Freeform Treeless Saddle

[NFK Dumpling]

I have had a Freeform treeless saddle on trial for three days.

The version I have hired is the classic with a large kneeroll.I can try the same version with a smaller kneeroll.

Musk seems to be moving more freely beneath it but after pottering about on Saturday and a 3 mile hack on Sunday I have backache and the insides of my upper thighs were uncomfortable. I can't decide if its because I haven't ridden him lately or whether its a result of the saddle. I went my instructor's to see what she thought and she says that I'm not sitting on my seat bones which could be because the kneerolls are pushing my leg back.

Has anyone else experienced this when changing from treed to treeless?

[harveydales]

I tried a freeform some years ago but I don't think it was the version with the bigger knee rolls. Harvey was very happy in it and I found it very comfortable but it sat me rather too wide (causing lower back ache and stretched thighs) and somehow didn't give me sufficient support. I just didn't feel right but perhaps would have got used to it if I'd stuck at it. I think the newer models are different though an much improved. I found the Freeform made me sit on my seat bones more than I am happy with.

I think we are all built differently and once you get to a certain age, it is best to stick with what your own body and your pony feel comfortable with.

[carolinec]

I had one of the Original Freeform saddles and rode my previous Dales pony Sam all over the countryside in it for over 7 years. He seemed to like it and I always found it very comfortable to ride in. I did find I had to ride a lot longer in my stirrup length to get my knees behind the knee rolls though.
I didn't think they were still making them. Mine was purchased though Griffin Endurance (I think....) but they decided to end their franchise.

[dollylanedales]

I have not tried the Freeform, but we have (or did until they were stolen last year) Trekker and Torsion treeless saddles. I had them many years, and do remember having backache at first, until I got used to them. My preference was the Trekker and it was the most comfy saddle I have ever sat on....we do long rides,and I never had any problems with my back. They did not have knee rolls, and I am not a lover of them anyway, and managed fine without.

Treeless saddles do make you sit in the right position. Ricks instructor - he rode a school horse with a leather saddle, which he felt odd on - said he had a fantastic seat, and riding position. That was down to the treeless saddle.

The good thing about the treeless saddles for me, is that they can be used on different ponies and horses. They fit our ID and our smallest Fell. They do not suit everyone, as some of the seats are rather small

[NFK Dumpling]

Thank you

The Chiropractor Vet has been out and said that I should give my saddle another go as, in his opinion, my saddle is not causing a problem. He said he was neutral on the subject of treeless saddles as he has seen problems caused by them as well as treed saddles.

I found another discussion on a different board which commented that heavier riders can cause the treeless saddle to press on the spine....I know that Harveydales and Dollylanedales are quite slight compared to me.

I think it is a case of a bit more research before I decide.

[dalesnfellfan]

I have found a half way house between treed and treeless very good, I have a Barrie Swain Semi Flex saddle which is treed but has flexible points and give when the horse moves. They are made to measure from a template taken by approved fitter if you buy them new (second hand are like rocking horse droppings and hold their value well). I bought one 18 mts ago for my mare when I couldn't get anything else to fit her properly and it is the most comfortable and secure saddle I have ever ridden in, it is very well balanced and it puts you in a very good shoulder, hip, heel position and Braillen moved very freely in it, I just hope it fits Emerald when she has finished growing and changing shape, if not it can go back to Barrie to be altered to new template.
The only downside is it is rather expensive, but I guess you get what you pay for as Barrie is one of the last old Warsall saddlers and all saddles are completely hand made by one saddler from start to finish and uses really good quality leather. He used to make a treeless saddle some years ago in conjunction with Heather Moffit I think as well as under his own brand Mondial Industries but he no longer makes these as he believes the semi flex to be better. If you're interested I got mine from Katie Eaton master saddler and trained by Barrie to fit them and is based at Ashen Equestrian in Suffolk, I believe your in Norfolk NFK Dumpling so may not be too far.

[heathera]

I'm a heavier rider and did find a Freeform, that we were very kindly lent by a fellow DF, didn't work for me or my pony. I found it put me in more of an armchair seat than I'm used to having although it was far better than the London treeless saddle I tried. My mare would walk in a short stepping way when wearing it but wouldn't trot at all.

I now ride her in a Chez Iberian, leather tree saddle. It's no good for dressage but I can go hacking and do TREC and endurance with it and Rose is happy and free moving in it. I do use a thick, real sheepskin pad underneath it.

[NFK Dumpling]

Hi Dalesnfellfan

I'm waiting to hear from Katie Eaton but I suspect from the prices I can find that I may have to try something different.

Hi Heather

I will have a look and see what I can find about Chez Iberian saddles. Hacking, Trec and a bit of showing is the sort of thing I want to do.

Thank you both

[zeldalithgow]

Heather you are not a heavier rider, you looked fab in the last pics I saw of you. To me a heavier means above 13/14st

[heathera]

Thank-you Zelda, that helps me. I've put a bit back on since the CFS flared up but I'm trying really hard to keep it under control.

I bought my saddle from Kirstin Uhlenbrock of Mind Buzzler. There's a web page for treeless saddles on her website, she also sells the sheepskin pad I use underneath it. Kirstin's lovely and is happy to chat on the phone.
shop.mindbuzzler.com/10-iberian-portuguese-treeless-saddles

If it works this is Rose's beginner adult rider practising TREC mounted immobility in the saddle.

TREC with Wendy by -BeechTree-