[Mountaingirl89]

So I am on the search for just the right saddle and really like the looks of the trooper saddles. I like that it has a western type tree and flocking but need a balanced seat.

I ride endurance and trail and want something that will be comforitable for both me and my horse.

I am tired of my horse no longer fitting into her saddles after six months, but I am hesitant of treeless saddles.

From what I understand trooper saddle trees are more flexible or adjustable then most other ridged trees.


What can you tell me about trooper trees? Anyone have one?

Thanks!

[rider6592]

im gona bump this up for ya

[FarFromOver]

I don't have one but have always wanted to try one...

[luvs2ride79]

Trooper saddles still need to fit. They are a bit more forgiving, but they can also be "odd" to fit. I'd recommend trying to find a shop you can trial on from before taking the plunge. The people that I know that ride them, LOVE them though. . Keep in mind that there are many cheap imitation saddles out there. Look for quality name brands that you can trust, or old vintage saddles that have been through he!! and back .

As for treeless, they are really great, IF you find the right saddle, pad, and girth combination for your horse. I am a HW rider (250+ lbs) and my horses are very comfortable with me on my treeless, even on long rides. I use a Bob Marshall endurance saddle (no horn) with a Skito Treeless pad and a round skirt 1/4" ThinLine saddle pad under that. The TL pad used because of my weight, and to stabilize the saddle on our up and down trails. I use a 100% mohair roper style cinch and an over-the-neck style breast collar. It works very well for me!

Bob Marshalls do have a fixed pommel though, so they're not suitable for REALLY wide horses that won't fit in a traditional full qh bar saddle. For those kind of horses, Sensation saddles and Black Forest or Barefoot saddles with a soft pommel insert (or pommel removed and stuffed) work very well. Freeform saddles work well one some of the big guys too. Your best bet is to find a good retailer that has a demo program and will really work with you on helping to fit you and your horse. Make sure to get a selection of pads and girths to use too.

Good, small-shop retailers who will really work with you (and sometimes have used or close-out saddles):
http://kaarenjordan.com
http://www.saddlingsolutions.com
http://www.blackforestsaddles.com

Good luck with your saddle search!

[Mountaingirl89]

Trooper saddles still need to fit. They are a bit more forgiving, but they can also be "odd" to fit. I'd recommend trying to find a shop you can trial on from before taking the plunge. The people that I know that ride them, LOVE them though. . Keep in mind that there are many cheap imitation saddles out there. Look for quality name brands that you can trust, or old vintage saddles that have been through he!! and back .

As for treeless, they are really great, IF you find the right saddle, pad, and girth combination for your horse. I am a HW rider (250+ lbs) and my horses are very comfortable with me on my treeless, even on long rides. I use a Bob Marshall endurance saddle (no horn) with a Skito Treeless pad and a round skirt 1/4" ThinLine saddle pad under that. The TL pad used because of my weight, and to stabilize the saddle on our up and down trails. I use a 100% mohair roper style cinch and an over-the-neck style breast collar. It works very well for me!

Bob Marshalls do have a fixed pommel though, so they're not suitable for REALLY wide horses that won't fit in a traditional full qh bar saddle. For those kind of horses, Sensation saddles and Black Forest or Barefoot saddles with a soft pommel insert (or pommel removed and stuffed) work very well. Freeform saddles work well one some of the big guys too. Your best bet is to find a good retailer that has a demo program and will really work with you on helping to fit you and your horse. Make sure to get a selection of pads and girths to use too.

Good, small-shop retailers who will really work with you (and sometimes have used or close-out saddles):
http://kaarenjordan.com
http://www.saddlingsolutions.com
http://www.blackforestsaddles.com

Good luck with your saddle search!

Thanks so much for the info! I have such a hard time finding anything out about Trooper saddles!
I have finally decided to just keep a close eye on the local tack shops. So far I am looking at a Stonewall Endurance and Marciante Endurance.
I would love to try a couple treeless, but don't really want to go through the hassel of the demo program they usually offer.

My girl isn't really wide, just tends to change shape a lot, or at least has up until now. I just realized that I have gone through so many saddles because first she was growing, then she had a year off because she was sick, but hopefully now she will stay the same shape!