So..i Guess Woody Wouldn't Suit A Fhoenix?

[NickeringNotions]

Slightly disheartened that I never did buy a Fhoenix in the end, have had to stick to a treed saddle. Its the best I can get for Woody - adjustable, light plastic tree that moves with his (rather large) shoulders, and I guess I'm happy with it.

Anyway, I spoke to my saddler about treeless saddles in general. She said that she woudn't even think about a treeless on my horse, as he has a low weight bearing area behind his shoulders at the wither, and all the weight would be spread around here in a treeless. Whether she was just selling me her saddle, or whether she was telling the unfortunate truth...I dont know.... ...What do you think?

[Natural Dressage]

I don't quite understand your saddler's point, but it would be helpful to us all to see pictures that show your horses back/wither build clearly.  Further written detailed description would be good too.

3rd possibility is that this was your saddler's own opinion, as many people have strong one's about treeless saddles, but it may not be correct, esp. since all treed saddles are not equal and the Fhoenix does more for weight distribution and comfort for the horse than any I have tried, even being better than my past treed saddles.

I'm not saying I'm sure the Fhoenix is right for your horse, just that it would be worth posting some photos and info. and getting some more opinions on that matter, before you decide to believe the opinion of just one "expert"

[TashaKat]

Your  next question could have been which treeless saddles she was familiar with!

I'm afraid I'm a very cynical old bat these days, too many people are out to make a quick buck without considering what is best for a particular situation (and not just in the horsey world).

My local saddlery has a very good reputation for saddle fitting but the day I mentioned that I had a treeless saddle was the day that they looked at me like I was the spawn of the devil.  I'll never forget their reactions  :lol:   I quite rightly presumed that they'd never even looked at a treeless yet they were horrified by them!

Would a treeless suit Woody?  I don't know but piccies would be helpful (and I'm sure that there's a treeless out there that would suit him ).

 

[Claire]

i've looked at hte pictures of woody you've posted in the past, and the pictures other people have posted of their horses which are in Fhoenix saddles, and wouldn't have thought your horse was too much different to theirs..... or mine, come to that.  my recollection is that he's a TB isn't he?  

anyway, no doubt you'll post another picture and everyone will tell you that there's no reason why a fhoenix woulnd't work and to organise a trial.....

[Baymair]

She said that she woudn't even think about a treeless on my horse, as he has a low weight bearing area behind his shoulders at the wither, and all the weight would be spread around here in a treeless.

Just MHO - but that is the same place where the tree points will be going, and pressure will be directed on to those. Whereas with a treeless, it's my understanding that the weightbearing is taken under the seat and thighs, so would reduce pressure in the area the saddler is talking about.

 

[ros]

Agreed.  I reckon you've got more chance of getting your weight in the right place for your horse with a Fhoenix than with a treed saddle, unless the treed saddle is absolutely 100% perfect fit, which VERY few are.  I'd say don't let anyone knock it till you've tried it.

[Claire]

and re-reading what you first wrote .... come to think of it, that was where the points ofthe tree started digging in to molly when the saddle ceased to fit her.... if it's where i think you mean.... must be... i no longer use that saddle which is currently for sale...

[NickeringNotions]

Thankyou everyone

It baffled me too, although the treed saddle fits him and fits me, I still feel bad for not holding out for a Fhoenix    (funds couldnt stretch unfortunately)


It was LOVELY to ride in when I trialled it, and Woody could feel my aids much more clearer. Now as a Dressage rider this is vital!  :lol: He had no soreness on his back afterwards either which was great.


Guess I'm stuck with my nasty-evil-treed saddle for a while then until I can sell my current saddle and buy a Fhoenix.... <_<  

[Baymair]

Guess I'm stuck with my nasty-evil-treed saddle for a while then until I can sell my current saddle and buy a Fhoenix.... <_<

There's nothing inherently bad in a treed saddle - the most important thing that will have the greatest influence on it is the rider who needs to listen very carefully to her horse and have a very good understanding of saddle fit, as well as the horse's back.  

[jvt]

And remember that as he develops muscle, the treed saddle won't stretch with him to accomodate it, so it will need checking regularly for fit and may need widening more often than you think if he's working and developing well  

That's how I justify my fhoenix - I don't have to pay saddler to come out regularly, or to keep buying new saddles to fit ever changing horse, I love it!!

[TashaKat]

That's how I justify my fhoenix - I don't have to pay saddler to come out regularly, or to keep buying new saddles to fit ever changing horse, I love it!!

That's how I justified my SBS and how I'll justify my Portuguese Fhoenix that I'm trying to save up for

 

[christuris]

I'll justify my Portuguese Fhoenix that I'm trying to save up for

Is this wishful thinking on your part, or is it really coming?  And when -- do you know?  Also, which type -- alta escola or bullfighting?????!!!

Can't wait to get my Xino all decked out in Portuguese attire...

Christina
Indian Hills, Colorado
http://AlphabetRanch.smugmug.com

[Roxy]

Guess I'm stuck with my nasty-evil-treed saddle for a while then until I can sell my current saddle and buy a Fhoenix....

A well fitted treed saddle isn't evil at all.  Both of mine are ridden in treed saddles that fit properly at the moment and both happy.  One of them got sore very quickly when I tried using a Fhoenix on her.  I'm getting her an SBS which suits her a lot better, and with her shape is better for her than treed saddles as well IMO.  The other one is staying in a treed saddle as I think that suits her shape much better.  Go with something your horse is happy in and don't assume Fhoenix/other treeless is good and all treed saddles are evil.

[ros]

Absolutely not - sometimes treed saddles are a better option, for heavy riders for example.  The problem is that so many modern saddlers just haven't got a clue how to fit a treed saddle and are only interested in making a profit and protecting themselves from being sued.  There are some good ones out there but they're hard to find. and I'm speaking from experience    

[Mags&Dan]

Just a note re adjustable tree's. My saddler doesnt like them as only the front bit adjusts...the rest is still going to be medium fit no matter what you do to the front