[luvs2ride1979]

I have one and LOVE it! They do tend to run a tad small, 1/2" to 1" smaller than a traditional western saddle IME. Some people say they run true to size though. I think it depends on what kind of western saddle you're used to riding in, lol.

The pommels do need to fit the horse. The Barrel and Trail model pommels have QH bar type angles. The Endurance pommel is more like Full QH bars. You do have some room for error though as there isn't as much weight coming down through the pommel as a traditional treed saddle. I have used my endurance model on everything from wide tanks to high withered gaited horses with good success. I just used a couple of shims in my Skito pad for the high withered horses.

Yes, you DO need a pad specficially designed for a treeless saddle. The BMSS does not provide any weight distribution or spinal clearance on its own. Popular pads for BMSS saddles include Skito (the most popular), Equipedic, Toklat Ultracell Woolback, ThinLine ProTech pad w/extra shims, and Supracor Reining/Roping pad. You need a pad that has a clear spine and good weight distribution.

Skito has come out with a new "half pad" designed for treeless saddles. It's more economical and you can use pretty blankets under or over it if you show or just have a saddle pad fetish, lol.
Tack - Saddle Pads - Skito Pads - Skito Treeless Half Pad - Interpad - Arete Equestrian - Half Chaps, Skito & Supracor Saddle Pads... - (Powered by CubeCart)

I am a heavy weight rider (250 lbs), so I use a Skito pad and a ThinLine pad together; on of the simple ThinLine Western pads. The extra pad under the Skito provides more weight distribution and is VERY non-slip. I feel quite secure in my saddle, even on green horses or "fun" trail rides. I use a 100% mohair roper cinch for added stability. For trail riding, I use an over-the-neck aussie/english style breastcollar (we have lots of hills!).

Here's my set up.

I swapped out the regular stirrups for padded, caged endurance stirrups. I have no problems keeping my leg under me for a "classical" position.

 

[luvs2ride1979]

Sorry a little off topic, but how would you tell if your BMBS fits your horse correctly? When I bought I was told that it'll fit everything so I don't need to check fit. Now I've heard differently...

Saddle up, get on, and ride around a bit. After the horse is warmed up, carefully lean over and slide your hand under the pommel. Be careful to NOT put extra weight in your stirrups (take your feet out if you can't help it). Try not to lean on the pommel with your other hand or your body. Place your hand so it's under the bottom portion of the pommel, over the horse's shoulder. Have a friend lead you in a straight line, at the walk.

If you can't put your hand under the pommel without leaning on it, then have a friend ride and you walk on the ground with your hand under it.

If your hand is comfortable there, you're good. If your hand gets pinched uncomfortably or painfully, then the pommel is not right for your horse.

 

[luvs2ride1979]

Thanks luvs2ride. How high is the gullet on your saddle? I am worried even if I had the saddle peaked, it still would pull on my horses REALLY high withers.
Have you ever tried on the of the kuda saddles? They seem to be similar to the bob marshalls (I think). They look like they have more gullet clearance. PREMIER FLEX [15021] - $1,300.00 : Kuda Saddlery & Tack, Your Premium Choice for Saddles & Tack

You'd probably need the taller Barrel pommel if your horse has really high withers.

I have heard of the Kuda saddles, but I don't know much about them.

A few people on this treeless group I'm on have had a chance to demo these new Amish made treeless saddles called EZ-Fit Treeless saddles, and said they were very nice. The people who made them will customize the saddle to fit your horse well. Had I know about these folks, I probably would have gone their route instead of the Bob Marshall... ;-)
EZ Fit Treeless Saddle** spine clearence, non slip** - eBay (item 330398985214 end time Feb-04-10 17:53:22 PST)

 

[luvs2ride1979]

Ooh, I like that Kuda. How much would one that like go for?