Treeless saddle problems???

Question

I purchased a freeform treeless saddle and use a skito equalizer pad underneath it. I trail ride about 3 days a week for several hours at a time. I have noticed lately that my horse is sore over his loin area and seems to be getting atrophied along his topline (behind wither and along spine). Is there anything I can do to alleviate this problem (shims, different pad)? Or do you think it's because of the treeless itself?

Answer 1

I had a Bob Marshall treeless barrel saddle and used it for long trail rides and just used a thin saddle pad (not a blanket) and it never made my horses sore. I don't know what the problem would be. Maybe, try a gel pad.

Answer 2

I have not seen a freeform but generally speaking, treeless saddles do not put any undue pressure on a horse's back.  It is the nature of their construction that there are no pressure points.  Some treeless saddles may need some shims at the withers if the withers are extremely and excessively high.  Otherwise, pressure points should not be an issue.  Skito is an excellent pad so that should not be a problem.   How long has the problem existed?  Soreness can occur quickly, however, wasting along the top line takes a while.  How long have you been riding in the treeless?  Can you find a correlation between the change in saddle and the changes in your horse and his condition?   I have been riding treeless for 9 years but my saddles are Original Bob Marshall Sports Saddles and Ansur's.   Never had a problem and I have an WB eventer, a reining QH, and a TB.  Perhaps you should get your horse checked out by a vet and a chiropractor.  Wasting along the topline doesn't sound good.  Also, you didn't mention your horse's age as sometimes this can occur with older horses but he shouldn't be sore unless there is a problem.  Think about any other changes that may correlate with his problems.  good luck.  Hope you figure it out.