Where Is The Tree On A Horse Saddle?

A tree point is the portion of the frame that comes down the farthest on the horse’s back and will sit slightly below and behind the horse’s withers. Lift up the saddle flap and look in front of the billets—the straps that you connect the girth to—in order to locate the points. You will be able to feel them.

Where is the tree on a saddle?

The base on which the rest of the saddle is built. Usually based on wood or a similar synthetic material, it is eventually covered in leather or a leatherlike synthetic. The tree size determines its fit on the horse’s back as well as the size of the seat for the rider.

What is the purpose of a tree on a saddle?

Construction of the Saddle Tree. Saddle Trees are the most important aspect of the saddle. It is what insures the proper fit of the horse, balance of the rider, and overall strength of the saddle.

Where is the tree on a western saddle?

A western saddle tree is made to sit right behind the shoulder blade, not on top of it. Having it sit correctly will allow the shoulder movement your horse needs. First, take your hand and feel the back of your horse’s shoulder blade/scapula. You can feel the edge and where it actually ends.

Do English saddles have trees?

Although some modern saddlers have developed alternative models, the English saddle is usually constructed on a framework known as a tree. The tree is made of wood, spring steel, or composite, and it supports the rider on a sling of webbing between the firm pommel (front of the saddle) and cantle (back of the saddle).

How do you tell if the tree is good on a saddle?

Here are three ways to test your saddle tree. Support the front of the saddle against one thigh, press one hand on the seat, and, with the other hand, grasp the cantle and pull it towards you. An intact tree does not give to the pressure; a broken tree does. Clicking noises are another possible sign of a breakdown.

Do Western saddles have trees?

The modern western saddle begins with a “tree” that defines the shape of the bars, the seat, the swells, horn, and cantle. Traditional trees are made of wood covered with rawhide, coated with varnish or a similar modern synthetic coating. In some cases, the core of the horn may be of metal.

What is the most important part of saddle?

The seat must always offer the rider enough space for a supple position to allow harmonious and correct riding. Always make sure that the seat is big enough for the rider but is still well balanced over the panels which distribute the rider’s weight evenly over as large an area as possible on the horse’s back.

What are 4 parts of a saddle?

Western horse saddles have many parts, including their tree, horn, stirrups, and cinch. Together, these parts form a comfortable, functional, and durable seat for riding.

Is the tree and gullet the same thing?

The tree is the underlying framework of the saddle. The gullet is the channel that runs from the pommel to the cantle on the underside of the saddle. Although the size of the tree influences the front of the gullet, the tree size and the gullet size are not the same.

How far back should a saddle sit?

The saddle must sit behind the shoulder. A saddle that is too long often will get driven forward into the shoulder. The saddle cannot extend past the last floating rib at the 18th thoracic vertebra.

Do racing saddles have trees?

Today the vast majority of horse racing saddles are synthetic. The average training saddle may have a half tree or full tree. The half tree, while being lighter, is loosing popularity as it creates unwanted pressure on the horse’s spine. Full tree saddles are heavier but better for the horse’s back in the long run.

What are the different saddle trees?

There are three main types of saddle trees. The main types are: flex tree, a ridged tree, and treeless.

Is a treeless saddle better?

They used the same experienced rider for all of the tests so that rider ability was taken out of the equation. Clayton’s study found that in every case a properly fitted treed saddle was far superior to a treeless saddle in spreading out the rider’s weight on the horse’s back.

Are Western saddles safer than English?

English riding involves a bit more balance and coordination of the reins and legs, so riders may not feel immediately secure in the saddle. The larger Western saddle makes it easier for the beginner to sit comfortably and feel more secure.

Why are English and Western saddles different?

Differences in Tack
An English saddle is much smaller in size and lighter in weight, which allows the rider to get close to their horse and feel its every movement. A Western saddle is larger and heavier, which provides more comfort and stability for long hours over rough terrain.

How can you tell if a tree is weak?

13 Signs a Tree is Going to Fall

1. Warning Sign #1: Your Tree Has Dead Branches.
2. Warning Sign #2: There Are Hollow Spots in the Trunk.
3. Warning Sign #3: The Roots Are Raising Up.
4. Warning Sign #4: Leaves Are Missing Close to the Trunk.
5. Warning Sign #5: The Trunk Has Big Cracks or Bark That’s Missing.

What are the signs of a healthy tree?

A well-developed crown with full leaves and good dark green color are indicators of a healthy tree (left). Discolored or browning leaves and dead branches on the top of the tree (right) are indicators of some type of stress – typically water stress due to drought or a stem injury.

Can you adjust the tree on a saddle?

Tree width is usually referred to in terms such as “narrow” or “wide” or some degree in between. Saddles with adjustable trees can be modified to maintain an optimal width and clearance over the horse’s withers as necessary.

How long will a saddle last?

“For an amateur rider, we suggest a saddle change every 15,000-20,000km (9,300-12,400 miles). This doesn’t mean the saddle is not usable after this distance, but the performance of the padding and the shell will start to deteriorate.”

Can you ride English in a Western saddle?

And yes, you can absolutely post in a Western saddle.
I hear frequently hear people say that you can’t, and it drives me a little bit bananas (mmmm, bananas!) because good Western riders post all the time! It’s a great way to help a young horse with unsteady gaits, or to get weight off an unfit horse’s back.