Trekking Saddles

What distinguishes a trekking saddle from other types of saddles?

A trekking saddle is designed in such a way that it does not cause any unpleasant pressure or chafing, even after long distances for both horse and rider. To achieve this, the weight must be optimally distributed and ensure a high level of comfort for both rider and horse. In contrast to jumping, dressage or general purpose saddles, trekking saddles are often treeless. This gives them a feather-light weight and excellent adaptability with maximum flexibility. In addition, trekking saddles have many attachment options with D-rings to which saddle bags and other accessories for horse treks can be attached.
If, on the other hand, you want something more stable than a treeless saddle, you can use a Western saddle. This also has a wide contact surface for better pressure distribution and many fastening options. However, in contrast to light trekking saddles, Western saddles are heavier and less breathable. This can be annoying for the horse on long distances.

What are the differences between trekking saddles?

There are different styles of trekking saddles, but they all aim to provide the greatest possible comfort for horse and rider. There are treeless saddle designs, designs with a leather treeor trekking saddles with a plastic tree. The latter can also have an adjustable gullet width, other designs have an exchangeable gullet plate.
There are also almost no limits to the choice of materials and designs. In addition to leather trekking saddles, there are also saddles made of imitation leather or synthetic materials, which are lined with teddy fleece or other absorbent materials. There are also sheepskin saddles that are especially comfortable for the rider and enable intensive communication between horse and rider.

How do I find the right trekking saddle for me and my horse?

Even though many trekking saddles are treeless and therefore extremely adaptable, they must fit the horse exactly. That is why they are only recommended in combination with a special anatomical pad.
One danger with treeless designs is that the contact surface is too small and thus the pressure is not sufficiently distributed. Or the materials compress too much under the rider's weight, so that here too the pressure presses selectively on the back. This can have serious consequences for the horse's health and thus ruin the horse trek.
When buying a trekking saddle, look for a large contact surface as well as shoulder, lumbar and spinal freedom. This must be maintained, especially under the rider's weight. So check from the ground as well as from above whether these conditions are met.
In order to find the right saddle style for your horse trek, the advice of a trained specialist or saddler is necessary. They will find the right saddle design for you and your horse in accordance with your planned tours, wishes and preferences.

What accessories do I need with my trekking saddle?

For long rides, stirrup leathers with a simple suspension are suitable. These have their buckles at the bottom so that nothing presses against the horse's back or the rider's legs. In addition, light stirrups with a wide tread are recommended to keep the overall weight of the saddle as low as possible and to protect the foot from getting tired.
A saddle pad is also a must for a horse trek. It should be breathable and well absorbent to prevent heat build-up on the horse's back. A strong build-up of heat and moisture can not only be very uncomfortable for the horse, but can also lead to friction and chafing. In our online shop you will find functional trekking saddle pads that are breathable and wick sweat away to the outside. They are also softly padded and distribute pressure. Their function is rounded off by patch pockets that offer additional storage space for small items.
Saddle bags of different sizes that can be attached to the saddle are suitable for all your luggage. You will find various styles of these in our range, which you can easily attach to our treeless trekking saddles from SHOWMASTER.
For rainy days, a rain cover for the saddle bags is also a welcome accessory for horse trekking.