Treeless western saddle for trail riding?

[Lily27]

I recently bought a Torsion Treeless Saddle – I’m trying to learn more about the right pad to use with this – any suggestions on pads specific to treeless saddles?

I have done light riding in it twice just to see if I wanted to keep it. I must say it is WAY more comfortable than the traditional synthetic/suede western saddle I was using previously (which I immediately took to the local tack store to sell). And, I can feel my horse underneath me so much more. I feel like I can really get my legs around him and he also seems more sensitive to my body and leg cues. So, I am hoping to learn more about saddle pads and properly fitting these treeless saddles so we can move forward from here!

I’ve also read some not-so-good things about treeless saddles and just feel that I need to do more research in general about them. Anyone done any major research on these already? Or suggestions on sites to read? Threads to read?

[chicamuxen1]

I also ride in a BMSS endurance model but they aren’t for everyone. The “standard” placement of the stirrup on the endurance model is pretty far back under your hips, when compared to most western saddles.

However, they have other models. A good friend that has ridden in the BMSS endurance model for years just bought a Bob Marshall Wrangler. We did a long trail ride together and she found that she really liked the stirrup placement and the mini-slide bar rigging. http://www.sportsaddle.com/wrangler.html the stirrup placement is further forward and allows more movement of your legs than the endurance model stirrup rigging.

One thing to be aware of is that higher cantles and larger pommels do make the seat fit tighter. Joyce got a significantly higher cantle and the pommel of the wrangler is different than the endurance pommel which does make the seat was much snugger fitting. If you try a BMSS I would suggest you try the Wrangler or Plantation model and move up in saddle size.

Bonnie

[PRS]

[QUOTE=Lily27;7167637]
I recently bought a Torsion Treeless Saddle – I’m trying to learn more about the right pad to use with this – any suggestions on pads specific to treeless saddles?

I have done light riding in it twice just to see if I wanted to keep it. I must say it is WAY more comfortable than the traditional synthetic/suede western saddle I was using previously (which I immediately took to the local tack store to sell). And, I can feel my horse underneath me so much more. I feel like I can really get my legs around him and he also seems more sensitive to my body and leg cues. So, I am hoping to learn more about saddle pads and properly fitting these treeless saddles so we can move forward from here!

I’ve also read some not-so-good things about treeless saddles and just feel that I need to do more research in general about them. Anyone done any major research on these already? Or suggestions on sites to read? Threads to read?[/QUOTE]

I highly recommend joining the Treeless Saddles Group on yahoo: http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/treelesssaddles/conversations/messages

There are several pads designed specifically for treeless saddles, I use a Skito pad.

[katyb]

[QUOTE=PRS;7167904]
I highly recommend joining the Treeless Saddles Group on yahoo: http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/treelesssaddles/conversations/messages

There are several pads designed specifically for treeless saddles, I use a Skito pad.[/QUOTE]

Ditto that. I have a Grandeur, two Haf pads, and a dang, something else. I like the Haf pads best. I have a Bandos, a Black Forest, and a Barefoot saddle. My horses do long, challenging rides without any back soreness over the last 5-6 years.

[Lily27]

[QUOTE=PRS;7167904]
I highly recommend joining the Treeless Saddles Group on yahoo: http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/treelesssaddles/conversations/messages

There are several pads designed specifically for treeless saddles, I use a Skito pad.[/QUOTE]

Thank you for the suggestion! I have joined that group - waiting to be approved I think, but I look forward to reading more there!