How to Fit and Adjust an Easy Trek Treeless Saddle

Easy Trek treeless saddles are designed to be flexible and forgiving and will try adjust according the horses conformation. Proper fitting is essential for your horse’s comfort and freedom of movement, helping to ensure even pressure distribution and prevent slippage or discomfort.

This guide will walk you through how to fit and adjust your Easy Trek treeless saddle so both you and your horse can enjoy a balanced and comfortable ride. If you need any help with the fitting get in touch with us we are more than happy to help.

Preparing the Saddle

Start by ensuring your horse is standing on a flat, level surface. Do not fit the saddle pad at this stage—begin by placing the saddle directly on your horse’s back to allow it to naturally find its correct position.

Position the saddle slightly forward on the horse’s back, then gently slide it backward until it settles into place. It may sit either just behind or slightly over the shoulder blades, depending on your horse’s conformation. Once positioned, check that the saddle sits level from front to back.

Put the Girth On

Girth positioning is especially important—aim for the buckles to sit around 2.5 to 4 inches (6 to 10 cm) above the elbow, lying comfortably below the shoulder but not too far back. The girth should follow the curve of the ribcage without restricting movement or causing the saddle to slip forward.

An anatomical or contoured girth is often helpful, especially if your horse has a forward girth groove or tends to be sensitive. Avoid over-tightening the girth; a snug but not overly firm fit will allow your horse to breathe and move naturally while keeping the saddle secure. We also have a selection of girths that work with our saddles.

Put the Pad On

After the saddle is on and girth adjusted, you can then remove the saddle and fit your high-quality saddle pad that’s designed for treeless saddles. It should provide good spine clearance, cushioning, and ideally some anti-slip support. Our own anti-slip and spine relief saddle pads are designed to work well with our treeless saddles. Once on, refit the saddle and adjust girth as above.

Adjusting for Rider Balance

Treeless saddles can feel slightly different under the rider, especially if you’re used to a more rigid treed design, because treeless saddle are designed for you to be more in harmony with your horse. You may initially feel slightly forward or less anchored. If so, adjust your stirrup leathers and seat position in small increments. Moving your seat back slightly or your stirrups forward by just a quarter of an inch can make a big difference to your balance and comfort.

During your first few rides, keep sessions short—about 15 to 20 minutes—and monitor how both you and your horse feel. After dismounting, check for even sweat patterns under the saddle and signs of pressure or dry patches. These early rides are an opportunity to fine-tune your setup and ensure you’ve got everything aligned correctly.

Ongoing Fit and Seasonal Adjustments

Horses change shape throughout the year due to changes in workload, condition, and age. Fortunately, Easy Trek saddles can adjust and fit accordingly to the pony/horse’s shape at that time. It’s still a good idea to recheck your saddle making sure it’s fitting correctly. A saddle that was perfect in spring may need slight adjustments by autumn.

Need Help?

If you’re ever unsure about fit or want a second opinion, feel free to get in touch with us. We’re happy to offer guidance or connect you with a qualified saddle fitter familiar with treeless designs.