Im a little confused about treeless. I have looked at those before but I didn't look into detail, the ones i have seen aren't all purpose saddles, The only treeless saddles i have seen are dressage. I ride a treeless saddle on the horse i ride anyway so i know what its like, but that's the only all purpose one i have seen, please explain?!
Sensation Ride makes a saddle they call the English Trail. http://www.nickerssaddlery.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15&Itemid=30
It is very comfortable, can be make with any color leather you want, different size knee blocks and other modifications. I understand that they just came out with an English Jump saddle too.
There are also ones that look like traditional western saddles and endurance saddles. Most treeless saddles do either look like dressage saddles or endurance saddles. Bob Marshal makes endurance and western looking treeless saddles. Barefoot makes some that looke more english and some western looking models, Startrekk makes Western, Endlish and spanish looking saddles. No matter your discipline you can find a treeless saddle for it.
I ordered the Sensation Hybrid model from freedomtreeless.com She will be happy to send you a demo if you need one all you pay is shipping.
Edit: I agree with the poster below me to a point. A quality pad is an absolute must. There are pads that are made especially for treeless saddles so as to better distribute weight. Treeless saddles are not typically promoted for riders over 180-200 pounds either. Most "treeless" saddles use a very dense foam to distribute weight better too. It is important to go with a quality product and not buy a cheap knock off.
Treed saddles were originally designed to distribute weight better because they were carrying a fully armored knight.
PRODUCT DESCRIPTIONThis treeless saddle is made from best quality genuine leatherMade from best quality leatherVery light weight saddle just 4 kg in weight.Quality linning beneith to provide comfort to rider and horse...
Premium suede leather treeless saddle by Sydney Saddleworks Treeless saddles eliminate pressure points and are extremely comfortable for horse and rider. Fittings are included - standard english sizing - available in 17", 18", 19", 20 inch seats.
Abz & Aimz - Riding treeless, bitless & shoeless.
treeless saddle?
Is there any treeless dressage saddles that look like normal saddles and that i could compete in
the Ansur probably looks the most like a normal dressage..you could also check out the Barefoot London I rode in one for a test ride and found it very secure, and after talking to someone who owns and rides in both an ansur and a barefoot London, She said the Ansure is for someone who has a very balanced seat , the london will hold a less experienced rider ( me!!) better..The barefoot also costs a lot less than the ansur.
I think it partially depends on what you're doing in the saddle. You don't want to use a treeless saddle for a sport where you have to depend on the stirrups a lot for balance, because they're more likely to turn that a treed saddle. That said, dressage is a great choice for a treeless saddle, because your balance sould all be in your seat and your horse deserves as much freedom to flex in his spine as possible.
Thoughts about those particular saddles – I want to see the gullets. A good treeless saddles should still be designed to keep weight from resting directly on the spine. Also, I don't like seats that are sloped down from pommel to cantle like that. I find them incredibly uncomfortable, but that's just personal preference.
Edit – If you can find a used saddle for sale to try, that would be ideal. Then you can make sure it's something your horse is comfortable in.
I think it partially depends on what you're doing in the saddle. You don't want to use a treeless saddle for a sport where you have to depend on the stirrups a lot for balance, because they're more likely to turn that a treed saddle. That said, dressage is a great choice for a treeless saddle, because your balance sould all be in your seat and your horse deserves as much freedom to flex in his spine as possible.
Thoughts about those particular saddles – I want to see the gullets. A good treeless saddles should still be designed to keep weight from resting directly on the spine. Also, I don't like seats that are sloped down from pommel to cantle like that. I find them incredibly uncomfortable, but that's just personal preference.
Edit – If you can find a used saddle for sale to try, that would be ideal. Then you can make sure it's something your horse is comfortable in.