Why should I choose
a Treefree Saddle?
The design for these unique saddles manufactured by Viking Saddlery, was inspired by the idea that the mutual riding sensation for horse and rider should be as close to a natural experience as possible.
This meant that the design had to be flexible and give the rider the same control over the horse as a conventional saddle, with no rigid parts causing discomfort to the horse, but also at the same time supporting the rider’s weight and relieving the obvious pressure that a saddle gives to the channel along the horse’s spine.

The studies of natural horsemanship and behavioural patterns have helped enormously in the development of a horse/rider-friendly saddle. The result of such research is the treeless saddle designed by Tom Widdecombe. Tom turned to master saddlers, Viking Saddlery, in Buckfastleigh, Devon in order to have his original prototype developed and made readily available for sale in the UK. The result is the Treefreeâ„¢ Saddle.
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The key features that make this unique product are its gullet, the interchangeable pommel and the absence of rigid trees running throughout the length of the saddle. Two panels help support the rider’s weight, relieving the pressure on the horse’s spinal areas.
Advantages of a Treefree Saddle
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As with any design that veers away from the expected convention it needs a chance to be appreciated. The new treeless saddle gives the rider a different riding position and might seem strange to begin with. But the benefits of this saddle soon become obvious.

The impact from movement to the rider is greatly diminished as the riding position is much more upright allowing the rider to absorb the stress more naturally throughout the pelvic region engendering a feeling of being wrapped around the horse rather than perched upon it.

The stirrups let the rider feel unconstrained, moulded to the horse, not gripping from insecurity. So not only does the rider get that natural bareback sensation without discomfort and physical pain, the horse can also move and feel completely natural with the rider on its back, again without discomfort.
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Feedback from customers has allowed the designer to make small improvements and adjustments to an organically growing design. Additional products are also available along with a seven-day trial, a supportive back-up service and a network of local agents.
All TREFREE Saddle Designs have have the gullet design. The gullet allows air to circulate it also gives the saddle that extra stability and grip. Al thou it is not designed to give a clear view channel it will greatly reduce any pressure on the spine.
These flexible high performance cantle incests is an other step towards making an flexible saddle that will move with your self and the horse.
By utelising this low profile high strength alu bronze aloy stirrup hool we have managed to not only reduce any lumps under the riders leg bur also it allow you the rider to use the "Webber" that again minimizes the bulk between the horse and rider reducing the chances of creating undesirable pressure points on the horses back. This choice also gives you that little bit more safety as if things where to go wrong there is a chance that the stirrup leather could come of saving you getting dragged.
Every saddle is made in small batches in our workshop here in Buckfastleigh, Devon. They are all made by master saddlers. This allows us to customise saddles to the customers specifications and needs.
Every piece of leather is hand picked for each specific part of the saddle. The panels are the same high quality leather as the saddle tops but turned the other way. This creates a very durable saddle with many years use in front of it. Leather is sourced as close as possible but much of the leather comes from tanneries in Europe.
Treefree The home of Treeless saddles
