How to Ride in Treeless Saddles

Treeless saddles are designed to fit the back of any healthy horse--from the round, low-withered draft horse to the high-withered, muscular thoroughbred. Without the solid "tree" that runs down the back of the typical English and Western saddles, the seat becomes more flexible and allows the rider closer contact with the horse's back and sides. Riders who use a treeless saddle need proper posture to feel safe and have a fun ride.

Things You'll Need

  • Treeless saddle
  • Saddle pad for treeless saddles
  • Bridle
  • Riding helmet
  • Riding breeches or boy-legged jeans
  • Riding boots
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Instructions

    • 1

      Mount your horse, either from the ground or a mounting block, making sure to sit squarely in the saddle with an even distribution of your weight on both sides of the horse. Keep your body aligned at all times because a treeless saddle does not provide the same type of leg and seat support as your usual saddle.

    • 2

      Adjust your sitting position in the saddle so that your body is in proper alignment -- your ears, shoulders, hips and heels should line up with your weight resting on the inside part of your thighs. With this type of saddle, you are more likely to fall if you lean too far forward or backward.

    • 3

      Drop your weight into your feet so your heels are lower than your toes, but don't grip the horse's sides with your legs. Relax your shoulders and upper body, keeping your torso in line with your hips and heels. Pick up the reins.

    • 4

      Gently press the inside of your calves and heels against your horse's sides telling him to walk forward.

    • 5

      Make several circles in both directions. Ask the horse for a trot (either posting or sitting) by gently pressing both heels into his sides when you feel comfortable. Continue to circle in both directions, then ask for the canter. Work to maintain proper positioning in all gaits.