Saddle Fitting
April Battles on Fitting Saddles
April has lots of great tips here! Why saddles don’t fit I invite you to go out to your horse and tie them on a flat surface and stand on a stool or bucket 5-10 foot behind them and notice how one side rump is higher. Now notice how one side of the back where […]
My Treeless Journey – Bobbie Jo Lieberman
By Bobbie Jo Lieberman Soon after I finished my first 100-mile endurance ride in a borrowed Stubben Columbo made of buffalo hide, the first of a new generation of treeless saddles was creating a buzz in the horse world. In the early 1980s, treeless was a new and captivating idea. After our fifth-place finish on […]
Saddle Fitting for the “beach ball” from Heather Charlick
When I got my Gypsy Vanner four years ago little did I know that finding a saddle for him would be such a long and challenging road. The first year and a half we tried 9 different saddles and I ended up riding him bareback most of the time because they just weren’t wide enough, […]
What to Look for When Buying a Used Freeform Saddle
Problems with Older Models First and foremost I’d like to point out the older Freeform saddles prior to 2009 had issues with the foam. If the saddle is red underneath or blue this would indicate the timeframe of the weaker foam. We change the foam in late 2009 to a phenomenal foam that holds up […]
From Nancy Beirl
I tried treeless (Barefoot – and loved it for myself/my own comfort) and went back to treed for the same reason – concerned about my horse’s back. Now I have a Freeform Treeless saddle. It has firm foam panels that velcro to the underside of the saddle that create/maintain a gullet/spine channel. They stay put, […]
Fit Tips: About Pads
Your saddle pad is an important element for saddle fit. The spine and loin must be protected and pressure points avoided. The rider must understand that the musculoskeletal system of the horse transforms throughout a lifetime. Age, exercise and seasonal changes will change saddle fit. Transitioning from a hay diet during the Winter to a […]
Freeform Newest Western Treeless Saddle
Freeform’s newest Treeless Western Barrel Saddle: The Virginian. The Virginian Western Barrel saddle by Freeform. Our wonderful new creation from Italy! The Virginian is designed with a woman’s comfort in mind. A large deep cantle to keep you safely tucked in the saddle whether you’re out all day on the trail, or in the ring. Our […]
Saddle Making in Italy!
In November 2015, Susie Caldwell, my assistant, Amy Summerall, one of our Saddle Up reps, and I took a trip across the ocean to Italy. It was a bit nerve racking due to the tragic shooting in Paris the day before our flight. We couldn’t let that stop us: I had saddles to design! And […]
One Strong Case for Treeless Saddles
Just wanted to give you a little Svenna update- she has changed SO MUCH since I bought the freeform. Her back looks incredible. Really, her whole body has muscled up properly because she can get over the back and really work. See the before and after pix below. I love riding in it (more balanced […]
No More Slip on Round Backs
Consider adding panels to your saddle for those round backs: “Just wanted to give you a little Svenna update- she has changed SO MUCH since I bought the freeform. Her back looks incredible, really her whole body has muscled up properly because she can get over the back and really work. “I love riding in […]
Saddle Fitting with the High Riders 4H Club of Elkins, West Virginia
I really loved my trip over the mountains to help out a fine group of young riders. Everyone was so engaged in learning how to fit the horses. I enjoyed helping teach each and everyone. We worked on what is a top line and how to build a better one. We also worked on palpating […]