I bought my first Ansur Classic treeless saddle a couple of years ago and loved it from the get go. See my original post with details HERE. I knew when I bought it though, that it was a size too big, so I have kept an eye out for the correct size at a good price. Finally a really nice saddle came up on the Friends of Ansur Facebook page, it was at a decent price point used, it was an upgrade from a plain Ansur Classic, so I took the plunge.
The Carlton is a treeless with the FlexCore technology just like the Classic but it has a built in gullet with a twist that can be converted back to a no gullet Classic with the addition of a filler pillow. I’ve heard it described as closer to a traditional dressage saddle but still with the feel and closeness to the horse’s back of a Classic. And if you or your horse don’t like the gullet you can always add in the pillow.
So far, I love this saddle. First of all, it is the right size, so it positions me a bit better and it is much easier to keep my alignment. Second, the feeling of a twist seems to make it easier for me to be more precise with my seat and changes my leg position just a smidge on Jet who is borderline too small for me. Third, my posting mechanic is different and, I think, more effective. Jet seems to like the saddle as well, with it seeming to have all the comforts of a treeless saddle for him, with a touch more support for me. Time will tell of course, but so far I am very impressed with Ansur Saddlery yet again.
So how many saddles is that now? 😉
ReplyDeleteOnly 2. Only 2, and hope to sell the Ansur Classic when I'm 100% sure on the Carlton. Hopefully...
DeleteThat is the one thing I haven't tried with Miss Mazy- yet. Several saddles down and I'm done. I have currently switched over to driving until my pony quits growing. When I do get back on her I will be looking into these if not before
ReplyDeleteA lot of people don't like the treeless because it is closer to bareback, but depending on the model it can be less or more support for the rider. Obviously, I am a big fan of the treeless.
DeleteTree vs treeless, bit vs bitless, shoes vs barefoot, leather vs synthetic- its all a matter of personal preference and people can be crazy passionate about what they like and why. I have ridden bareback in the past so not unfamiliar territory there. I'm a big fan of whatever works best for each horse. If they're comfortable in their work they're a more willing and agreeable partner
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