Total Saddle Solutions

General enquiries: 07738 711 099 or e-mail millie@solutionsaddles.com

Customer service: 01246 813 432 or e-mail Amanda@solutionsaddles.com

Why do Trees Cause Problems?

From a rider and trainer’s point of view, I have known for years that saddles cause problems.

I used to keep a wide range of expensive saddles in different fittings to try to provide an optimum fit for any of the horses that I currently had in training. I have since carried out a significant amount of study and research into the issues of saddle fitting and now believe that it is the single biggest issue of equine welfare that I will see in my lifetime. Most people experience problems with saddles and it is common to hear of frustrated riders spending large sums on saddle after saddle that for one reason or another just don’t work.

What Causes the Problems?

- The tree points - can cause pressure damage and muscle atrophy

- The stirrup bars - load weight onto the tree points

- Scapula push - causing saddle movement and restriction to shoulder movement

- One sidedness - can lead to abnormal biomechanical stress lameness

- Girthing - can cause twisting of the tree and torque to the stabilising structures of the back

Symptoms of Saddle Problems

Most horses are fairly stoical in their role as people carriers, and will put up with an astonishing amount of pain and discomfort, sometimes displaying symptoms that are too subtle to be readily diagnosed.

- Resentment of being saddled or girthed

- Loss of rhythm

- Reluctance to stand still for mounting

- Disunited / breaking canter or favouring one lead

- Reluctance to go forward or rushing

- Short striding or difficulty in lengthening the stride

- Pawing or plunging head down

- Reluctance to stretch the topline or work deep

- Above the bit in transitions

- Difficulty with some higher level movements

So Why do we use Trees?

Trees were first developed by ancient warriors from the need to hold the stirrups in place and provide lateral stability – this remains the case today in a traditional craft handed down through generations.

Trees were never developed for the comfort of the horse – padding is necessary to help protect the horse from the tree.

Trees do not evenly distribute weight – this is physically impossible if you put a rigid structure between two live, moving beings.

So Why Does Treeless Work?

Without the clothes peg effect of the tree points restricting the shoulder and surrounding musculature, the forehand suddenly frees up and horses can more readily find their natural balance, moving more uphill and straighter.

Young horses improve confidence and older horse become happier.

All the horses that I have tried in treeless saddles have changed - some more dramatically than others, but without exception, all have improved.

Mentally, I would say that their tendency is to be more forward thinking, confident, calm, willing, able to concentrate, and less spooky, resistant, defensive, evasive, naughty etc.

The physical changes are a result of this - improved musculature and more power, elasticity and expression. (An overview) By Anne Bondi BHSI

The British Made Solution Saddle

Is the first treeless saddle to be designed specifically as a professional rider’s tool.

Is allowed for use in all disciplines under FEI and national governing body rules.

Probably remains the only truly treeless saddle - it has absolutely no rigid parts to cause injury and is completely flexible. 

(Caution is recommended when looking at other “treeless” designs. Although its increasing popularity has made treeless now allowed in competition, discipline rules state that the saddle must be of English style, which most makes are not. There are other designs on the market, but although they describe themselves as treeless, they usually have some form of rigid frame, usually a pommel arch, which I would only describe as part-treed, at best. Always check with the manufacturer method of its structure and limitations.)

The Solution Treeless Saddle Design

·Does not set out to provide even distribution of weight, but to protect the back from pressure and trauma by using a unique layering system

·Flexes with the movement of the horse’s back thus reducing peak pressure

·Places the stirrup attachment across the broadest part of the back to further disperse pressure, instead of localising it

·Can be used with balancers to ensure optimum fit and even contact without spinal pressure

·Is available in gulleted and gullet free models for all disciplines

Research, Development and Results

Case study research projects run with vets, physios, colleges and equine welfare organisations such as the International League for the Protection of Horses (ILPH) and the Thoroughbred Rehabilitation Centre (TRC) are providing a wealth of valuable information on the benefits of long-term use of The Solution.

“It has been my experience that some horses with back pain benefit tremendously by the use of The Solution treeless saddle” (Dr Sue Dyson, 2006)

Important feedback, not just from professional trainers and top competition riders, but also from a huge range of owner riders, amateurs, and hobby riders ensures that we are able to constantly upgrade, improve and develop our range of designs to further enhance the performance benefits for both horse and rider.

The Solution Saddle Models

The Solution GP

Especially created for today’s modern sports rider, incorporates new features to enhance multi-discipline and leisure riding. The adaptable design enables the rider to: Adopt a log leg, deep seat position, feel balanced and secure in a short jumping position and use the interchangeable blocks to customise fit according to activity.

Has a forward cut knee flap for increased rider balance and a secure position over fences and across country when riding with a shorter stirrup length. The saddle is gulleted for increased lateral stability and has long girth billets as standard, to reduce bulk under the rider’s leg.

The ultimate close contact saddle. This straight cut dressage style saddle is gulletless, designed for universal fit and optimum horse comfort.

Straight cut saddle enables rider security while allowing the horse complete freedom of movement. The gulleted design offers lateral stability, deeper seat and narrower twist.

All saddles available in black and havana, suede or leather finish.

Want to know more?

Trying The Solution Saddle

The Solutionsaddles can be seen, tried and ordered through our network of agents or directly from the sales office. We offer home consultation visits (charges apply) where you can have the saddle fitted for you and your horse. All agents and sales staff own and ride in their own Solution saddles, which ensures that you only deal with people who really understand the innovative concept of The Solution. When you try a Solution saddle you will receive advice on correct sizing, demonstrations on how to fit and balance the saddle to any horse and to any rider and valuable back up with ongoing advice whenever you need it. Weekly rental is also available.

Buying The Solution Saddle

If you would like to place an order we can process this easily by phone, email or fax.

Payments can be made by:Cheque, Credit/Debit cards

0% Payment plan – Payment over a total period of 6 months: £500 deposit, followed by 5 equal monthly instalments with 0% interest. Alternatively you can spread the payments over 12 months with 1% interest per month.

Click here to visit the Total Saddle Solutions website

Address Total Saddle Solutions LTD, Unit 9, Network Centre, Midland Way, Barlborough, Derbyshire. S43 4WW

General enquiries: 07738 711 099 or e-mail millie@solutionsaddles.com