If you're training or retraining a horse and you're looking for a way to be closer when you're riding, consider the benefits of a tree saddle.

Chairs and beds are ergonomic - why not saddles? A tree saddle has a hard yet flexible structure that allows for the saddle to accommodate the weight of the rider while allowing for more freedom of movement for the horse.

The saddle looks a little different than a traditional saddle as it has a bar that fits closely up around the horse's shoulders and then the other end fits around the horses's lower back and doesn't touch the spine. As the horse and rider move, the tree saddle moves to keep the weight shifting naturally and results in a smoother ride for the rider and an easier time on the horse's back.

A tree saddle should be fitted to the individual horse it will be used with to ensure a perfect fit. Tree saddles require very little padding and won't result in sore muscles or blistering of the horse. Best of all, you can feel your horse as you ride and it allows rider and horse to create a tighter bond through having closer physical contact as they are out together.

Anyone that saw the Preakness race in 2006 saw the injury of Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro who faltered within seconds of leaving the starting gate. The horse had a broken leg and his racing career was effectively ended.

Fortunately, Barbaro was able to have his break in a cast and as of mid-September 2006 he was healing very well. Many horses aren't that lucky and for most, a broken leg is equal to a death sentence as many horses are unable to cope with an injury such as a broken leg by remaining immobile. A broken leg for a horse can take months to heal and while a human can remain sedentary waiting for an injury to heal, a horse simply isn't wire that way and will continually attempt to walk in a broken limb no matter how much pain it causes.

The problem comes for what to do when the horse is healing. If the horse is sedated he won't fare well. Horses that are confined to small spaces while they heal will tend to tap and stomp their feet, even a broken one. Slings caused terrible chaffing of the skin and can lead to open sores on the horse's injured leg.

A brace is what is normally used if the horse is in good health and young enough to withstand the time it takes to heal. The horse's legs are designed to constantly bear weight and people discovered putting horses in slings during the healing time from a broken limb actually caused their limbs to atrophy. Braces that allow a horse to put minimal weight on the break is the optimum way to go for proper healing and walking rehabilitation.