TREELESS SADDLES: HOW THEY WORK, BENEFITS AND LIMITATIONS

Treeless saddles are gaining increasing interest among riders, whether for their lightness, flexibility or the close-contact feeling they provide. Often compared to traditional saddles, they offer a different approach to riding and to pressure distribution on the horse’s back. To use them correctly, it is essential to understand their design, how they function, and the situations in which they are suitable .... or not.

1. What is a treeless saddle?

In a traditional saddle, the tree — a rigid structure made of wood, metal or composite materials — ensures stability and weight distribution.

A treeless saddle, on the other hand:

• has no rigid frame,
• is entirely soft and flexible,
• adapts to the horse’s back movement,
• gives the rider a much closer contact.

It sits somewhere between a conventional saddle and a structured bareback pad.

2. How does a treeless saddle work?

Pressure distribution depends on:

• the broader contact surface underneath the saddle,
• shock-absorbing materials (foam, gel, latex, felt…),
• reduced “bridging”, as the absence of a tree removes overly rigid zones,
• the saddle’s ability to follow the horse’s movement (extension, flexion, lateral bend).

The overall flexibility allows dynamic adaptation, but also requires careful attention to stability and rider position.

3. Advantages of treeless saddles

3.1 Better feel of the horse’s movement

The rider perceives gait, lateral motions and back flexibility more directly.

3.2 More freedom for the horse

Without a rigid tree, the horse benefits from:

• fewer localised pressure points,
• more freedom in the withers and the back,
• greater shoulder mobility.

3.3 Reduced weight

Ideal for riders seeking:

• light equipment,
• easy handling,
• comfort for trail riding or groundwork.

3.4 Adapts to a wide range of horses

They may work better for horses that are:

• difficult to fit with a classic saddle,
• very round or heavily muscled,
• undergoing muscular retraining or transition.

3.5 Easy maintenance and accessible cost

Materials are easy to clean, dry quickly, and are sometimes less expensive than traditional saddles.

4. Limitations and precautions

4.1 Sometimes insufficient pressure distribution

Without a tree to bear and spread the rider’s weight, pressure may:

• concentrate under the rider’s seat bones,
• become uncomfortable for some horses,
• create issues during long sessions or with heavier riders.

4.2 Less stability

Possible risks include:

• lateral slipping,
• rotation,
• difficulty maintaining a stable leg.

This requires a rider with an already balanced seat.

4.3 Limited use for jumping

The lack of a rigid structure makes:

• impulsion more difficult,
• balance less stable,
• landings harder to absorb.

They are not recommended for high or repeated jumps.

4.4 Less suitable for certain back shapes

Horses with very prominent withers or dipped backs may lack support.

4.5 Requires a good technical pad

A high-quality, often thick and shock-absorbing pad is essential to compensate for the absence of a tree.

5. When should you choose a treeless saddle?

They are particularly suitable for:

• trail riding and trekking,
• mounted groundwork,
• light dressage work,
• horses in rehabilitation or muscular rebuilding,
• riders seeking a very close-contact experience.

To avoid if:

• the rider lacks balance,
• the horse has chronic back pain,
• the objective is jumping or intensive training.

Conclusion

A treeless saddle offers a different riding experience, emphasising flexibility, closeness and freedom of movement.

It is not a universal replacement for the traditional saddle, but a valuable tool in certain contexts, for certain horses and riders.

Thoughtful use, combined with suitable equipment and regular monitoring of the horse’s comfort, allows riders to take full advantage of its benefits.