What size tree should i get for my saddle?

Question

i currently bought a saddle that doesent fit my horse properly. it pinches her shoulders causing pain. i need to buy a new one, but im not sure what size tree to get. how can a measure/ figure out what size to get?

Answer 1

yeah ive just brought a new horse a few weeks back and i had the same problem i had a saddle from my other horse who sadley had to be put down and she was a wide cob, the horse ive got now is a welsh cob and not having alot of money left after paying to have the other horse put down i wanted to try and get a second hand and fit it myself thinking a saddler would be too expensive but it wasnt that easy! ive had horses for over 15yrs so ive got a good idea of how to do it but its knowing what size to start with to try on! so in the end a friend recommended a saddler and he came out with a fair few saddles the one was really nice but he said hed have to re adjust it n that, then he tryed another one which was perfect it was a very good price and he said with her being young he'll come back out free of charge to adjust if need be and when she grows out of it he'll take the old one and replace it with a new one.He also took my old saddle that i thought would only be worth £100 an said he can either part exchange it or what we have done is hes put it up for £300 which is really good! and he keeps £50 of it. So in the end ive ended up much better off getting a saddler out and actually gainned abit of money and a new saddle that i know definatley fits her! so i would say to you to shop round and try to find a good saddler and do it that way! at least then u know its gonna fit properly if like me your not to sure where and how to start!oh yea u might be able to get a saddler to remake the saddle you've already got to fit your horse it might be cheaper that way it depends on how much it doesnt fit? goodluck anyway!

Answer 2

It's kinda hard to guess what type of saddle you have and what type of body type your horse has (Breed wise).  

If English, try making a form of your horse's withers by using an old wire coat hanger and shape it by placing it on the middle of the withers.  English saddle gullet sizes are measured by cm's but by taking in the form that should help you pick out one that fits with a saddle rep.

That would work well western as well.  Western saddles come in A-frame (Hard to find), semi Quarter, full Quarter and Arab trees, however, they are now making extra wide for DRAFT horse cross types.

I hope this helps.

Answer 3

There's no standard measurement for trees. Every manufacturer goes by slightly different measurements. Your best bet is to call a saddle fitter or the representative of whatever company you're interested in. If you get a custom saddle, the rep would take your horse's measurements and determine the best tree and fit for him. But these saddles can be quite pricey, costing upwards of three or four thousand dollars. They sell used for a fraction of the price, and you can still call a rep or saddle fitter to reflock it to your horse (assuming you get wool panels).

As for the suggestions to get a Bates or Wintec with gullet system, what these saddles fail to do is widen or narrow throughout the spine. It could still pinch her, easily. I've ridden in a Bates before, and the gullet system was a waste of money. I'd rather have a quality saddle that fits the horse completely. I highly recommend that whatever saddle you order, you have professionally fit to your horse.  

Answer 4

Use a wire coat hanger and measure over your horses withers where the front of the saddle will sit. GENTLY press the wire into the shape of the horse's withers.

Trace that onto a piece of paper.

Do that 7" behind the first measurement, then 15" behind the first measurement. Draw all those on separate pieces of paper.

Bring your drawings to the tack shop and the people should be able to help you find a properly fitting saddle.

Answer 5

Depends on what tree size you had, if you had a small try a med. Most people will let you put a deposit down to try the saddle on your horse before buying it. It maybe worth your while, and your horse's too to pay an instructor to help you find a saddle that fits you and your horse. good luck!  

Answer 6

Your best bet is to get a saddle fitter out there (or whatever their called) and ask them.

Otherwise, I would get a wintec saddle, they are affordable and have an adjustable gullet.  

Answer 7

get the Bates Easy Gullet Change saddle...it comes with EVERY tree size so get that saddle and call your vet or a VERY experienced horseperson and they can help u get the right fit and if she ever changes shape then u have every gullet size so u just change it instead of buying a new saddle...if the bates one is too expensive 4 u then they have wintec saddles with the gullet change system too

both sold @ doversaddlery.com

Answer 8

My saddler tells me that there is no standard measurement for tree widths and the tree sizes vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. You just have to try different ones until you find one that fits. I suggest that you work with a saddler that can give you some pointers based on your horse's conformation and that can custom fit your new saddle to the horse when you get it.