Endurance.Net Ridecamp Archives

Couple of questions, related to each other.

I've been riding my mare in a treeless (originally Sportsaddle, now just got 
a new Barefoot). She has a very broad, flatback and is also short 
backed/short coupled. (14.3 Morgan).

The treeless (both models) seem to work well for her, but I just cannot seem 
to really get a good position. I have recently started working with our 
young QH gelding in a Wintec Pro dressage saddle, and immediately I was able 
to sit more correctly and quietly.

I know many people feel the treeless saddles make you improve your position, 
but my recent experiences are showing me that I am developing some bad 
habits riding in a treeless saddle. I am much quieter, more balanced, and 
therefore more effective in a well-fitting treed saddle. I think because I 
have short, muscular legs, and my mare is so flat and broad, that without 
some help from a tree, I just cannot correctly get my legs around her 
barrel.

Are there others who have gone from conventional to treeless, and then 
returned back to conventional? My mare's shape is perfect for treeless 
saddles, but I don't think mine is ;>) I've had some issues with my flatwork 
with her, and the more I work with my other horse, I think the issues are 
because of my imbalance (she is VERY sensitive to shifting weight). I do not 
want to compromise my mare's comfort - she is so difficult to fit because of 
that flat back - and if I cannot find a reasonably priced conventional 
saddle that works for both of us, I'll continue to stick it out in the 
treeless.

I am particularly interested in trying the new Wintec Wide saddle, as I need 
something that I can adjust as my mare gets fit and then as I let her down 
somewhat over the winter. I am also on a TIGHT budget (husband in vet school 
- YIKES). I generally really like the Wintecs, and have actually sat in one 
of these saddles and felt comfortable in it. I'm just wondering if it truly 
does accomodate those flat backed ponies. I did check the archives, but 
there are only a couple of informative posts about this specific saddle.

Anyone who has experiences to share about either issue - returning to 
conventional saddles in general or with the Wintec wide specifically - I'd 
appreciate it.

Thanks!

Karen, and Mazzie who is sick of Karen flopping all over



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