treeless saddles again

[WendyM]

sorry to bring this up on a new thread but I've tried searching the threads already without much success...my sister has a short backed arab that is measuring up an extra wide saddle in a traditional treed saddle. She bought one, and has used it but it still doesnt fit, it seems to ride forward. After a chat with the saddle fitter, she has been considering a Barefoot Cheyenne or Freeform instead. Do any of you have any experience with these, good or bad or with a short, wide backed arab

[gemma]

I have a short, wide-backed part-bred arab with a forward-set girth groove, so unless the girth is up incredibly tight, saddles will shoot forwards. She has a made-to-measure treed saddle which is checked twice yearly for fit and that will move when going down some of the steep hills around here. Here treeless Dartmoor western saddle doesn't budge an inch. I don't know anything about the barefoot or freeforms I'm afraid as I'd already decided it was the Dartmoor for me as I wanted a western shape.

Hope that helps!

[WendyM]

thanks, that does help ...she has considered a western type, and is also aware that Wizard has a forward set girth groove, she's still open to options so all opinions are welcome!

[berylsmum]

I used to have a barefoot cheyenne and a trekker both of which I used on a fairly short backed very wide cob. Personally I really liked them as did Beryl but they do take a bit of getting used to. With a very wide horse you do feel the stretch in your hips to begin with, but other than that they are really comfy and feel very secure. The trekker did sometimes slip slightly round when mounting but after a few mintues riding it was fine. Of course it depends on what it is being used for, but I found for general hacking, schooling, little jumps they are fantastic.
I would definetely recommend trying a treeless first because they are so different some people just can't get on with them www.bettersaddles.co.uk do trials of the trekker and the freeform.

[kas]

The Dartmoor Treefree is more expensive than the Barefoot, but I think that it stays in place better. This may be down to the way the stirrups are rigged, with a wider distribution of weight in the Treefree than the Barefoot - not sure.
I used the Dartmoor Treefree on several horses, including my Arab and an Arab/QH and it was very stable. I had forward slipping on my little pony Tee Pee, but viewed from above she is wedge shaped!

[jogypsy]

I had (until this summer) a short, wide backed, no withered barrel of an arab and went through no end of treed saddles to try and get him comfy. I ended up buying a Feeform and it was fab on him - never moved an inch and he moved much more easily and nicely in it. Sadly I don't have him anymore but the saddle is safely stashed away for IF I ever get myself a new horse. I've had it on my daughter's pony once but the wither plate is too wide for her. Good luck - it's real worry not being happy with the fit of a saddle.

[jogypsy]

*Freeform* grrr

[june]

Have you tried a Barnsby grip pad with your treed saddle? They are very effective at stopping saddles moving.

[chloe]

The Freeform SB with Forward Girth Setup is designed for Arabs and would be a brilliant bet for you. Vicki at Better Saddles does trials of Freeforms and Trekkers (the Trekker is very similar to the Barefoot) and is a really lovely lady. Definitely trial the saddle you're interested in before buying to make sure it's right for you.

I have a list of treeless saddles and also a write up of my Freeform trial on my website: www.freewebs.com/alternativehorse