Freeform
Treeless Saddle
All Purpose Saddles
Manufacturer: Freeform
Model: Treeless Saddle
Category: All Purpose Saddles
Purchase: I bought my Freeform about 2 years ago from Goldfinch. Complete with numnah and stirrup leathers, it cost me just under £800.00.
Likes: This saddle is treeless and so flexible it fits my two horses superbly with a just a slight adjustment in padding for one horse so having one saddle that can be used for both horses is brilliant. It looks quite conventional and once mounted, I doubt anyone would know its a bit different.
The comfort is second to none and my horses have never moved better or seemed happier. It has been amazing to see a big change in their attitude to being tacked up and ridden. My one horse used to bite and kick out on the worst days; my other was just generally very fidgety and wouldn't stand still. Now both of them actually come to me and stand perfectly when I approach with the saddle.
Also I no longer suffer with any saddle soreness or lower back ache which has plagued me for most of my ridden life.
Dislikes: I cannot really say there is anything I don't like about it because its made such a difference to my horses. If I had one comment it would be the difficulty of adjusting the dressage length girth when mounted but than can happen on any other type of saddle. But the upside of this is having no bulk under the thigh from the buckles of conventional length girths gives me closer contact and is more comfortable so it has also got to be better for my horses.
Quality: Well the saddle is made in Italy so need I say more! The quality is superb and comparable to more expensive treeless saddles. The leather feels quite grippy despite being fairly smooth and soft. I have yet to feel insecure in it. The customer service from Goldfinch was excellent and their advice and suggestions were nothing short of honest.
Summary: I don't know how long my Freeform will last as I don't think it will have the same durability as most traditional saddles but only time can answer that. If I have to purchase another one in the next 10 years, I would in a heartbeat as it will still have saved me money because in that time, I dread to think how many treed saddles and adjustments by the saddler I would have needed to accommodate both my horse's fluctuating body changes. I've already saved on being able to use one saddle on two horses.
When it comes to the comfort factor for my horses though, this is the tops. The changes that happen are amazing once you change your saddle. My horses have improved both physically and in their mental attitude which has a knock on effect on my riding.
Rating: 5
Author: E Stanton
Date: 2006-09-01
Usefulness Rating: 3.58974 out of 5.
39 reader(s) voted.
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