What Is a Treeless Saddle?

The tree shapes the horse saddle. Depending on the saddle's manufacturer, a saddle's tree can be made of wood or synthetic materials, such as fiberglass. In recent years, some manufacturers have started to offer treeless saddles.

  1. Saddle Fit

    • Treeless saddles fit horses better than saddles with trees, which can sometimes cause pressure points against the horse's back; however, some saddle fitters have seen treeless saddles cause pressure points where the stirrups fall, along the billet straps and along the spine.

    Riding

    • Treeless saddles are most like riding in a bareback pad, although some styles are acceptable for show-ring use.

    Rider Fit

    • Some riders may be uncomfortable in treeless saddles because of larger thighs and/or a round horse. Looking for treeless saddle with a formed seat can help you keep your balance.

    Disciplines

    • Treeless saddles are available in both English and western saddles.

    Pads

    • You may only need to use a pad (other than a square or contoured cloth pad to protect your saddle) on a horse with prominent withers or spine to create a gullet for the saddle. Treeless saddles interfere with a horse with very high withers.