Introduction to Treeless Saddle Fit and the EDIX Saddle System

Here is the second video in our series about saddle fit. Make sure to watch the first video, Saddle Fit Case Study: Uno and the EDIX Courville Saddle System at • Saddle Fit Case Study:... , for some examples of subtle behaviors that could indicate less than ideal saddle fit.
This video has two parts. In the first part we look at assessing a saddle's fit to a horse. We look at four examples of general back shape as well as an example of physical differences between the left and right sides of a horse and discuss the saddle fit challenges of each "type". For saddle fit, we specifically discuss saddle balance front to back, pommel angle, and identifying areas of unequal pressure beneath the saddle (saddle balance left and right). In the second part, I introduce you to the EDIX Saddles specific items that help us adjust our saddle to each horse shape: the pommels, saddle pad, saddle pad inlays and shims. This gives you the background information you need for the next two videos in the series: the initial saddle fit case studies!
The initial saddle fit case studies will be two videos, each showing the initial fitting session for 5 horses. I will do later updates on how we adjust fit over time. Soon I will do a video about estimating what pommel you need for your horse when you don't have access to the EDIX pommels to try. Stay tuned for more saddle fitting fun!
A couple points about this video:
1. I didn't mention it, but, of course, make sure that your horse is standing on level ground and standing as square as possible for your fitting sessions.
2. I apologize for the black pommel pack in some of the pictures and videos, I realized after some of my sessions that they were distracting, but wasn't willing to go back and re-do all of those videos and pictures! Do your best to ignore it and focus on the top of the pommel :)
Enjoy!

[@schleichandhorselover8425]

Thank you so much for this video. It's so helpfull! I'm planning to buy a treeless saddle, so this video came at a great time!
May I ask what the name of the saddlepad you are using is? And do you have to use a treeless saddlepad, or is a ''normal'' saddlepad ok too?

[@HavenHorsemanship]

Hi there! I'm glad you found this video helpful. The saddle shown is an EDIX Saddles Courville GP and the saddle pad is an EDIX Saddles 8 pocket pad.
You will definitely want a treeless saddle pad for your treeless saddle. Some treeless saddles do not structurally provide clearance for the horse's spine and rely entirely on the saddle pad to do that. Others, like EDIX, provide clearance in their saddles, but it's still a good idea to use a specialized treeless saddle pad to help further distribute pressure and increase spinal clearance.

[@schleichandhorselover8425]

@@HavenHorsemanship Ah ok, thank you!
I didn't know that, I will deffinetly buy a treeless saddlepad now I know this. Thank you so much for your explonation!

[@Tallbuff]

@@HavenHorsemanship Hi, I've bought a western treeless saddle will I need special treeless pad for it or can I use my normal western pads. If I need one, what's a good brand of treeless pads? Thanks!

[@HavenHorsemanship]

@@Tallbuff what kind of saddle did you get? I prefer EDIX Saddles pads. I can help you with that if you're interested.
Some other popular pad are Skito's and Equipedic.

[@PandorLover]

Thanks so much. Could you write down where the saddle need to lay on the back? I'm so glad you made de video's

[@kiannavenables7665]

Does it matter about the length of the saddle eg how far down back 🙂

[@HavenHorsemanship]

Yes, length of the potential weight bearing area of the horse's back vs the weight bearing length of the saddle is important to consider. To measure your horse's potential weight bearing length, for most treeless saddles, you'll measure from the middle of the wither to where your horse's last rib meets their spine. Weight bearing length of the saddle depends on the make and design. For EDIX saddles, you can get a good estimate of the weight bearing length of the saddle by subtracting 6 cms from the saddle's overall length.

[@kiannavenables7665]

@@HavenHorsemanship thank you 🙂

[@HavenHorsemanship]

My pleasure!