Can some of you long time endurance riders please
help me see through the forrest of saddle options? I have ridden primarily
in arenas until very recently, and have ridden in english saddles. I have
just bought a Morgan filly, 3 years old and I understand they are both wide
backed and shortbacked so one has to be careful the saddle is not too
long. I want to ride her primarily on the trails and hope to do some AERC
rides as soon as she and I are able; but for right now I need a saddle to get us
going out on the trail. I have ridden with a non-endurance trail rider who
rides in Circle J All Purpose saddles, the seat is nice and flat and I can sit
in the center of her horses. Don't know if I should go for a western
saddle or an endurance saddle -- and a treeless saddle or a treed
saddle. I have heard the treeless saddles are great for up to 25
mile rides, but that they don't do as well at 50. Also, if someone is new
to trail riding, does one feel secure in a treeless saddle? Please share
your experiences -- live with a horseman (former endurance rider) who
doesn't believe in saddles at all!!
