​English Saddle Tree / Headplate Width Adjustment
Does Your English Saddle
Have an Adjustable Headplate??
If you are unsure, I can tell you!
Tree check = FREE with any Flocking or Customization Service
Get a true custom fit to your tracings and at the same time, a tree check to be sure your tree is not hiding any broken, twisted or worn features that put your safety at risk and can injure your horse.
English Saddle Headplate Width Adjustment (Local or Full remote options) $150
Utilizing a special tree press, imported from England; the saddle’s headplate width can be modified to better fit the horse’s current width. The tree will be adjusted to your horse’s tracings, which we will review together in advance. Photos will also be requested.
• Adjustment Feasibility: Not all saddles can undergo headplate width adjustments. Factors such as saddle age, tree material and construction all play a role in determining suitability. This will be discussed in advance of any planned work as I will request the needed information for your saddle. I am good at making this determination based on my database of tree types, experience adjusting many makes and models and access to saddler advice.
• Structural Integrity: Saddles with an unknown history of previous adjustments may have underlying structural issues, such as microcracks or stress points, that are not evident upon a visual inspection. These imperfections can compromise the tree’s integrity and may lead to failure during or after the adjustment process. For this reason, a liability waiver must be signed.
(In 12 years of adjusting trees, there have been no failures due to the use of my press)
• Saddle Evaluation: Upon receiving the saddle, a comprehensive inspection will be conducted to assess its current condition. This includes checking the tree for symmetry, cracks, loose staples, stitching, or tacks.
• Client Communication: Any findings from the initial assessment will be promptly communicated to the owner before proceeding with the adjustment.
• Tree Press Modification: The saddle’s headplate will be carefully adjusted using a tree press to achieve the desired width. It’s important to note that not all saddles are suitable for this procedure; some trees may not withstand the pressure required for adjustment. After assessment and if possible to detect; if the saddle is deemed unsuitable for modification, the client will be notified promptly.
• Understanding Saddle Fit Limitations: Adjusting the headplate width can improve fit, but it cannot rectify issues stemming from an ill-fitting saddle in other areas. A comprehensive remote saddle fit assessment is recommended if there is any doubt. (at reduced rate of $75.)
Shipping Arrangements
Clients are responsible for shipping the saddle to and from the service provider. Proper packaging is essential to prevent damage during transit. Please include a return label when shipping the saddle.
I will communicate any findings and advise of any delays, but you can expect your saddle to be completed in no more than 5 days unless told otherwise due to capacity or additional work. Pictures are taken during the process if you are interested in seeing them. Upon completion, you will be notified and payment is due prior to the saddle’s return shipping.
Payment Options:
Check: (preferred) can be sent with the saddle
Zelle: (Preferred option)
PayPal: only if other options cannot be used
English Saddle Reflocking or Touch Up (Full remote option)A discount applies when you are also having your tree adjusted.
Touch Up:
After a head plate adjustment, the saddle will be balanced differently—how could it not be? If you would like me to smooth out lumps, add to any depressed areas, and do some light balancing (using your tracings and pictures), I will do so for NO COST. This assumes the flocking is in basically good condition, not “felted” (degraded lumps), and not composed of many different materials from prior adjustments over the years (which can make it difficult to mesh new flocking with old). Also major balancing or complete wool replacement would not be included. I can assess the saddle, take pictures at no charge, and consult with you on options.
Complete Strip and Reflock:
For a fee of $230 (normal price is $300), all old flocking material will be removed and replaced with high-quality, 100% natural wool. Customized flocking to tracings and pictures.
Upon receiving the saddle, a comprehensive inspection will be conducted to assess its current condition. This includes checking the tree for symmetry, cracks, loose staples, stitching, or tacks. During this process, accumulated hair, dirt, and sweat will be cleaned from areas not accessible during routine cleaning.
Any findings from the initial assessment will be promptly communicated to the owner before proceeding with the relocking.
Clients are encouraged to provide detailed information about their horse’s back conformation, any specific fitting concerns, asymmetries, or issues such as the saddle sliding to one side.
Recent tracings or photographs are helpful. This information aids in tailoring the reflocking to the horse’s unique shape.
For customized flocking that requires specific balancing or fitting to tracings (such as fitting the saddle to a new horse), an additional labor charge of $30/hour will apply. This will be discussed in advance and is above and beyond the standard cost outlined above.
Thank you for your trust in my services. Each saddle I work on is handled with care.
• Adjustment Feasibility: Not all saddles can undergo headplate width adjustments. Factors such as saddle age, tree material and construction all play a role in determining suitability. This will be discussed in advance of any planned work as I will request the needed information for your saddle. I am good at making this determination based on my database of tree types, experience adjusting many makes and models and access to saddler advice.
• Structural Integrity: Saddles with an unknown history of previous adjustments may have underlying structural issues, such as microcracks or stress points, that are not evident upon a visual inspection. These imperfections can compromise the tree’s integrity and may lead to failure during or after the adjustment process. For this reason, a liability waiver must be signed.
(In 12 years of adjusting trees, there have been no failures due to the use of my press)
• Saddle Evaluation: Upon receiving the saddle, a comprehensive inspection will be conducted to assess its current condition. This includes checking the tree for symmetry, cracks, loose staples, stitching, or tacks.
• Client Communication: Any findings from the initial assessment will be promptly communicated to the owner before proceeding with the adjustment.
• Tree Press Modification: The saddle’s headplate will be carefully adjusted using a tree press to achieve the desired width. It’s important to note that not all saddles are suitable for this procedure; some trees may not withstand the pressure required for adjustment. After assessment and if possible to detect; if the saddle is deemed unsuitable for modification, the client will be notified promptly.
• Understanding Saddle Fit Limitations: Adjusting the headplate width can improve fit, but it cannot rectify issues stemming from an ill-fitting saddle in other areas. A comprehensive remote saddle fit assessment is recommended if there is any doubt. (at reduced rate of $75.)
Shipping Arrangements
Clients are responsible for shipping the saddle to and from the service provider. Proper packaging is essential to prevent damage during transit. Please include a return label when shipping the saddle.
I will communicate any findings and advise of any delays, but you can expect your saddle to be completed in no more than 5 days unless told otherwise due to capacity or additional work. Pictures are taken during the process if you are interested in seeing them. Upon completion, you will be notified and payment is due prior to the saddle’s return shipping.
Payment Options:
Check: (preferred) can be sent with the saddle
Zelle: (Preferred option)
PayPal: only if other options cannot be used
English Saddle Reflocking or Touch Up (Full remote option)A discount applies when you are also having your tree adjusted.
Touch Up:
After a head plate adjustment, the saddle will be balanced differently—how could it not be? If you would like me to smooth out lumps, add to any depressed areas, and do some light balancing (using your tracings and pictures), I will do so for NO COST. This assumes the flocking is in basically good condition, not “felted” (degraded lumps), and not composed of many different materials from prior adjustments over the years (which can make it difficult to mesh new flocking with old). Also major balancing or complete wool replacement would not be included. I can assess the saddle, take pictures at no charge, and consult with you on options.
Complete Strip and Reflock:
For a fee of $230 (normal price is $300), all old flocking material will be removed and replaced with high-quality, 100% natural wool. Customized flocking to tracings and pictures.
Upon receiving the saddle, a comprehensive inspection will be conducted to assess its current condition. This includes checking the tree for symmetry, cracks, loose staples, stitching, or tacks. During this process, accumulated hair, dirt, and sweat will be cleaned from areas not accessible during routine cleaning.
Any findings from the initial assessment will be promptly communicated to the owner before proceeding with the relocking.
Clients are encouraged to provide detailed information about their horse’s back conformation, any specific fitting concerns, asymmetries, or issues such as the saddle sliding to one side.
Recent tracings or photographs are helpful. This information aids in tailoring the reflocking to the horse’s unique shape.
For customized flocking that requires specific balancing or fitting to tracings (such as fitting the saddle to a new horse), an additional labor charge of $30/hour will apply. This will be discussed in advance and is above and beyond the standard cost outlined above.
Thank you for your trust in my services. Each saddle I work on is handled with care.