Most traditional saddles have a frame, made out of wood, steel and/or fibreglass, to which the leather outer is attached. Treeless saddles, on the other-hand, are usually made from layered leather and foam. Treeless saddles allow a horse to flex and bend more easily and allows the rider more 'contact' with the horse as they sit 'into' the horse rather than 'on top' of it. An added benefit, for the owner who is lucky enough to own more than one horse, is that the same treeless saddle can be used on horses with different build and conformation. Traditional saddles typically will only correctly fit one 'shape' of horse meaning a separate saddle is required for each one.
When I made a goal for myself to go after the 2005/2006 Show Horse of the Year title, I started working my mare at a level she hadn’t been exposed to before. I owned and rode in good quality, traditional, saddles, but found myself visiting the horse chiropractor on a regular basis in order to maintain my mares back. She had a low pain tolerance and wouldn’t work effectively when her back was sore.
 In an attempt to save myself time and money I decided to undertake a course in Equine Massage, as I felt that if I was better qualified to understand the structure of my horse, and how to effectively manage it, I wouldn’t experience as many challenges with her back (and attitude). As I was out competing most weekends chasing a title, I couldn’t afford to have too many of them off due to an unsound horse. It was during the massage course that we explored the concept and effectiveness of treeless saddles. The problem was that the brands readily available in Australia looked like something I used to ride in as a kid (Oversized Pony Pad). As I was both a dressage and show rider, I was competing in 'Smartest on Parade' and 'Turn Out' events, where my saddle and equipment was taken into consideration by the judge. I therefore needed a saddle that looked as much like a dressage saddle as possible. As both a dressage and show judge, I am required to critique the movement and confirmation of a horse. I therefore also understand how the saddle ridden in has the capacity to enhance or inhibit the true beauty and movement of the horse.
It was then that I discovered the ANSUR, (this translates to “the Answer”). This is a treeless saddle developed by a dressage rider, who understood the need for the horse to perform well and wear equipment which looked good. Given this met my buying criteria, I decided to take the risk and buy this saddle.
To say, I have never looked back is an understatement! I now ride in a treeless saddle seven days a week. As a breeder of horses I also have different breeds on my property; from QuarterHorse to Thoroughbred and others in-between. Virtually every horse has a different conformation and is at a different stage of development - especially the young horses that have only just begun their training (and muscle development). With the Ansur, I no longer need a number of different saddles to accommodate these horses.
So if you are serious about the health and movement of your horse, contact me directly to discuss a free trial today
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