Are treeless saddles better for the horse?

Elite (equine) athletes require support, comfort and protection to perform optimally. Without a tree, a bareback pad/treeless saddle cannot protect the horse’s spine, support the curvature of the rider’s spine, and be comfortable for both horse and rider.

Are English saddles treeless?

Enjoy the comfort and fit of a treeless saddle with the workmanship of the Barefoot brand. Our treeless saddles have the exclusive VPS (Vertebrae Protection System) to keep the withers free from obstruction and give a close comfortable ride for you and your horse.

Are treeless saddles good for heavy riders?

Riders who weigh above 170 lbs have ridden successfully in treeless saddles, but usually are on bigger, stout horses that can carry their weight with relative ease. You can also increase that 170 lb weight limit with a proper saddle pad using a combination of open and closed cell foam inserts or other materials.

What are the disadvantages of a treeless saddle?

Treeless Saddles: Are They Bad for Horses?

• Treeless saddles can be bad for some horses because they don’t distribute a rider’s weight evenly which can cause spine injuries, muscle soreness, and saddle sores, especially when riding over long distances.
• Treeless saddles may not be suitable for large riders.

What is the point of a treeless saddle?

Some riders opt for treeless saddles to make it easier to lift them onto the horse, for personal comfort preferences during riding, or to fit horses with especially wide backs that may have uncomfortable pressure points with traditional saddles.

Do Barefoot saddles slip?

At first, the saddle may slip when mounting. We recommend using a mounting block whenever possible, to make mounting easier for your horse. After some use, the saddle will settle into its proper shape. We also recommend shortening your stirrup leathers at first.

Are treeless saddles good for high withered horses?

One of the main reasons for needing to use a treeless pad under a bareback pad, is to relieve pressure for high withered horses. Horses with a high wither or under developed topline may benefit from the extra foam inserts either side of the backbone that provide a channel.