Many horses are transformed in their movement and behaviour when fitted with treeless saddles. The increased awareness of saddle issues amongst horse owners has lead to a rapid expansion of this market. Weight fluctuation and the changing shape of the horse’s back is one of the most obvious reasons for choosing a treeless saddle. Without the clothes peg effect of traditional tree points, a treeless saddle can be fitted comfortably to most back shapes. (Fig. 1.)

However, there has been very little research carried out on the effect of any saddles on horse performance, so much of the information we have is assumed knowledge rather than science-based fact. For example, we all know that our horses change shape and that this affects saddle fit, but this has never been scientifically studied until very recently.

It is commonly believed that all treeless saddles have a similar construction and that they can be used on any horse without the need for correct fitting and balancing, but this is far from the truth. The rider has a responsibility to know how the saddle will behave on the horse’s back. A badly fitting or poorly designed treeless saddle will cause just as many, if not more problems in the long term as a badly fitting traditional saddle.

A rapidly growing number of non - traditional saddles are sold under the general heading of “treeless”, but what does that really mean?

The saddlery market now offers such a bewildering number of options that it is extremely difficult for horse owners to gain sufficient information about a saddle’s design to make an informed decision. It is impossible even for the professional saddle fitter to have sufficient knowledge of all the different makes and designs that are currently available in order to be able to give up-to-date, accurate advice. Although experienced saddle fitters should always be consulted in the fitting of any saddle, very few traditionally trained fitters will have undergone training in treeless saddles.

A treeless saddle, by definition, should be free of any rigid parts, but actually, this is rarely the case. Misleadingly, both manufacturers and retailers can use this term when the saddle is in fact, part-treed. Any rigid parts in the structure or frame of the saddle should mean that it is part-treed, or even half-treed, but in an unregulated industry, anything goes. A more accurate descriptive term for non-traditional saddles would perhaps be alternative saddles.

Categories of alternative saddle:

1) Bareback pad (Fig. 2.)

Basically just numnahs with stirrups attached (some have handles for extra security), these have no gullet and offer no lateral stability or support for the rider's seat. They should not be used for long periods as they will cause pressure over the spine and standing in the stirrups, particularly by heavier riders should always be avoided. They can be useful for quiet horses, assisting riders to learn feel and balance, or as an interim measure in saddle fitting problems.

 

2) Leisure pad (Fig. 3)

This is the largest category and the one that contains the most diverse range of designs and internal framework. In general, they will assist rider security with stirrups, shaped seats and knee blocks but are unlikely to offer a balanced seat.  Some, but not all will have better stability with a gullet and spinal clearance. Most are sold as “one size fits all” meaning that caution should be exercised in their use as they may cause pressure points. They can be useful where there is a tight budget and where fitting issues have forced a change away from traditional saddles.

3) English style (Fig. 4)

At the top end of the market, you will find rigid free saddles that are designed as professional rider tools and look like traditional models, but have been developed from extensive research. The use of new technologies has moved saddlemaking away from a traditional craft to a level where they can be scientifically proven to work well in terms of welfare and performance over a long term. There are plenty of poor quality imports and copies; caution is recommended when purchasing as you will usually get what you pay for.

Alternative design concepts

If it is not a conventional tree, are there any rigid parts and if so, what is their function? It is important to understand what the framework inside the saddle is comprised of and what it is specifically designed to do. Most alternative saddles have some form of rigid structure to support the shape and stop it collapsing onto the back, but it is these components that can cause pressure and damage the back.

There is often a single rigid pommel arch, which although it gives the appearance of “wither clearance”, can leave the stirrup and girth attachments unsupported, causing peak pressure points over the back. The rigid arch is sometimes removable and interchangeable with different width fittings. Some models have a complete pommel piece, often made of fibreglass or wood. The cantle is often similarly designed as a removable insert. Some part-trees have a rigid cantle and seat support for the rider.

The method of stirrup attachment and how the rider’s weight in the stirrup is supported is probably the most important aspect of saddle function and varies widely from very crude to highly sophisticated. The majority are attached by a simple band over the spine, which, if not used with carefully fitted balance pads, will cause uneven pressure. Some manufacturers have produced variations in an attempt to address the problem – one uses a webbing strap that runs the length of the seat, while another has extended the rigid pommel arch to incorporate the stirrup bar attachment. Another attachment method is fixed to the body of the saddle with the weight taken by the base panels.

Currently, the only model to have been rigorously tested with pressure mapping systems is a patented design based on flexible weight bearing fins that fully support both the stirrup and the girthing attachments.

Limitations of alternative designs

It is essential to select an appropriate design for the demands that will be placed on it. One very honest manufacturer states that their saddles are “not recommended for riders over 14 stone, for prominent withered horses or novice riders who rely on a saddle to remain on a horse.” Another advises that the saddle should not be ridden in for more than 2 hours. In neither case is any detail given about the design fault that leads to these limitations, but the inherent fault is bound to cause problems in the long term with any type of use, not just the specific use advised against.

Some trees are said to be flexible, either in part or they may be made wholly of a plastic such as polyurethane. These may distort in some conditions, e.g. under heavier weights, when they become hot, if used on a crooked horse or by a crooked rider. Some flexible trees can also be returned to the manufacturer for width adjustment.

Competition rules

None of the governing bodies of any of the disciplines endorse any make of saddle. Again, some manufacturer's claims are misleading, with one company even stating that their saddle is “approved by British Dressage” when it is not. In fact, British Dressage rules specify that saddles must be of English style but updated its rules to specifically allow treeless saddles. Confusion arises because there is no definition of what “English style” is or what “treeless” is. British Eventing rules state that an English style saddle is compulsory, whilst British Show Jumping Association simply states that saddles must be worn.

The Pony Club stands alone in prohibiting treeless saddles, but only in Mounted Games and Polocrosse.

Trying an alternative saddle

There are some excellent designs of alternative saddle becoming available and technology is assisting a rapid development of function and performance. The serious rider now has real alternative to traditional saddles, but if you are thinking of trying one, be prepared to do your homework first. Talk to the saddle manufacturer and designer, and if you can’t, don’t buy. Make sure that a professional fitting service for that specific design is available - you must know how whatever you strap onto the horse’s back will behave on the horse’s back.