>>>> 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.)
Personally, I don't particularly like the idea of a wider, treed-saddle-like built-in channel in a treeless saddle. Part of the beauty of a treeless saddle is that it can be tweaked for such a range of horses. By putting a wide channel in the saddle itself, you are creating more of a "mold" such that the angles may or may not be right for the given horse's back. It's just as easy and cost-effective, actually easier to me, to make any minor adjustments to a good Skito-type channel pad (shims, changing to a laminated foam or thicker foam) than to modify panels built into the saddle itself. I will clarify that I don't have any horses at the moment that have prominent spines though, but I do have a range of Icelandic anatomies to deal with. The Sensations do have a small gullet down the center, with the panels on each side being slightly beveled away. I wouldn't use one for extended periods without a channel pad, but there are many people feel they aren't absolutely necessary for horses with well padded backs and "inny" spines, especially for shorter rides - most people agree they are necessary for horses with prominent spines. And remember, humans tend to have somewhat of a "channel" built in to their anatomy - the human seatbones are generally, what? Three-and-a-half to four inches apart, or even wider? If you ride very centered in the saddle most of the time (and many people don't) most people probably won't be putting much if any weight on the horse's spine anyway. One of the biggest advantage the Sensations offer in my opinion over the ones like Freeform, BMSS, and the variations of Torsion/Barefoot/Trekker models is that the Sensations have two independent panels on each side of the saddle. To me, this is more important than literally having a built-in channel. If you ride one-sided, or if a spook or whatever puts your weight mostly in one stirrup, a saddle with a single-piece structure across the back will tend to pull down on the withers and spine. With independent panels, the Sensation is much less likely to do that - the pressure will tend to stay to the stressed side, not directly down onto the spine and withers. >>> Skito is one, and I like the Saddleright pads myself My husband also uses a Saddleright pad with his Sensation, and has had good results with it. However, it's not a channel pad, and really wasn't designed for treeless saddles. It works well for them, but his horse has a well-muscled and padded back. I don't think the two type pads can be used interchangeably for all horses. Except for him and Skjoni, we use Skito pads almost exclusively. There are some other pads that get good reviews, but for my money, you can't beat a Skito for protection, longevity, and the ability to customize them. Karen Thomas, NC
