Treeless Saddles

One way of avoiding the problem of finding a saddle to fit your mule is to select a treeless saddle, which typically conforms to the shape of your equine's back. Because treeless saddles, by their very nature, are designed to fit a wide range of equine backs, including horse, donkey, and mule, there are no models marketed specifically to mule owners. Treeless saddles range from models that look more like bareback pads than saddles to models that look like, well, saddles. Some treeless saddles are constructed entirely of non-leather materials like felt and cordura nylon. Others are constructed completely from leather or from a mixture of both types of materials. 

The construction of the pad used under the saddle seems to be particularly important when using a treeless saddle. Most people use special pads like the Skito pads that are designed to insure that the rider's weight does not rest directly on the animal's backbone. Many treeless saddle users also favor some type of non-slip pad for additional security.

The pros and cons of treeless saddles have been hotly debated in many equine forums.  Some people believe that treeless saddles have saved their equines from considerable pain and improved their animal's ability to perform. Others are convinced that treeless saddles cause irrepairable damage to the equine back.
Treeless saddles are quite popular among endurance riders. Typically, treeless saddles range in price from around $700 to over $2,000.  Fortunately, there are a few companies that offer demos, so you can try the saddles before purchasing. Unfortunately, the wait for a demo saddle may be lengthy and you may have to keep checking back to make sure they haven't forgotten about you.

The most widely known treeless saddle is the Bob Marshall Sports Saddle. These saddles come in many different models, including endurance, barrel racing, trail, and training. For further customization, you can order a saddle with the specific options you desire. Be aware that there are two different Bob Marshall Sports Saddles on the market. One is manufactured by Circle Y and the other by Sports Saddles, Inc. The one made by Sports Saddles, Inc. is supposed to be "The Original" Bob Marshall saddle. These least expensive models of these saddles are priced at just under $1,000.

The Torsion was originally developed for endurance riding.  There are several different styles available, including dressage, endurance, trekking, standard, and a new western model. There is also a child's saddle. Both the standard model and the child's saddle are available in cordura at a lower price than the leather models. And, the Torsion can be ordered in cool colors. I almost wish my kids were small again just so I would have an excuse to buy the lime green, red, and blue child's saddle.  The least expensive model, the standard in cordura, is $800.

The Dartmoor looks very much like the Torsion. Unlike the Torsion, the Dartmoor pommel is available in multiple sizes standard, wide, and extra wide. The Dartmoor is available in either a standard or western style. Currently, these saddles are available only from the UK, since there are no US dealers.

Ansur saddles look very much like traditional English saddles. There are models designed for dressage, trail, jumping, and for Paso Finos. Prices range from $1995 to $2350.

The Natural Ride is really more of a bareback pad than a saddle. Unlike a bareback pad, the Natural Ride has a solid fork from which the stirrups and girth are hung. This solid fork makes the Natural Ride more secure than a simple bareback pad. The Natural Ride comes with english or western stirrups and costs $120, $130 if you want the premium leather pad.

The Rebecca Treeless Saddle has a suede seat, stuffed Cordura pommel and cantle, Cordura stirrup fenders, and a felt saddle pad that attaches to the saddle with velcro for easy removal for cleaning. It also comes with a girth and breast collar. The suede part comes in black or brown and the Cordura nylon is available in a variety of colors. These saddles are priced at $675.

    Comments from Treeless Saddle Users

    I use the Bob Marshal treeless on both of my Missouri Foxtrotter mules and it fits them just fine. I have frequently forgotten my crupper when going on trail rides and the saddle stays in place just fine in the steep places in the hills around here. Some people have complained about how the cantle folds up from behind and grips you, but I resolved that by buying a larger saddle than I might normally use. These treeless saddles are really light and laterally flexible.

    I ride my Torsion with a Skito pad and a non-slip pad (essential). It fits the mule great. The saddle is really comfortable.

    The Dartmoor has a fleece pad built into it which is easily removed via velco for cleaning. I just love tossing one unit on the back, cinching and taking off. The Dartmoor has a definite channel down the middle that keeps everything off the spine.

    The workmanship and quality of the Torsion was great and the saddle did fit my horse really well. However, my horse is so wide that I found it uncomfortable to sit on him in the Torsion. Also, I had the cordura model and it seemed to get really hot. I think the leather model might be better.

    My Bob Marshall endurance-style saddle stays put on my mule's back better than any of the other saddles I have. Make sure you get one of the saddle pads that has an open channel down the middle so it doesn't rest on your mule's spine.

    Written by Vickie Tatum for the saddle pages of this website.
    copyright 2004
     

Please note: We are not endorsing any of the companies mentioned, but simply making you aware of their existence.