Created by Vic Sivitilli, of Black Diamond, Washington.

Come discover the magic of Black Forest Treeless Saddles and what they can do for both your horse

Curious whether a treeless saddle could give you a closer connection with your horse?

Reviewed by Ann Pruitt, InfoHorse.com · Updated April 2026

Black Forest Bourbon Oak leather treeless Western saddle with floral tooling and silver accents

Black Forest Treeless Saddles by Black Forest Stables, Inc.
Come discover the magic of Black Forest Treeless Saddles and what they can do for both your horse-- and you. Your horse will love the comfort and flexibility - you will love the beauty and the joy of being more connected to your horse as never before.

How Did Black Forest Treeless Saddles Come To Be?

Created by Vic Sivitilli, of Black Diamond, Washington. Vic says:
We import and breed the rare breed of horses known as the Black Forest Draft Horses from Germany. We first came upon treeless saddles after importing our mid-size Black Forest Draft horses into the USA. At 15 hands average, but with draft horse proportions, NO treed saddle fit these girls. We spent thousands of dollars on wide trees, flex trees, and even custom made saddles and still ended up frustrated, with uncomfortable horses. Then, on a visit with friends in Germany who own the same breed of horses, we rode in a treeless saddle. The experience was incredible, and we knew we had found the answer. We returned home and began marketing treeless saddles throughout North America, quickly building a huge market base.

Over the years, we have worked closely with equine professionals, and we have listened to the input from our valued clients. You and your horse want the most out of your treeless experience. And you want quality that you can put your trust in. This has culminated in our development of the Black Forest Treeless Saddles, which have become one of the most sought after treeless saddles on the market today.

What Sets Black Forest Treeless Saddles Apart From Other Treeless Saddles?
Black Forest Treeless Saddles, have an exclusive- patented- built in panel system that provides spinal clearance as well as weight distribution, this is achieved with a high density closed cell foam that flexes but does not compress under the saddle with rider . The Black Forest Treeless saddles are the result of years of research and input, with exclusive features and handmade by our own top manufacturers. Our promise is to offer the highest quality treeless saddles and riding products, at a competitive price that will allow everyone to experience the comfortable and therapeutic concept of treeless riding. And we will continue to offer you the high standards of customer service that you have come to expect from us.

So How Does It Feel To Ride In A Black Forest Treeless Saddle?

Says Vic, The absolute best thing about the Black Forest Treeless saddles is that we are so much more connected with our horses when riding. After an uphill gallop, we’re always so amazed that we can actually feel our horse’s heartbeats underneath us when we come to a stop. Our Morgan-Quarter gelding, Shadow, is the king of 180 degree spins on the trail when he sees something odd. But in these saddles, we can feel what he is going to do Before he makes his move, and can anticipate what’s coming. We even started our young Black Forest stallion in the Black Forest Aspen, and the saddle stayed in place during his initial hops and rears.

How Will My Horse Feel About A Black Forest Treeless Saddle?

If a person had a choice to hike 10 miles with a wooden shoe --or they could choose the comfort of a tennis shoe-- they would always choose the comfortable tennis shoe. If your horse could talk to you, he or she would tell you that the same thing applies with using a Wooden Tree that does not bend with the movement of the horse- vs. a flexible, soft Treeless Saddle that has a spinal protection built in to keep the saddle off the tender spine. Traditional saddles are built around a rigid form that restricts the horse movement and muscle comfort, whereas the Black Forest Saddle is a saddle build around a flexible pad that bends with your horse’s movement.

Note: Horses love Black Forest Treeless Saddles! The Black Forest saddles free up your horse’s movement in a whole new way. The pommel floats over the withers, and the soft leather conforms around the shoulders; there is no hard tree being compressed down onto the shoulders or back of your horse.

But I Thought That Treeless Saddles Were Hard On A Horse’s Back?

First there is always some truth to rumors and the problems that were caused by treeless were saddles designed 3 decades ago. The older treeless brands and some newer brands do not have a spinal protection system or gullet. Many are like cardboard or collapse with the rider’s weight; basically Black Forest Saddles have overcome these issues. Let's back up, would you hike 10 miles with a clog or wooden Dutch shoe? Or would you rather use a flexible shoe?

So Why Does My Horse Need a Flexible Saddle ?

Your horse has 4 different moves in its back when in motion, shoulder , hip, shoulder , hip, but the tree is ridged, It's like riding a car with no shock absorbers where as a good treeless saddles will move with little to no resistance with the horses back. When the horses shoulder comes up the pommel moves away from the shoulder giving your horse more room and comfort. This is very different from a tree, even if the tree was custom made it would only have a perfect fit when your horse is stationary, once in motion the tree will always resist movement.

Important Note: Often people and treed saddle manufactures will say a treed saddle has more surface of weight distribution, totally wrong. A treed saddle only has at best 75% of natural surface distribution and it is a hard surface. Black Forest Treeless Saddles replicates the feel of riding bareback giving 100% even weight distribution of the size of the riders buttocks and inner thighs and this is all soft tissue.

Can Select From Either Leather Or Synthetic With Black Forest Treeless Saddles?

Yes! Our Synthetic Saddles offer the same comfortable experience for both you and your horse, just within a little easier budget. However, our Leather Saddles are affordable too! Most are under $900 and all are built to last! Our Sizing Instructions makes it easy to pick out the right size for you and we are happy to consult with you to help!

Can I Get Help If I Have Questions With My New Black Forest Treeless Saddle?

Yes! We pride ourselves in providing the highest level of quality customer service. We know the treeless experience is a new one to many of our clients, and we welcome questions and in-depth phone conversations. We work with you to find the best saddle model for your riding style, and the right combination of pad and accessories for you and your horse. We also pride ourselves in having a large stock of Black Forest saddles and accessories here in our warehouse, to get you out on the trail or into the arena within days after ordering. We have a great FAQ Page to help too! We look forward to helping you and your horse discover the Black Forest Treeless experience!

Can I Have a Trial Period For My New Saddle?

Yes! Our demo program works like this: when you purchase a new saddle from us, you are given a full week upon receipt to try it out on your horse to be sure everything works for you. If you encounter issues, we work with you to resolve anything that may be causing a problem, which could be just as simple as a different saddle pad that will work better for your particular horse and rider combination. If, after trying different options, you feel the saddle is not working for you, we will provide you a return authorization number and you send the saddle back in resellable condition. We will refund you the purchase price less initial shipping.

Note: The vast majority of our clients Love their new Black Forest saddle from day one! This way, you avoid the hassle and cost of having to send back a demo and wait for your own saddle – when you really just want to be out riding!

What Do Black Forest Treeless Saddles Owners Say?

I recently purchased a Town and Country and am Absolutely in love with it! When I ride, I trail ride alllll day long and it was wonderful from the first time I sat in it! Very little break in time and it was formed to me! My horse, Rook, performed beautifully in it and I am so pleased with my decision to purchase a Black Forest. When the time comes for another horse I will surely being calling you! Thank you for all your help!

Serena

Just wanted to let you know how happy I am with the Aspen! My arabian mare was bucking me in the canter, so went to Nadine, your dealer in St Joseph, MN. We fitted several on her and decided to take a couple test rides with the treeless. After two rides, I did like it quite a bit, so decided to buy it. I took me a couple of months to get the courage to canter her, but when I did, no buck! Her topline has changed and she really engages her hind end, her hind foot coming up in front of her front. I have ridden her up and down steep hills and no slippage! Very impressive. I am very happy with the pad and saddle! Thanks for keeping the saddle affordable. My English friend said I looked more balanced than ever on how I was sitting in it.
Lisa

I have used my Black Forest saddle 3 times, and my horse must love it because he moved right off without hesitation and didn’t spook like before. He must be pain free!!!! He is even gaiting better. No pinching, no bridging, less weight too. The leather is very nice as you said. Love my saddle. I am 60 and have been riding forever. Best purchase I have ever made. Thank you so much!

Belinda

I Love my new saddle!! It fit great on my high withered 15 hand Walker and then I put it on big 16 hand rounder Walker and it fit great with the same girth. I sat in it for hours and it was so comfortable, and I could feel the horse so well it was hard believe I was in a saddle at all. When my horse spooked and then bolted I felt much more secure in it than my all purpose English saddle, I didn’t lose my balance at all. I rode in (another brand of treeless saddle) and it was not nearly as comfortable. All the ladies in my barn are jealous of how light it is. The trail pad is great too, but I love things pink and sparkly, so I had to add some flower appliqués and rhinestones to the pockets and now it’s perfect. Vic is great, he has so much knowledge and information. Thank you for letting me come to your office and check out the different saddles in person, and for being so nice to my cheeky three year old daughter. We really loved your goats and horses. Thank You!

Linnea

What About A Saddle Pad?

Black Forest has a special selection of Saddle Pads perfect for both horse and rider. We are happy to help you get just the right pad for you and your specific needs!

You and Your Horse Deserve a Black Forest Treeless Saddle- Don’t Wait Call and Order Today!
Life is short. Your time with your horse deserves every comfort and care- make sure your horse has a Black Forest Saddle that will enable the both of you to be comfortable and secure on every adventure and trail ride. Take time to enjoy the magic that happens when you ride in a Black Forrest Saddle! Call us up and tell us about your horse today!

What are Black Forest Treeless Saddles?

Black Forest Treeless Saddles are a line of close-contact, treeless riding saddles designed to fit even the most hard-to-fit horses comfortably. Built without a rigid internal tree, they flex with the horse's back and conform to nearly every conformation, including low withers, high withers, short backs, long backs, and broad shoulders. The company calls them "the premier Treeless saddle," the product of years of research and input with exclusive features handmade by their own top manufacturers. The goal is the comfortable and therapeutic concept of treeless riding for the horse and the ultimate connection between horse and rider.

Black Forest treeless saddle deluxe suede seat and 5-inch Cheyenne cantle detail

Who is Vic Sivitilli and Black Forest Stables, Inc.?
Black Forest Saddles is the trade name of Black Forest Stables, Inc., owned and operated by Vic Sivitilli of Black Diamond, Washington. The business began by importing and breeding the rare Black Forest Draft Horses from Germany, mid-size drafts averaging around 15 hands with full draft proportions. That breeding venture led directly to the saddle business, and although the company no longer breeds the horses, it has since collaborated extensively with equine professionals to refine its products. Black Forest Treeless saddles have grown into one of the most sought-after treeless lines on the market today.

Black Forest Treeless Saddle tooled leather and removable pommel close-up

How did the treeless line come to be?

When the founders imported their Black Forest Draft mares, they discovered that no treed saddle would fit them, despite spending thousands of dollars on wide trees, flex trees, and custom-made saddles. On a trip to Germany they tried treeless riding for the first time and described the experience as incredible. Returning home, they recognized treeless as the answer to their fit problem and began marketing treeless saddles across North America, quickly building a large customer base. The line has since been proven over long-distance use, including documented testing of 500-mile rides across 22 days.

Black Forest leather treeless saddle product photograph on white background

What materials and craftsmanship go into each saddle?

The flagship line is built from fully tooled leather with a suede underside and a deluxe suede seat, while a synthetic line offers a lighter, lower-maintenance alternative. The Bourbon Oak, for example, is a hybrid Western treeless saddle with unique floral tooling, an extra-deep 5-inch Cheyenne cantle, silver accents and spots, and a removable pommel, weighing roughly 19 lbs. Functional hardware includes 7 D rings, English or Western rigging, adjustable stirrup hangers, and four sets of leather strings. Each saddle is handmade by Black Forest's own top manufacturers rather than mass-produced.

What does the full product range include?

The leather treeless saddle range includes the Aspen, Bonzai, Bourbon Oak, Town and Country Oak, Town and Country Ponderosa, Shasta, and Rosewood, with the Town and Country Echo and Shasta Echo offered in synthetic. The Aspen is priced at $1,085.00 USD, the Shasta at $899.00 USD, and the Bourbon Oak at $1,599.00 USD. Black Forest also supplies its own Black Diamond Suspension and Black Diamond Suspension Plus saddle pads, plus a full range of accessories, including Western and Aussie fenders, endurance and Western stirrups, mohair cinches, English girths, the Black Forest English Bridle, and a matching Black Forest Breast Collar.

How do you size and order a Black Forest saddle?

Saddles such as the Bourbon Oak come in five Western sizes, from Size 0 (13") through Size 4 (19"), with the smallest and largest sizes running a 6-8 week build time. Buyers can specify options like a horn or no-horn removable pommel and color choices such as Black with silver spots or Dark Brown with silver spots and conchos. Orders and fitting questions go through the company directly, and they now ship to Canada in addition to the United States. You can reach Black Forest Treeless Saddles by phone at (203) 723-3537 (Pacific) or online at blackforestsaddles.com.

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The Solution Section (FAQ)

Can I Have a Trial Period For My New Saddle?

So Why Does My Horse Need a Flexible Saddle ?

Can I Get Help If I Have Questions With My New Black Forest Treeless Saddle?

But I Thought That Treeless Saddles Were Hard On A Horse s Back?

First there is always some truth to rumors and the problems that were caused by treeless were saddles designed 3 decades ago. The older treeless brands and some newer brands do not have a spinal protection system or gullet. Many are like cardboard or collapse with the rider s weight; basically Black Forest Saddles have overcome these issues. Let's back up, would you hike 10 miles with a clog or wooden Dutch shoe? Or would you rather use a flexible shoe?

What is a Black Forest Treeless Saddle?

It is a riding saddle built without a rigid internal tree, so it flexes with the horse's back instead of forcing the horse to conform to a fixed frame. Black Forest markets its line as "the premier Treeless saddle," engineered to fit even the most hard-to-fit horses and to create close contact between horse and rider. The line includes both fully tooled leather models and lighter synthetic options.

Who makes Black Forest Treeless Saddles?

They are made by Black Forest Stables, Inc. (doing business as Black Forest Saddles), owned and operated by Vic Sivitilli of Black Diamond, Washington. The saddles are handmade by the company's own top manufacturers and are the result of years of research and input with input from equine professionals. The business is the same one that originally imported and bred Black Forest Draft Horses from Germany.

How did Black Forest Treeless Saddles come to be?

The company began by importing and breeding mid-size Black Forest Draft Horses from Germany, which averaged about 15 hands with full draft proportions. They found that no treed saddle would fit these horses, even after spending thousands of dollars on wide trees, flex trees, and custom saddles. On a trip to Germany they discovered treeless riding, called the experience incredible, and returned home to market treeless saddles across North America.

Why choose a treeless saddle over a traditional treed saddle?

Without a rigid tree, the saddle conforms to the individual horse rather than concentrating pressure at fixed points, which the company says keeps horses from being pinched or made uncomfortable. It also brings the rider into closer contact with the horse for a stronger connection and all-day comfort. Black Forest positions treeless riding as both a comfortable and a therapeutic concept for the horse.

Will a Black Forest saddle fit a hard-to-fit horse?

Yes, fitting hard-to-fit horses is the core reason the line exists. The treeless design conforms to practically all conformations, including low withers, high withers, short backs, long backs, and broad shoulders. The company's own founding problem, fitting draft-proportioned horses that no treed saddle would suit, is exactly the case these saddles were built to solve.

What saddle models does Black Forest offer?

The leather treeless line includes the Aspen, Bonzai, Bourbon Oak, Town and Country Oak, Town and Country Ponderosa, Shasta, and Rosewood. The Town and Country Echo and Shasta Echo are offered in synthetic. Each model shares the treeless construction while varying in tooling, seat style, and configuration.

How much do Black Forest Treeless Saddles cost?

Pricing varies by model. The Shasta is listed at $899.00 USD, the Aspen at $1,085.00 USD, and the fully tooled hybrid Western Bourbon Oak at $1,599.00 USD. Accessories and saddle pads are priced separately, and current pricing is confirmed directly with the company.

What is the Bourbon Oak saddle?

The Bourbon Oak is a hybrid Western treeless saddle priced at $1,599.00 USD, featuring unique floral tooling, a deluxe suede seat, and an extra-deep 5-inch Cheyenne cantle. It includes 7 D rings, English or Western rigging, adjustable stirrup hangers, four sets of leather strings, and a removable pommel offered in horn or no-horn options. It weighs approximately 19 lbs and is offered with silver accents and spots.

What materials are the saddles made from?

The flagship saddles are built from fully tooled leather with a suede underside and a deluxe suede seat, with silver accents and spots on models like the Bourbon Oak. For riders who want a lighter, lower-maintenance option, Black Forest offers synthetic models such as the Town and Country Echo and Shasta Echo. All leather saddles are handmade rather than mass-produced.

What sizes are available?

On the Bourbon Oak, five Western sizes are offered: Size 0 (13"), Size 1 (14.5"), Size 2 (16"), Size 3 (17.5"), and Size 4 (19"). The smallest (Size 0) and largest (Size 4) typically carry a 6-8 week build time. Sizing is in standard Western seat measurements, so riders can match their usual seat size.

Do the saddles have a horn?

It depends on the configuration you choose. Models like the Bourbon Oak use a removable pommel, and buyers can select either a horn or a no-horn option at the time of order. This lets the same saddle work for Western riders who want a horn and for those who prefer a clean, horn-free front.

What saddle pads does Black Forest recommend?

Black Forest makes its own Black Diamond Suspension and Black Diamond Suspension PLUS saddle pads, designed to pair with treeless saddles. Because a treeless saddle distributes weight differently than a treed one, a proper pad is an important part of the system. The company also offers a Suede Bareback Pad among its products.

What accessories can I buy with my saddle?

Black Forest stocks a full range of accessories, including Western and Aussie fenders, Western and endurance stirrups, Western mohair cinches, English leathers and girths such as the Equalizer Leather English Girth, and fleece saddle covers. They also offer the Black Forest English Bridle and a matching Black Forest Breast Collar. Pommel kits and a Muddy Creek Cantle Bag are available as well.

Are the saddles suitable for endurance and long-distance riding?

Yes. The company has documented extensive long-distance testing, including 500-mile rides completed over 22 days. The treeless design is intended to keep the horse comfortable and unpinched all day, and Black Forest offers endurance stirrups among its accessories to support distance riders.

Does Black Forest ship to Canada?

Yes. The company advertises that it is now shipping to Canada in addition to serving customers across the United States. North American distribution has been part of the business since the founders first began marketing treeless saddles across the continent.

How do I contact Black Forest Treeless Saddles?

You can reach Black Forest Treeless Saddles by phone at (203) 723-3537 (Pacific) or online at blackforestsaddles.com. The business is based in Black Diamond, Washington, and is owned and operated by Vic Sivitilli. Fitting questions and orders are handled by the company directly.

What was the connection to Black Forest Draft Horses?

Black Forest Stables, Inc. originally imported and bred the rare Black Forest Draft Horses from Germany, mid-size drafts that average about 15 hands with full draft proportions. The difficulty of finding any treed saddle to fit those horses is what led the company into treeless saddles in the first place. While the company no longer breeds the horses, that heritage is the origin of the entire saddle line.