Right now I don't do a ton of riding and the riding we do is very light (maybe that will change after lessons) so I'm deciding between a Cashel soft saddle and a Barefoot treeless saddle, more specifically the Cheyenne.
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| Source: Equine Now |
I know the soft saddle is essentially a glorified bareback pad but Grayson's former foster mom uses one and recommends them as long as you use a breastcollar. The reviews are mostly negative though...especially when it comes to the stirrups. Have any of your guys used or owned one of these before?
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| Source: Your Horse Forum |
The Barefoot saddle seems to be a pretty popular brand for treeless. I'm a complete treeless newb but I think it may be a good option for Grayson with those big stinkin' (or just awkward?) shoulders he has. Any recommendations here?
I'm leaning toward the Cheyenne treeless saddle but in the end it will be about twice the price of the Cashel. Although I must say the synthetic Cheyenne is priced very well but the treeless saddles do need a more expensive pad so there's a little extra money there.
Any other saddles out there that you guys recommend for horses with big sloping shoulders? I don't think he's necessarily a wide horse; it's just his shoulders come back so far so if I have an English treed saddle with a very forward flap, it'll interfere with his shoulder movement. Unfortunately I think Grayson is very tolerant when it comes to pain and ill fitting saddles. I wish he would be more of a baby. This is also a horse that had two broken, infected teeth for probably six months. :( Sheesh!
7 comments:
I left you an award on my blog. :)
Are you aware that there is a Yahoo group on treeless saddles? There are people in the group who have been through many saddles, both treed and treeless, before they found the "perfect" treeless. Everyone is very helpful and though several are dealers they all want what is best for the horse and do not try to push any particular brand. The archives are full of useful info also. Good luck.
I'll be honest, don't waste your money on the cashel. It won't last as long, they still slide, and are not safe. That's all I can say. As for the treeless the pads they sell with them are expensive, but you really do need them and they work awesome for any treeless you might get? Good luck!!!
Yes! I just joined that Yahoo! group last week...seems to be a very active group!
Thanks for the tips Janine...you're always so helpful! Any suggestions on a brand of saddle pad? Skito seems to have a good rep.
Hi sorry I missed your last post the kitty is really sweet and Grayson is looking very nice, now on to this post.
I wouldn’t recommend a treeless saddle simply because they haven’t got any real clearance so I think they wouldn’t be very good, also I think they are rather ugly, having said all that I can’t really recommend a real saddle for Grayson because I’ve only had high wither problems not shoulder problems, but I think perhaps some form of Cob GP saddle could accommodate for his shoulders, sorry I can’t be of help, anyway good luck with your saddle hunt and remember to do your research and take your time over it.
Regards
Edward
I wouldn't go with the Cashel either, if it's like a bareback pad. I've never used one, but I've been told they slip a lot and put too much pressure directly across the back where the stirrup straps cross over if that makes any sense at all.
I would really like to go treeless too, but I'm fairly new to them as well. I've never used one before. I might have to join the email group too. I just read so many blogs I have no idea how I would keep up with it too ahh!
Good luck on your saddle search!
I use a Barefoot (Arizona) on my wide Haflinger. LOVE IT!!! If you join the Treeless group and search Data you may find what your looking for used. Skito is a great pad, pricey yet priceless!
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