>>>> In my experience, the distance riders (esp. heavyweights) who go back to
>>>> treed (or more likely, flex tree) saddles are the CTR riders, whose sport
>>>> rules require that the rider be *on* the horse any time the team makes
>>>> forward motion down the trail -- uphill, downhill, or whatever (in
>>>> endurance the rider can get off and run or walk with the horse as much as
>>>> they want). The CTR rider has to ride very strong and light in the saddle
>>>> if they are on for 20-30 miles with only a few breaks -- and their failure
>>>> to do so ("heavy in the saddle") will be more apparent in the horse's back
>>>> with a treeless.
CTR rules prevent you from walking or running with your horse? I didn't know
that, and I'm not sure I think that's a good thing...for the horse or for the
rider. Since I broke my back, I HAVE to get off and walk periodically, or my
back "freezes up." And gosh, if my back does that, I can only imagine how my
horse's back might feel, since he/she's the one carrying the load.
Karen Thomas, NC
