- Our different saddles: Treeless saddles - Soft saddles - Bareback pads
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Why choose EDIX saddles?
Treeless riding reintroduces an art of riding that was customary for many centuries, even before the invention of the tree saddles.
Treeless riding is not a novelty, but a different way of horseback riding which will ask more from the rider in means of skillset with less stability but more direct feedback from the horse.
EDIX saddles treeless saddles are flexible, therefore it’s moving along with the movements of the horse. The skill of riding along with the movements of the horse is the same skill you develop riding your horse bareback. When you master this skill, you have developed an independent seat which will benefit the communication between the horse and rider. Through the flexibility the rider will feel the movements of the horse much better and at the same time, the horse will feel the rider move along with it’s movements. Both rider and horse will experience more mutual feeling, which can also be concluded as the so-called “close contact”.
EDIX saddles offers fully treeless saddles, soft tree saddles and flexible saddles. These are three different kind of saddle constructions. All are capable to follow the movements of the horse, and by that they provide space for the horse. This will allow the horse to move its body in a more proper way.
The saddles are all able to flex diagonal and lateral. Using an EDIX saddle will help your horse to develop its muscles properly and by that the horse will be able to carry the rider better. This combined with a rider who will be more skillful by learning to sit in the saddle with an independent seat, which will enable them to develop a more refined way of communication.
Another great advantage of EDIX saddles is that they can be adjusted. All EDIX saddles offer interchangeable pommels and gulletplates. So when the horse’s physique and muscles of the back change, for example due to seasonal influences or training, you can adjust the EDIX saddles again and again. To always continue a perfect fit of your saddle on your horses back, guaranteeing perfect pressure distribution and freedom of movement for the horse. The internal constructions of the various EDIX saddle models mold themselves to the shape of your horse’s back.
How treeless is your treeless saddle?
Not every treeless saddle is designed the same way. Some have a form of soft pliable plastic or leather tree or internal construction. Others have none at all and are built only of layers of different synthetic and leather layered materials. Some are designed as a complete system, where others are a standalone saddle.
Most often riders are unaware that there are many varying degrees of treeless saddles, or the impact that their choice has on the performance of them as a rider and their horse. Finding the right treeless saddle for you and your horse should take some time and consideration. For every horse and rider there is a perfect saddle, meaning we will not end up all with the same choice. Adjustments and comfort aspects are determined by differences due to the anatomy of the horse, the posture, experience and flexibility of the rider, the discipline, the age of the horse and other variants. All EDIX saddles are designed with care, attention and cutting-edge innovation, offering a range of treeless, soft tree and flexible saddles.
EDIX treeless saddles
An EDIX treeless saddle consists of at least two individual components, the two-part superstructure (the saddle) and the special EDIX 8 pocket saddle pads, including the
pressure-distributing inlays. The EDIX treeless saddles and saddle pads are built according to the EDIX® MPDS: multiple pressure distribution system. Due to this specific construction, the treeless saddles have the unique characteristics of being able to fully adapt to the anatomy of horse and rider. Instead of using the term treeless saddle, the term “treeless saddle combination” would be more appropriate. It is the combination of those soft parts which together ensure ultimate flexibility across the horse’s back in all directions. Right there is the strength of the balanced pressure distribution, through the different layers across the maximum surface of the horse’s back. It goes without saying that your horse will be able to move much more freely because of this enormous flexibility and it is this type of treeless saddle which encourages the rider to seek his or her fullest potential. EDIX treeless saddles are truly lightweight which makes them for the rider easy to handle and lift and for the horses easy to carry.
EDIX soft tree, treeless saddles
The soft tree saddles of the EDIX range are technically still fully treeless due the lack of a solid sturdy tree. The internal base of this saddle is made of a fiber 3-point and a fiber cantle, connected by a very thick but soft and flexible leather. Furthermore is the leather tree built up with different flexible shock and soft absorbing layers. Because this is way much more structured, as compared to the EDIX treeless saddles, we call these models ‘soft tree saddles’. The EDIX leather soft tree saddles are able to fully adapt to the horse’s anatomy and riders’ posture. The EDIX soft tree saddles require a breaking-in period and will then offer a deeper seat and more flexibility. This type of saddle is designed as a standalone saddle, but by using the EDIX 8 pocket saddle pads, you can add extra softness and pressure distribution towards the horses back. Besides the possibility to correct temporary saddle position with the EDIX 8 pocket saddle pads, the panels of the saddle allow a refill. This construction of the EDIX soft tree saddles offers the rider a narrower and more balanced seat and offer great flexibility and spinal clearance for movement for the horse.
EDIX flexible saddles
These have in contrary of the treeless saddles or soft tree saddles a full saddletree originally designed by EDIX. The EDIX SEcross-24 saddeltree is made of a highly flexible plastic blended polymer which is also capable of bending diagonal and lateral, along with the horse it’s movement. This flexible saddletree, is the latest EDIX innovation and offering a very deep seat, due to the internal construction. The deep seat combined with a very nice twist is offering the rider maximum stability. The whole saddle is designed in a way to give the rider a close contact sensation. By having the saddle thickness reduced under the seat and thighs, combined with the full flexibility of the EDIX SEcross-24 saddletree, a soft and thin mono flap and softly filled wool panels, you are able to have a suburb contact with your legs.
The benefits of riding an EDIX saddle
In a treeless, soft tree or flexible saddles of EDIX, you are unable to rely on a solid seat for balance. The communication which comes from the close contact between rider and horse enables you to ride the horse in a more refined way. This way of riding encourages you to find synchronization and unity with your horse. Communication will become more subtle, movements will be free and connection between horse and rider will become stronger. After the adjustment period, both horse and rider will find more relax and fluid in their movements.
Due to the free movement the horse’s muscle mass will be further fully developed.
If you and your horse have reached the point of that refined communication, you can experience that riding in a treeless saddle does indeed give you more firm seat. The more you feel, the more refined you communicate, the quicker you adjust your balance.
How to choose your saddle
EDIX recommends purchasing a treeless saddle as a complete package, including stirrups, stirrup leathers and a matching saddle pad with inlays. In order to ensure constant firm fixation, we recommend a fully or partly elastic girth for a consistently fixed position. A durable elasticity tailored to your horse’s strength, which will save your saddle from undesirable forces that are caused by the varying circumstances of your horse while riding. The elastic of the girth always adjust itself in length and has the possibility to keep the saddle in place with constant tension.
The EDIX treeless saddles come in different models and sizes from 12 inch up to 19 inch, in General Purpose, Dressage and Western style. The different models are available in the color combinations brown, black and natural, in synthetic materials or genuine leather. Also custom saddle are an option if you are prepared to wait on a certain production time.
The EDIX soft tree saddle range offers sizes from 14 inches to 18 inches, in General Purpose, Jumping and Dressage. The different models are available in colour combinations brown and black, cognac available to order, in genuine leather.
The EDIX SEcross-24 Flex tree saddle range offers sizes from 15,5 inches to 18 inches, in dressage models. The different models are available in colour combinations brown and black and available to order, in cognac leather and in custom options.
For advice without obligation, we suggest that you contact one of our official dealers. Visit the
EDIX website for the nearest dealer and contact details. An EDIX saddle dealer will guide and advice you before as well as during the purchase process, the testing period and offer comprehensive aftercare for a prolonged period of time.
For more information visit the website: www.edixsaddles.com. If you have any questions, please contact one of the dealers or send an email to EDIX saddles: info@edixsaddles.com
When you follow the recommended process of fitting, testing, purchasing and aftercare, EDIX saddles guarantees a perfect fit of your saddle for you and your horse to enjoy for many years.
Option overview of EDIX GP and DR saddles, How to choose your best matching saddle between the variety of EDIX saddles
