Homemade Treeless Saddles

Standard saddles have a "tree"--a rigid core that gives the saddle its structure. All other parts of the saddle are built around the tree. Treeless saddles can look very similar and have many of the same parts and features but do not have a rigid inner structure. The configuration of a treeless saddle allows the horse more freedom in the shoulder but can create other problems.

  1. Treeless Saddle Basics

    • Without a tree, a rider can move along with the horse and both may enjoy a better fit and more freedom of movement. Like bareback pads, treeless saddles can feel very comfortable and this is one of the advantages over saddles that have a tree. Compared with standard saddles, treeless saddles are considerably more lightweight, flexible and affordable. People who use treeless saddles also point out that they are easier to adjust and customize.
      Only a tree can bridge the horse's spine. This distributes the pressure of the rider's weight correctly over the horse's spinal ligaments (unless the saddle is fitted badly). With a treeless saddle it is harder for the rider to control weight distribution and that can cause unnecessary pain, harmful pressure points and lead to neurological damage. The rider may also be put behind the horse's movements, putting pressure on the loin with serious health consequences for the horse.
      A good saddle gives the rider support, stability, comfort and protection and allows the best performance possible. Above all, a saddle has to be comfortable for both the horse and rider and it must fit properly. Every saddle manufacturer claims the saddles they make are the best saddles available and fit better than anything else. When choosing a saddle, consider your own skill and knowledge and decide what would be best for you and your horse. Some veterinarians might be willing to help with saddle fitting and give you an objective opinion for a specific horse's shape and condition.
      Both badly fitted standard saddles and treeless saddles can cause serious damage to your horse. Always make sure the saddle fits correctly, no matter what type of saddle it is. No saddle of any type keeps a proper fit forever. Saddles have to be adjusted and re-fitted periodically by a professional. Using a saddle on only one horse is ideal because like people, horses also come in different shapes and sizes and the horses' withers have distinctive contour. Riding more than one horse with the same saddle is at least as bad, if not worse than, having several children walking in the same pair of shoes.
      Saddle pads, used with standard or treeless saddles, are meant to absorb the horse's sweat. They prevent the saddle's leather from becoming stained by the sweat and keep the horse a little more comfortable when he sweats. Trying to correct the fit of any saddle with a pad is an insufficient solution that may work temporarily until the saddle can be re-stuffed. Using it for a long time can be harmful and painful to the horse.