and it felt pretty close to a regular saddle. Didn’t push my legs out in front like other treeless saddles.
Why do you want a treeless saddle?
2 Likes
Freeforms are nice saddles. I have one and it’s worked for my horses. Make sure you have a pad that enables spinal clearance. On balance I prefer a treed saddle but those are well made and comfortable.
Why are you moving to a Treeless solution?
Take a look at the Ghost saddles. Some of their models look quite like a classical dressage saddle and they are widely used by professional endurance/LD riders. In my own experience with several horses - they are fab, provide a good spinal clearance, are very adjustable and also extremely comfortable for the rider due to the narrow twist.
