Your horse should compete in either an English or Continental style saddle with a pommel, cantle and flaps. This includes
treeless saddles
Side saddles are allowed; the rider must inform the venue before the start of the test, so that the judge can be informed accordingly.
Are treeless saddles better?
Treeless saddles can be bad for some horses because they don’t distribute a rider’s weight evenly which can cause
spine injuries
, muscle soreness, and
saddle sores
, especially when riding over long distances. However, they do allow a horse to move more naturally.
Can you use a treeless saddle on any horse?
Just because a saddle is treeless does not mean that it will fit any horse you put it on Not all treeless saddles fit all horses (or riders), and when purchasing one, it is just as important to “try before you buy” as with a traditional Western or English saddle.
Do treeless saddles need a saddle pad?
Most important is a saddle pad with inserts It is an integral part of any treeless saddle system and plays a big role in its performance. With all treeless saddles, you should use a saddle pad with shock absorbing foam or felt inserts on either side of the spine, leaving the spine channel clear.
What should a horse wear for dressage?
Traditionally breeches or jodhpurs are worn for dressage. They must be plain white, beige, or cream in colour to complement your show jacket. No branding is permitted on breeches at any level.
Can horses wear ear bonnets in dressage?
The hunter-jumper and American Quarter Horse circuits allow horses to wear ear plugs in competition, and ear muffs/plugs are allowed in Dressage award ceremonies (DR121.
Do treeless saddles cause kissing spine?
As I suggested in our first post, horses hollow their backs in response to saddles that create pain. This is the principal cause of Kissing Spine Trying to recover a horse from this condition by riding in such a saddle makes no sense.
Do treeless saddles slip?
Treeless saddles on some horses will slip when you mount from the ground This is most often a problem on really round horses. (However there are some mounting aids that help with saddle slip) You stand in your stirrups a lot or like to jump.
Does
gullet size matter
on a treeless saddle?
The width of the gullet on a traditional treed saddle is important because it must clear the spine of the horse as the saddle shifts from side to side.
Are treeless saddles good for horses with no Withers?
Without a tree, a bareback pad/treeless saddle cannot protect the horse’s spine, support the curvature of the rider’s spine, and be comfortable for both horse and rider.
Do Barefoot saddles slip?
At first, the saddle may slip when mounting We recommend using a mounting block whenever possible, to make mounting easier for your horse. After some use, the saddle will settle into its proper shape. We also recommend shortening your stirrup leathers at first.
Are treeless saddles good for high withered horses?
One of the main reasons for needing to use a treeless pad under a bareback pad, is to relieve pressure for high withered horses Horses with a high wither or under developed topline may benefit from the extra foam inserts either side of the backbone that provide a channel.
Where should a treeless saddle sit?
Treeless saddles do not have a solid tree to block the rotation of the scapula (shoulder), therefore they should be fitted over the scapula as shown in the diagram above. The red circle represents where the saddle pommel will sit.
Is there a
weight limit
for treeless saddles?
Is there a weight limit to a treeless saddle? Generally speaking, the weight limit is around 170 lbs , but keep in mind, there are plenty of exceptions. Depending on the size of your horse, it is certainly possible to go over that limit.
What bits are not allowed in dressage?
*Snaffle bits must be smooth with a solid surface. Twisted and wire bits are prohibited. A mouthpiece with more than one rolling part is prohibited. Bits may be made with a rubber or plastic covering, but the bit may not be modified by adding latex or other material.
Are Beris bits dressage legal?
The Beris Mullen Eggbutt Hanging Cheek Snaffle is available in 13cm or 14cm in a hard or a soft mouthpiece. Dressage legal.
Do all dressage riders wear spurs?
In British Dressage, spurs can be worn at all levels and are mandatory from Advanced level upwards Dummy spurs are permitted. There is no restriction on the type of shank or Rowel as long as they are free to move.
Do treeless saddles have gullets?
In the treeless saddle design, there is no gullet (central gap for the spine), so horses with spines visible above the back muscle will need a pad with a gullet built in.
What is a flex tree saddle?
A flex tree saddle has bars that are flexible, allowing the saddle to flex with the horse The flexibility ‘enhances’ an already proper fit, it doesn’t attempt to create it.
What saddle is best for the horse?
- Manaal Enterprises Premium Western Leather Saddle – Best Western Saddle
- Acerugs Premium Black Leather English Saddle – Best English Saddle
- M-Royal Mini Horse Saddle – Best Mini Horse Saddle
- Manaal Enterprises Synthetic Western Saddle
- Acerugs Western Pleasure Trail Horse Saddle.
What is a hoop tree saddle?
HOOP TREE: a broader and low profile tree with inverted ‘U’ shape head and slightly flatter through the body Offering a slightly wider gullet and flatter rails often works well on profiles of Baroque, Draught, Native and some heavier old style Warmbloods.
Are treeless saddles good for swayback horses?
Western horses have an excellent choice in treeless saddles that look just like a regular western saddle, the Bob Marshall saddle. For other sports there are many styles available, and for short-backed horses, swayback horses and general comfort treeless saddles can be an excellent choice.
What does a wither pad do?
Favoured by saddle-fitters to raise the front of the saddle, reducing the damaging effects of pressure from the points of the tree Perfect for filling in wither hollows on the older or high-withered horse. Will not slide back or down, and can be used alone or in conjunction with another pad or saddlecloth.
What saddle pad do you use with a treeless saddle?
Thinline® saddle pad for treeless saddles allows and encourages optimal communication between horse and rider.
Do treeless saddles fit mules?
A treeless saddle, particularly of a less structured type or a type that will break in and mold to the mule’s back, may also be a good fit Some mules have very flat withers, like a donkey, and this may also be combined with a downhill conformation (withers lower than hips).
What are Australian saddles used for?
The saddle is suitable for cattle work, starting young horses, everyday pleasure riding, trail riding, endurance riding, polocrosse and is also used in Australian campdrafting competitions and stockman challenges.
What colour is Numnah for dressage?
The only rule you have to follow is ensuring your noseband is a cavesson and not a grackle. Like most things when it comes to dressage, the colour advised to be either black or dark brown.
Do horses have to be plait for dressage?
There are no rules to say you must plait your horse , but most people do.
Should you plait for dressage?
The answer is simply that it’s a matter of personal choice A smartly plaited horse with a neatly pulled or plaited tail undoubtedly makes a pleasing picture as you come down the center line, but a tidy, pulled mane and tail can look just as good; it’s really up to you.
Can you wear brown in dressage?
Competition breeches and jodhpurs should be plain white, beige, champagne or canary yellow to suit the colour of the jacket you’re wearing. Conventional long riding boots or jodhpur boots with or without matching chaps or gaiters in black or brown should be worn.
Can you wear a breastplate for dressage?
STRAIGHT BREASTPLATE – Black & Havana A versatile breastplate that can be used to stabilise your dressage saddle from slipping and can also be used for jumping (Michael Jung uses a similar shape XC). Gel padded through the chest and wither so even the most sensitive skinned horse won’t rub.
Can you carry a whip in dressage?
No whip of any kind may be carried whilst competing in the dressage test One whip only, no longer than 120cm including lash, may be carried when riding on the flat at any other time.
How do I know if my horse has a kissing spine?
- Bucking under saddle.
- Reluctance to stretch the neck and round the back.
- Hind end lameness.
- Discomfort when saddling or doing up the girth.
- Weight loss.
How do you prevent kissing spines in horses?
Treatment for kissing spines begins with making the horse more comfortable This may be achieved through pain reduction, muscle relaxation, and exercises to stretch and strengthen back and abdominal muscles, stabilize posture, and improve mobility.
Where are Bob Marshall saddles made?
Proudly Made In The U.S.A. There are many reasons that Bob Marshall Treeless Saddles have become popular among riders who value a close fit and real connection to their horse.
Do treeless saddles have stirrups?
The short answer is yes. A traditional treed English saddle has a recessed metal stirrup bar affixed to the tree of the saddle.
Are treeless saddles good for gaited horses?
Gaited horses and treeless saddles equal comfort for both horse and rider.
How do you measure a horse for a treeless saddle?
Unlike an English saddle where you measure from the button on the side of the pommel to the center of the cantle, or a Western saddle where you measure from the pommel straight back to the cantle, with the Sensation saddle, you need to measure the size of the base, underneath the padded seat.
What size gullet fits most horses?
Tree Widths: Semi-Quarter horse bars usually have a 6 1/4″ gullet, and Quarter Horse Bars usually have a 6 1/2″ to 6 3/4″ gullet Designed to fit the average horse, one of these two widths will fit approximately 80% of horses comfortably. Full-Quarter horse bars usually have a 7″ gullet.
Are flex trees good?
The Benefits of a Flex Tree Saddle This can be a benefit for both horse and rider, and beneficial when saddling as well The leather is really soft, which makes for a more comfortable seat and fit. It really does flex and move with your horses back. The flex in the tree often helps by freeing up the horse’s movement.
What is Wade saddle?
A Wade saddle is a slick fork, buckaroo style specifically built to be a working saddle It’s designed for handling livestock and for maximum comfort during long, strenuous hours in the saddle.
References
https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/42-treeless-saddles
https://www.horsetalk.co.nz/2018/06/28/treeless-treed-saddle-fitter-perspective/
https://treelesssaddle.com/