Does the Barefoot saddle also fit horses with shorter backs?

The Barefoot saddle is especially good for horses or ponies with short backs because it distributes the rider's weight differently than traditional saddles. In a Barefoot saddle, the rider sits between two molded parts: the front pommel and the rear restriction. These parts are made of flexible plastic, which doesn't carry any of the rider's weight. Instead, they move with the horse, allowing for unrestricted movement.

This design allows the Barefoot saddle to be placed over the horse's shoulder because the shoulder blade can move freely beneath the saddle without any restriction on the muscles. It also positions the rider directly above the horse's center of gravity, providing an optimal riding position.

Because of their design, Barefoot saddles can appear larger than traditional treed saddles, especially on smaller horses. However, the Barefoot saddle can extend past the horse's 18th rib without restricting its back or distributing the rider's weight to the rear.

To experience this difference firsthand, sit in a Barefoot saddle and place your hand behind the rear of the saddle, then try to lift it. You will notice that the Barefoot saddle is flexible enough to lift without any pressure, demonstrating that it doesn't create any issues despite being there. In contrast, if you do the same with a treed saddle, you will quickly feel the difference. Many people fail to realize this distinction and mistakenly assume that the weight distribution is the same as in a treed saddle.

For very short horses ridden by sturdier riders, the Barefoot saddle may seem oversized and appear out of proportion. However, it's still the best choice because the rider needs to fit comfortably between the molded parts. Choosing a smaller size could result in a saddle that is too tight, which would not be ideal for the horse or rider.

Recommended saddles for short backed horses are:
-Cheyenne
-Tahoe
-Merlyn
-Wellington
-Barrydale
-Soft Walk
-Arizona
-Atlanta

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