---- JR <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
I have looked at treeless but am a
> little worried. Wouldn't you just be "bouncing" on thier spine? Isn't
> that why saddles have gullets? I can't find any treeless that do.
Hi JR,
There are some models that DO incorporate a gullet. I picked up one off
Ebay recently that has this feature built in. I guess the ones this gal is
going to be carrying have the panels stitched on, but I really wanted this
proto-type one with the moveable, velcro on/off panels. I haven't been able
to try it out yet though:
http://tinyurl.com/5v825d
I know I've seen a couple of other models that also have a gullet, although I
can't remember the brands -- maybe someone can help there? (I have been
rather disappointed that more treeless saddles do not build a gullet into their
designs for some unknown reason.) However, you can also buy special pads with
a spine channel to go under the treeless saddles that make up for this. Skito
is one, and I like the Saddleright pads myself -- I use one under a plain
bareback pad as well. The Sensation is a lovely, stable, treeless saddle but
you will need to have a channel pad under it as it doesn't have a gullet
built-in.
> What is the difference between a bareback pad and a treeless?
Depends on the models of each you are taking about. Some treeless are barely
distinguishable from a regular saddle and have a lot of "substance" and
structure to them. Others, are very much a glorified bareback pad.
> I know if you ride bareback to much your horse will get a sore back.
I don't know about that. IMHO, a balanced rider on a horse without a
prominent spine (for example) would be alright I think. I think that's a
horse/rider case by case "thing".
> Anyone have a saddle with CAIR panils and gullet
> change? How well does that work?
I have a Wintec Wide with the three very wide gullet plates and the CAIR.
It's a good saddle for the money, but I'm not sure it isn't too long for my
very short-backed mare (I need the 18" seat). Changing the gullets isn't
hard. As for the CAIR. . . I don't know. . . I think I prefer old fashioned
wool. The CAIR panels just seem harder to me and not as willing to "mold" to
the horse's back.
>
> I just figured Icelandics are very hard to fit horses and thought you
> guys would have a lot of experience with saddle problems.
Ha ha -- oh yes, that's definitely the truth for some of us. : )
-- Renee M. in Michigan
