A Circle Y Just B Natural Saddles might just change your relationship with riding. And your horse is going to thank you! Your horse is not something you simply mount. It is not a tool, it is not a pet. Your horse is a friend – and a good one at that. It supports you – physically and mentally- through all sorts of things. So figuring out the best way to comfortably ride your horse will help you form a better bond, make you a better rider, and make the horse happier. Everybody wins!
A saddle tree is the wooden base under the leather of the saddle. The tree is made up of a swell and cantle, connected by a pair of bars. The bars make contact along the sides of the horse’s back, distributing the rider’s weight. Just-B-Natural saddles have a swell and cantle, but no bars. There are a few reasons why tree free saddles can help riders.
By riding as close to bareback as possible, tree free saddles established a close contact connection with the horse, making it easier to communicate your needs. The horse can be more responsive to seat and leg cues, creating a smoother, more positive riding experience.
In some cases, a horse is just impossible to fit with a saddle tree. When a horse is forced to wear an ill-fitting saddle, it can become depressed or angry at just the sight of it. It’s less like to cooperate on command, and it’s unhappiness will be obvious. Tree free saddles are easier on your horse’s spine, making riding something you both look forward to.
Another benefit is the greater range of motion that a horse can experience with tree free saddles. With a wood swell and cantle, but no bars, the tree free saddles looks traditional but allows the horse complete freedom of movement. That means longer strides, higher jumps, and greater endurance.
For those who worry that tree free saddles might cause the horse discomfort due to uneven rider weight distribution, never fear. Saddles like the Just B Natural saddle made by Circle Y have wool/felt skirts with neoprene filler, which conform to the horse’s unique shape and aid in shock absorption and weight distribution. And tree free saddles are comfortable for riders, too. The uncomfortable bulk of saddle is eliminated, but the saddle still has a swell, cantle, and seat assemble which makes the rider still feel safe, secure, and held in place.
If you aren’t convinced, take one for a ride. You’ll feel the difference it makes. A horse that can run and move as nature intended it is a happy horse, and a rider who uses a tree free saddle is a safe, in control horseman. Test out a Just B Natural saddle and see if you’re the next convert!
