Treeless western saddle for trail riding?

[Pocket_Pony]

Anyone ride in a western-style treeless saddle? I used to have a Freeform (regular trail, not western) and LOVED it for comfort on the trail but didn’t love it so much for arena work. That was many years ago and I sold it. I’m now in the market for a new western saddle and I’m wondering how the western treeless saddles are?

I don’t to any ranch work (although I’d be interested in learning about cow work, but don’t see myself roping), mostly just arena riding and trail riding for a few hours.

Thanks!

[GallopingGrape]

I ride in a Bob Marshall and its fabulous!

[2DogsFarm]

I’m no Trail Maven, but years ago a friend loaned me her Bob Marshall treeless for a several-hour ride and while the stirrup position was not good for me (confirmed English rider - I trailride in my old dressage saddle) I was very comfortable otherwise.
I ended up dropping the stirrups sometime in the first hour and rode on that way.

Since it was Fall, I was especially happy with how horse’s body heat came through the seat

[paulaedwina]

EZ fit treeless! https://www.facebook.com/ezfitsaddle

Paula

[katyb]

We just sold my son’s Black Forest Town and Country. He loved it, but outgrew it. The synthetic version is only $549, and our horses loved it.

[Sparrowette]

How much do you weigh? My BO’s nephew had one he trail rode his walker stallion with, and the horse started misbehaving, and got white marks on hie withers. Nephew quit using it. BO told me, it seems that treeless doesn’t work with higher weight men riding. throws off the weight distribution somehow. Don’t know what brand of saddle he had, but it looked like a REALLY NICE one and I was told he spent a bit for it. And nephew isn’t fat. Just a big, well muscled man.

[katyb]

Treeless saddles still have to fit the horse, and an appropriate pad is required. Lots of people who try treeless don’t use the right sort of pad, then say the saddle was a problem. Like with treed saddles, quality is really important.

My son is 14-years-old, 6’6", but he’s only 180 lbs, so weight isn’t an issue.

[Pocket_Pony]

Thanks! I’ve heard good things about the Bob Marshalls - were they bought by someone and the quality changed? Something I may have misheard…

Anyone ever try a Startrekk Western Dressage? I like the look of it - not so “ugly-treeless” looking. Looks like Freeform now has Western treeless also - will have to check it out!

My weight won’t be a problem treeless. I do know about padding and that they need to be properly padded. The horse is it would be for has strong back muscling and his spine is “recessed” (aside from the withers).

[paulaedwina]

I just got an add for the Startrekk WD. I guess it didn’t take long for someone to make a market of a new sport :lol: If I recall it’s a 2K saddle. My custom EZ fit was 900 USD.

And I concur; you have to have the right kind of padding under a treeless saddle, and be vigilant for signs of discomfort.

Paula

[Pocket_Pony]

I’m getting a Freeform on trial - and if I don’t like it, then I’ll try the Startrekk.

It won’t be coming for a few weeks, but when it does I’ll post an update. I did comment that what I didn’t like about the Freeform before was doing arena work in it, but the proprietor of the store says the western model rides different from the classic model, which is what I had before, so we’ll see how it works out.

[UlysMom]

I have a Black Forest Town and Country Ponderosa. All leather and super comfy. But I have been riding much more in my other treed endurance saddles lately. Been thinking about selling the treeless, but then, since it’s the only thing I have that even looks western…I may keep it to either ride in myself, or for friends to use.

Anyway, the BF looks western and is much more affordable than the Freeform, though the Freefrom is a very nicely made saddle too. Their Rosewood saddle is even tooled with silver, though it’s much more expensive. They did have one of their sample Rosewood saddles listed on ebay just recently in the vey affordable range. Not sure if it’s still active or not.

[Wistara]

I ordered an Echo from Black Forest, it put pressure on my mare who is barrel shaped - and I weigh 115 lbs. Also, not good for a short person, too much padding under the thigh, cannot get a leg on very well. Thought the quality was lacking for the price. Owner hard to deal with and a bit irratic

[Pocket_Pony]

Bumping up to say my Freeform is coming via UPS today!!! I’ll report back soon!

[Serigraph]

How did the Freeform work out? Did you try the Startrekk Western?

[ladyofthewood]

I have used a Barefoot and LOVED it. Was so comfortable to sit in for long periods.

[Pocket_Pony]

I tried to report back but was having computer problems and then totally forgot!

Well, as usual, the Freeform was very comfortable on my bony backside. The fenders weren’t turned and were very stiff so it caused some trouble for my knee. And because of the width, it bothered my hip as well. Just like last time, I didn’t like it for actual arena work so I sent it back. Too bad…

[PRS]

I love my Sensation Hybrid treeless saddle. It’s not western, it’s not English, it’s a hybrid and I’ve found it to be the most comfortable, secure feeling saddle ever. Sensation does make a western version (no horn) that is very nice too. The great thing about these saddles is that they are so customizable. You can add pads and bolsters under the seat to improve the twist…you can have the saddle made with shortened or more forward flaps. You can adjust the stirrup position too. The quality is fabulous.

[twohorsetack]

I endurance ride and barrel race in my Bob Marshall Saddle. Works great and super comfy

[GallopingGrape]

Bob Marshall all the way… I put 30+ miles a week on it, its perfect.

[Pocket_Pony]

Which Bob Marshall?