Has anyone here tried a treeless saddle? (Not talking bareback pads, here :) How do you like it?

I have heard great controversy about the saddle, however, I myself have never used one nor do I intend to.

You see, the horse has a horizontal spine where as we have a vertical one. When you think about it, the horse's centre of balance is directly behind the withers, but because a tree-less saddle sits so close to the horses back, the rider cannot get far enough forward and will therefore be behind the movement - not to mention the risk of being past the horses last supporting rib. Additionally, the seat bones are closer together and tipped on a steeper angle, which means every time he sits, those bones are digging into the horses back.

However, there will definitely be more freedom in the shoulder through the scapula than with a rigid tree, but there are a lot of other trees out there now that have more flex.

But, keep in mind why the majority of saddles still have trees - and the important thing is that the tree fits the horse both along its length and especially over the withers. Treeless saddles (which are essentially bareback pads) may work for a while, especially if the horse has been ridden in a badly fitting treed saddle, but eventually constant pressure will cause long-term damage. You see, treeless saddles go against the logic of equine anatomy - they may work for a few years, but as has been reiterated, there is a reason that there so many more treed saddles on the market.

Although some of the bareback pads/ treeless saddles have incorporated a gullet into their design, without the tree you cannot bridge the spinal processes nor the spinal ligament system properly, and therefore end up not providing the protection a properly fitted treed saddle will provide.

Nevertheless, whatever works for both you and your horse is your personal option. But, you must keep in mind that not all products are how they appear online.

I have a treeless saddle and I LOVE it. Treeless saddles are extremely comfortable and fit ANY horse, even the really fat ones. The form to the shape of you and your horse, and will not cause any harm unless you don't use the intended saddle pad (a skito pad). I highly recommend treeless saddles. The only con is that when you get on they sometimes slip, but if you grasp the mane you will have no issue. They last for 25+ years. Just be sure to get a Bob Marshall treeless, they last the longest and are the best quality. Also, get one with a big D ring to tie the cinch to, if that is how you attach your cinch. You can get ones that have a deep seat, great for barrel racing. There are also endurance style ones. Also remember that treeless saddles (Bob Marshalls at least) are an inch smaller then treed saddles. So if you are a 15 inch in a treed saddle, get a 16 inch treeless.

I have never heard a good thing about them. Particularly Hilason brand, which is all over the internet. I've heard nothing but hate from people I know, who compete in barrels.

it is a lie that treeless fit EVERY HORSE... most treeless saddles are very bad for horses with a prominent wither or if the rider is heavier.