The Benefits of a Total Contact Treeless Saddle for Horses
If you're a dedicated rider looking for ways to improve your horse’s comfort and enhance your riding experience, a treeless saddle might just be the solution you’ve been searching for. While traditional saddles have been the norm for centuries, very early riders actually rode horses bareback before developing treeless saddles which are once more growing in popularity among equestrians who prioritize flexibility, connection, and horse health.
In fact, the treeless Total Contact Saddle bears a strong resemblance to the Native American 'pad saddles' of the 1800s. These saddles would have had to carry riders across wide distances and remain comfortable for both rider and mount.
What Is a Treeless Saddle?
Unlike conventional saddles that are built around a rigid tree (a frame typically made of wood or synthetic materials), treeless saddles such as the Total Contact Saddle eliminates this structure, providing a more adaptive fit for both horse and rider, hence the name treeless saddle. Instead of a solid framework, they rely on flexible materials that mold to the horse's back, offering a closer and more natural riding experience.
Not all treeless saddles are created equal though, some can feel bulky and may also still cause saddle fitting issues and difficulties. Lets explore why we believe the Total Contact Saddle is the best treeless saddle on the market.
Top Benefits of Treeless Total Contact Saddles
1. Greater Comfort for the Horse
One of the biggest advantages of our treeless saddles is their ability to mold to the horse's back fully and evenly, reducing pressure points that can cause soreness or discomfort. Horses with sensitive backs, muscle asymmetries, or difficult-to-fit shapes and sizes often benefit the most from this adaptable design. Our treeless saddles wrap around and hug the horse's shape wholly and perfectly.
2. Improved Rider-Horse Connection
With no rigid tree acting as a barrier and a minimalist build, riders can feel more connected to their horse’s movements. This enhanced communication allows for a more intuitive ride, making our treeless saddles particularly popular among disciplines like endurance riding, trail riding, and even classical dressage.
3. Better Fit for Hard-to-Fit Horses
Horses with high withers, broad backs, short backs, big shoulders or changing musculature can be notoriously tricky to fit into a standard saddle. A treeless Total Contact Saddle naturally conforms to the horse’s shape, making it an excellent choice for growing or frequently changing horses.
4. Lightweight Design
Treeless saddles are significantly lighter than traditional saddles (our saddles weigh between 1 and 1.3kg!), reducing strain on the horse’s back and making saddling up easier for the rider. This is especially beneficial for older horses or those with existing back issues and for older riders or those with limited motility.
5. Encourages Natural Movement
Because out treeless Total Contact Saddles allow the horse’s back and shoulders to move more freely, they can promote better stride length and flexibility. This increased range of motion can be advantageous in disciplines that require fluid movement such as dressage, and contribute to the overall comfort of the horse.
Are There Any Downsides?
While treeless saddles offer many advantages, they might not seem suitable for every horse or rider. Riders who require extra stability, such as beginner riders or those in jumping disciplines, might find that a treeless saddle lacks the necessary support. For those riders, we have designed the Saddle Seat Pad and the Premium Leather Saddle Seat. Additionally, without a well-designed padding system, some treeless saddles may cause discomfort over time if not fitted properly which is why we recommend customers read our TCS Placement, Padding and Girthing Guide to ensure the best possible experience and fit for horse and rider. We are also always available to discuss padding for your particular horse using the Contact Us form on our website, via email at melanie@total-contact.co.uk or via WhatsApp on +44 7918 602556. We also suggest customers contact Saoirse Equine for a 1 to 1 padding consultation or hop onto one of her popular Pad Your Own TCS online course for an informative treeless Total Conctact Saddle padding and horse physiology course.
Final Thoughts
Treeless saddles are revolutionizing the way riders approach comfort and horse health. If you're looking for a lightweight, adaptable, and close contact saddle, it might be worth exploring whether a treeless saddle is the right fit for you and your horse. As always, considering your horse's unique needs will ensure the best possible results but by choosing a Total Contact Saddle, you can be sure you're giving your horse the best possible saddle out there.
