What can be done to accommodate those "extreme" shapes?
Don't discard your saddle too quickly - Customization is my specialty!
Based on an analysis of your horses needs -I can move or replace billets.
Some flaps can be moved fore or back.
Knee blocks changed out, removed, etc. Quilting / darting for better fit (large shoulder for instance).
Open channel width.
Create less bulk at rear of panel / shorten.
In this section below are just a few examples:
Don't discard your saddle too quickly - Customization is my specialty!
Based on an analysis of your horses needs -I can move or replace billets.
Some flaps can be moved fore or back.
Knee blocks changed out, removed, etc. Quilting / darting for better fit (large shoulder for instance).
Open channel width.
Create less bulk at rear of panel / shorten.
In this section below are just a few examples:
|
|
Wondering if your saddle should have a check up by a professional?
Below are examples of why it is so important!
Below are examples of why it is so important!
IN THIS SECTION, I SHARE ISSUES I HAVE FOUND WITH SADDLES WHEN TAKEN APART (Panels dropped)
Some had suspected issues, but MOST were with me for a standard maintenance reflock or billet replacement.
It's a good thing I meticulously check your saddles when I have them on my bench!
Some had suspected issues, but MOST were with me for a standard maintenance reflock or billet replacement.
It's a good thing I meticulously check your saddles when I have them on my bench!
|
A saddle that was just “not right” was sent to me for a tree check. My first finding was a lump, where the “spring” in this Spring Tree runs. This video shows what can be missed by the owner of a saddle, (and potentially who they sell to) and why it is important to check the tree. Watch my other videos and website content to continue learning things you can look at when considering purchasing a used saddle! |
|
IN THIS SECTION, I SHARE SOME MARKUPS.
These are typical ways I can show you what I mean as we discuss your analysis. Using pictures of YOUR horse so you have a clear understanding of conformation challenges or saddle features that need to be considered.
During a remote saddle fitting saddle search, I did this quick mockup for my client, showing the horses back and their angles.
Sometimes a visual is very helpful, and tracings can seem overwhelming. My goal is to tell you why each saddle you are interested in purchasing may or may not work, for all the features, so that you can make informed decisions and get closer to that well-fitting saddle!
This example is only to “rule out” this saddle due to the tree shape not being correct. There are many other factors to consider, but in the interest of saving time, we moved on quickly to a better match. Below is my response:
Sometimes a visual is very helpful, and tracings can seem overwhelming. My goal is to tell you why each saddle you are interested in purchasing may or may not work, for all the features, so that you can make informed decisions and get closer to that well-fitting saddle!
This example is only to “rule out” this saddle due to the tree shape not being correct. There are many other factors to consider, but in the interest of saving time, we moved on quickly to a better match. Below is my response:
This is the 17" PJ Premiere Saddle you asked about. There really is not much about it that would work for your horse. The panels (tree rails) are too straight (vertical blue line) and too angled (red lines on each side of panel) for your horse.
I did a quick mock up to help you develop your eye. Your horse needs flatter panels. That can be hard to find in a French saddle. Also the channel width gets narrow right away, right behind the tree points, best that this is more open (I like at least 6”) to allow room for those muscles.
The width at the gullet is insufficient, this is too "A" frame / shaped. In the attached picture I've shown how this tree would fit vs. the yellow arch that would be best for your horse.
If this saddle were placed on your horses back, the panels would really only make contact on the outer edges (see X’s) and the other inner part of the panel would hover above his spine. These pressure points would cause great discomfort.
I did a quick mock up to help you develop your eye. Your horse needs flatter panels. That can be hard to find in a French saddle. Also the channel width gets narrow right away, right behind the tree points, best that this is more open (I like at least 6”) to allow room for those muscles.
The width at the gullet is insufficient, this is too "A" frame / shaped. In the attached picture I've shown how this tree would fit vs. the yellow arch that would be best for your horse.
If this saddle were placed on your horses back, the panels would really only make contact on the outer edges (see X’s) and the other inner part of the panel would hover above his spine. These pressure points would cause great discomfort.
This down-hill shape needed a tree with rails that will expand outward enough to sit on this horses musculature over his well sprung rib cage. Add supportive panels in just the right place, NOT full panels down the flap.. but a "1/2 panel", "K panel" or "Drop panel" as they are often called.
|
|
There are many (oldies but goodies) saddles out there that are put to the side, saddles stacked on top of them because the horses just weren't comfortable in them any longer. In most cases these saddles can be rehabbed completely! How? By taking off the panels and checking the tree, webbings, billets for structural integrity. If this checks out, then it gets cleaned up and any loose screws, rivets, staples are attended to. Then we look at the panels. What shape do they need to be to fit the horse you have now? Remove all the old wool and start fresh with high quality wool (I have 3 different types!) I will shape the panels to your tracing.
|
|
Have you heard about Treeclix? Below are pictures of a saddle that came with the bases and I installed wedges or that just came with bases and was left as is. (Owner did NOT know it had them)
|
DOES YOUR SADDLE HAVE TREECLIX INSTALLED? Do you know? How can you tell? Do you need it?
TreeClix can be ordered as an option, or come standard with bases installed.
(Most recent updates from the Treeclix website) Currently these are:
TreeClix can be ordered as an option, or come standard with bases installed.
(Most recent updates from the Treeclix website) Currently these are:
- Albion Saddlemakers
- Bliss of London
- Connect Saddles
- Empire Saddles
- Frank Baines
- Harry Dabbs
- Ideal Saddle Company
- Jeffries Horse Saddlery
- Kentaur
- Macel Sellier
- Sankey Saddles
- Schutte Zadels
- Stübben
TreeClix is available as a standard when ordering new from saddle brands such as Harry Dabbs and Frank Baines. It can also be added to many existing, used or new saddles!
TreeClix enables saddle fitters to adjust the width of a saddle tree endlessly, up to three sizes. No more increased risk of broken rivets and gullets due to pressing the tree in or outwards. It allows you to adjust the tree perfectly to the horse’s current condition in just one “click”. Available by advanced order, please inquire to learn more.
TreeClix enables saddle fitters to adjust the width of a saddle tree endlessly, up to three sizes. No more increased risk of broken rivets and gullets due to pressing the tree in or outwards. It allows you to adjust the tree perfectly to the horse’s current condition in just one “click”. Available by advanced order, please inquire to learn more.