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Horse back profile vs tree shape

Does your horse have a straight back or a curvy back or something in between?? 🤔🤔

Horses have different shapes through the length of their backs and it's very important to know if your saddle tree matches this shape. You also need to consider the horse's static shape vs dynamic shape as horse's can lift their backs when being ridden, changing their profile shape! 🐎

And did you know that most of the cheaper saddles you buy off the shelf are based on a standard shape horse? So if you have a horse who doesn't fit this mold you could be causing the horse all sorts of problems! 😬

There are 2 main problems caused with an incorrect profile shape: bridging and rocking. Both are a big problem for your horse because they not only make your horse uncomfortable they can also decrease your horse's performance, cause muscle damage, compensatory posture, behavioural issues, and make your horse very sore. 😥

What about treeless saddles?

A look at where treeless saddles fit in with my series on saddle trees. The pros and cons of a treeless saddle and what horses they suit and which they don't.

Horse's back angles vs tree shape

What angle is your horse's back and does it matter when deciding on a saddle?

When is a girth TOO wide?

When is a girth TOO wide???

The short answer is: when it’s too wide in the wrong spot!

For those who would like the long answer: Read our latest blog!

How do you store your saddle??

How do you correctly store your saddle? The wrong saddle stands and racks can cause damage to your saddle panels & flocking. Check out the types of racks that are safe to use and how to convert others using Smoothie slip ons, pool noodles or other thick padding.

Now let's look at synthetic trees

Now let's look at synthetic trees.

There have been many innovations in the saddle tree world as technological advances bring about a new generation of synthetic trees. These can come in all sorts of materials.

They can often be much more adjustable than wooden trees and most changeable gullet saddles have synthetic trees.

A great option for an ever changing horse!

So which trees are better? Let's look at wooden trees first.

So which trees are better??

There are many tree types these days as advances are made in technology and testing. This week we’ll look at the traditional wooden trees.

They are strong and durable and are common in saddles made in the UK. They are a reliable and stable base for your saddle with a proven track record.

They have ‘rails’ and it’s imperative that the shape and angles of these rails matches the shape of your horse.

The one downfall of a wooden tree is probably their lack of adjustability.

But if you have a horse that does not change dramatically over the course of the year then they are a good option.

Let's talk about trees!

Let's talk about trees - the ones inside your saddles! What is their purpose and what are they made of? Follow our journey through the 'forest' of saddle trees.

Mattes Pad Sizing Guidelines

How to Measure up for your Mattes Pad
mattes-pad-measuring-guide-3Using a measuring tape measure the distance, following the contour of the saddle at the top of the channel, between an imaginary line at the front.
Add a minimum of 6cm.
The measurement you have just taken is the MINIMUM pad length required for your saddle. Choose the appropriate size from this guide:
Small=47cm
Medium=54cm
Large=58cm
Extra large=62cm

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