I just realized that although the whole topic of treeless saddles vs. treed saddles is a pretty controversial one, I have not until now shared my personal thoughts with you on them in this blog space. Please do understand however, that my thoughts are based on scientific facts and truths – regardless what the manufacturers […]
Saddle Fit and Treeless Saddles Read More »
After having discussed the points on this topic made by Barbra Ann King in the last blog, I now take my prerogative as author of this blog to elaborate on the concept of treed saddles and what are essentially ‘bareback pads’ – the appellation of ‘treeless saddle’ is somewhat of a misnomer. Particularly of interest
The Ongoing Controversy – Treed or Treeless Saddles?? Part II Read More »
Not many people today have the luxury of time to learn to ride as well as the native Americans did – with or without saddles. Many people still need to use a saddle to even stay on a horse so you can’t really compare the two. Nothing would make us happier as saddle makers and
The Ongoing Controversy – Treed vs. Treeless Saddles – Part III Read More »
Okay I just had to share this with you as my final instalment on this topic because I am really thrilled that someone of Dr. Clayton’s reputation has substantiated what I have been preaching about treeless saddles for the last couple of years. Now you don’t just have to take my word for it! This
The Ongoing Controversy – Treed vs Treeless Saddles?? Part IV Read More »
Join us for one of the livestreams listed below at your convenience and educate yourself on the latest developments in saddle fitting! Mark your calendars!
Schleese Livestreams – May 2025 Read More »
I often get asked about my opinion on the latest and newest saddle designs appearing on the market. I have to of course be very careful about what I say, lest my comments are taken ‘on the record’ and possibly get back to the manufacturer to be misconstrued as slander or defamation. This is not
Saddle Fit and Saddle Trees Read More »
Articles on saddle-fitting are somewhat frequently published in horse magazines, both in print, or online. The articles are usually combined with a bulleted checklist (9-points, 11-points, and so on) to see if your saddle fits. However, the most important ingredient to a successful riding recipe is that the rider understands WHY the saddle should fit
Saddle Fitting: More than 9 Points to Perfection Read More »
While this question may almost range into the field of anthropomorphization (ascribing human characteristics to an animal), your horse’s ‘happiness’ or being comfortable is probably of critical interest to you as his owner and rider. You know your horse better than anyone – instinctively, you know immediately when something is amiss, even if you can’t
How do you know if your Horse is Happy? Read More »
Question: I have heard that there are now adjustable treeless saddles available on the market that are totally able to accommodate my horse’s shape. Why do I still have difficulty maintaining my position on the saddle if it fits my horse so well? Answer: There will always be fans and naysayers of treeless saddles; in my opinion they are more accurately called ‘bareback pads’ however I do recognize the advances made in the design over the years. Unfortunately, the lack of a tree still means that essentially these saddles simply cannot support the vertical spinal column of the rider while protecting the horse’s spinal column from pressure and rider weight. Essentially, the rider almost doubles his/her weight (it is like riding bareback as far as the horse is concerned!) and this pressure will impact the reflex points of the horse – which results in negative behavior (including resistance, lack of engagement, stumbling, bucking, tripping, etc.)
