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So, anyone have treeless saddles?

3K views 7 replies 6 participants last post by  HKM FARM 
#1 ·
Im thinking about buying a Bob Marshall Treeless barrel saddle, this one in fact TackTrader Item ID: 289055 - TackTrader.com Classifieds but i have some questions. Does this look like a good saddle for the price? Do the seat sizes run smaller? Duchess is a bull dog built QH and has very wide shoulders, but small withers, will this saddle work? And for those of you who have them how do you like them? Also someone told me that she barrel raced in one and she said it felt like she was being pinched out of the saddle???
 
#2 ·
I have a BMSS and LOVE it! I have the endurance model. It is SO comfortable and very secure, though I don't run barrels ;-). I do know some barrel racers who use Bob Marshalls and like them.

The Original Bob Marshalls are a bit better than the Circle Y versions. The one you posted looks like it's in good condition, though I would offer her $750 for it.

The barrel saddles tend to run a bit small, IF she measured it the correct Bob Marshall way (measuring the thigh opening, then adding 10"). If she measured it front to back (like a normal western saddle), it will run the same as your regular treed saddle.

Keep in mind that Bob Marshalls NEED a specialized saddle pad, to distribute weight and create spinal clearance. The best is the Skito treeless saddle pad. For a low withered horse, I'd get the felt bottom material and grip strips on top, (regular, not dryback), and 1/2" foam with 1/2" lamination. That should make things nice and non-slip, and help so your hips aren't spread as wide.

I would also recommend using a 100% Mohair Roper style cinch. That will help stabilize the saddle as well, without causing any rubs.
 
#4 ·
The person in my area selling similar Bob Marshall for I believe $800 or $850. So the price seems to be right. However I tried that saddle (was thinking about may be buying it) and wasn't impressed much. It was as heavy as mine (treed) and pretty hard to sit on. And I know she still selling it for over 6 months already... :shock: But well tastes differ of course.
 
#5 ·
I have a bob marshall basic endurance saddle that I've used with my wide backed gaited horses. It's extremely comfortable and I've never experienced 'pinching' or any other issue. I'm actually selling the saddle along with the pad and would consider $750 for both of them. The seat size is an 18 and I think they may run small. I use a 17 inch close contact and they both fit me fine. It has 2 tone leather - chocolate and black. Let me know if you're interested. :)
 
#7 ·
Why do they have to have a special pad? A impact gel pad would not work?
Nope, that won't work. They need a pad with substantial padding on either side of the spine, to create spinal clearance and distribute weight properly. Most of the "horror stories" you hear about treeless saddles is because of improper padding.
 
#8 ·
My friend had a BM and she loved it. However it didn't fit her horse right and it caused him to get very sore in the withers and back (ride is only 120 pounds). I am not sure how you fit a treeless saddle. I had rode in it a few times. It is a very diff. feel if you haven't ever been in one. She had a 15 inch seat and I normally ride in a 15.5 it felt way smaller then a 15. So IMO i would say they run small. She told me she paid around $1500 for it and I was shocked. It didn't look like a $1500 saddle to me. But I do not know much about treeless saddles.
 
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