The Treeless Saddle Controversy
Posted on July 29, 2010
Filed Under Horses | 1 Comment
The treeless saddle is steeped in controversy these days. One group favors the treeless saddle arguing that it offers more comfort and the ability to feel the horse’s movements better. Others say the saddle puts abnormal pressure on the horse’s spine and could cause injury.
Lets discuss some of benefits and drawbacks of the treeless saddle. It is worth mentioning that treeless saddles are available in both Western and English style of saddle. So most riders can find a treeless saddle to suit them if they wish.
If you are not familiar with how a saddle is constructed you may be asking what a tree is. Seeing how a saddle is assembled will help you to understand the purpose of the tree. The tree is the foundation that the rest of the saddle sits on top of. It is made of wood or other synthetic material and will be covered with leather or a leather-like material.
The tree determines how well the saddle fits the horse’s back and also determines the size and shape of the rider’s seat.
Treeless and flexible tree saddles are becoming popular with both the Western and English style user even though there are controversies. People in favor of the treeless saddle and flex-tree saddle say these saddles move more easily with horse’s movements and fit better particularly in the area of the horse’s shoulder blade. People who are not in favor of these saddles say that abnormal pressure points are created and may be as undesirable as a poorly fitted conventional saddle.
While a poorly constructed or poorly fitted saddle tree has it disadvantages no tree at all has disadvantages as well. If you are a beginning rider you may find it more difficult to maintain control and remain in the saddle properly. A beginner might find it wise to ride with a conventional saddle at first.
The best scientific evidence surrounding the use the treeless saddle has probably come out of testing by the Society of Master Saddlers in England. Their tests measured pressures exerted on the horses back by treeless saddles and found no advantage to the treeless saddle. Testing was done on many brands of saddles and it was found that all treeless brands exerted pressure on the horse’s spine whereas the traditional saddles did not. Their final conclusion was that traditional saddles were better for the horse’s health than treeless types.
When fitting a traditional saddle extensively effort must be put into adjusting the saddle to avoid pain to the horse and chaffing or rubbing of the back. This special fitting of the tree to the individual horse means that a given tree is generally only used on one horse.
A treeless saddle does not require the adjusting that a conventional saddle does and may be used by more than one horse. The treeless saddle is less rigid and more flexible and may provide more comfort to the rider who has to remain in the saddle for long periods of time. If you are interested in this type of saddle the Barefoot treeless saddle might be a suitable brand for you.
When you find treeless saddles for sale you will note that they are less costly because less material and labor go into construction.
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