Hi Karen, >>>We almost always use that little Thorowgood pony saddle at first, and if you notice, we almost always put a bit in their mouths early on too. My philosophy is that, while they will probably get ridden in a treeless saddle, and we will ride them part of the time early on with either a halter or sidepull, we like to be sure that they get their introduction to both treed saddles and bits under our watch
I think riding horses in both treed and treeless saddles is a good idea. We usually end up starting riding them in a treeless but do ride with a treed saddle at different times. The Balance saddles we have are definitely wide enough for any horse but actually the Sensations feel more stable. We have them carry a bit fairly early as well but don't drive from it either. Hmmmm - 98 lbs - don't you think that is a bit hard on the horses : )) Robyn Icelandic Horse Farm Robyn Hood & Phil Pretty Vernon BC Canada www.icefarm.com
