Know-How | Barefoot Treeless Saddles and Other Riding Gear

Using a Barefoot treeless saddle is a little different from using a conventional saddle but there is nothing difficult about it. Please have a look at our know-how guides and if you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to call our customer service number (+372 5787 8389, Kristjan) or write to our email address (mailbox@barefoot-baltics.ee).

When you put a Barefoot treeless saddle on your horse, you should pay attention to the straightness of two lines, which indicate that the saddle is sitting well and in the right place on the horse’s back… or not. 🙂

The girth straps should be vertically straight,
The pommel and the cantle should form a horizontally straight line.

You will notice that a Barefoot saddle sits further forward on the horse’s back than a conventional saddle. That’s right! Unlike a conventional saddle, it doesn’t hinder the horse’s movement when it sits on the horse’s shoulder blades. That’s an important advantage in fact because it enables the rider to sit directly above the horse’s centre of gravity, which makes it easier for the horse to turn corners with the rider on board. Additionally, the rider is lighter for the horse when (s)he sits further forward.

Getting the girth straps to run vertically straight is easy. All you have to do is move the saddle forward or back on the horses back. Getting the pommel and the cantle to form a horizontally straight line takes more work but we’re always ready to help you with advice. Basically, you have to choose the right pommel and fill the saddle pad with the appropriate fillings.

Choosing the Right Saddle

Adjusting the Saddle

Bridles & Halters

Western Rigging

How to Tie a Western Cinch?

Barefoot Guides

These guides are longer introductions into the horse-friendly philosophy that inspires all our product design. They are available in English (2 topics) and German (6 topics). It is essential reading for riders who care… 😉