There are many myths that have been going around with regards to saddlery and the use thereof. In this series of posts, I endeavour to show most of them are without foundation and can, in some cases be the opposite of the actual facts.
Pictured left is author Kay Hastilow,
Master Saddler and Master Saddle Fitter
Wide Trees
For a start, let’s look at the myth that if you fit a horse with a tree wider that it’s actual size he will somehow ‘grow / develop’ into it.
To look at this statement we must first understand why we use a tree and what is its purpose. The tree, when correctly fitted, should distribute the rider’s weight and downward forces, as well as the upward forces that come from the horse striking the ground as it moves, evenly over the area of the horse’s back deemed the strongest and most suitable for this task. To do this the tree must follow the contours of the horse’s back in width and shape through its entire length.
Without going into the technicalities of how exactly the tree should fit beyond that statement, we know through both experience and research work done on behalf of the Society of Master Saddlers that too wide a tree does not distribute these forces evenly and that the horse’s performance is compromised. No theories or smoke and mirrors here; the research clearly shows poorer movement with a wider tree.
As to muscle developing beneath here as has been suggested, the opposite is actually true as excess pressure delivered by too wide a tree will restrict blood flow and muscle movement – hardly conducive to building muscle. A correctly fitted saddle will allow the horse to move freely and correctly. This may well develop muscle in his back and he will then need a wider fit, but you won’t get there by starting too wide.
Another factor in this scenario is that a wider tree will not be stable and is likely to move from side to side as the horse works, this showing right through the saddle’s length in many cases. Also, as the tree is too wide at the front, the back of the saddle is likely to be out of balance at the back with this tending to lift in movement. Now we have a saddle lifting and bouncing and moving to one side. We know from published research work that horses work best if the saddle and rider are stable. That’s not going to happen here is it?
As most riders will sit a little unevenly, this will take the saddle over to one side where it will stay. Now we have a crooked horse and rider.
Perhaps a wider tree isn’t such a good idea after all!
With online training now established as 'the new normal' Kay's highly acclaimed and informative 2-part video series continues to sell around the world since its launch in 2019. Aptly titled Saddle Fitting Know How - For Riders and Trainers, these two videos distil her 50 years of experience into what is an unrivalled resource for all Riders and Trainers interested in saddles and saddle fitting.
Watch a brief trailer and buy securely online at
https://vimeo.com/ondemand/saddlefittingknowhow
© Kay Hastilow M.S. M.S.F. November 2020
