How to Measure Your Saddle Tree for a Perfect Fit

How to Measure a Saddle Tree

A saddle tree is the foundation of a saddle, and it’s important to get the right fit in order to ensure comfort and performance. The saddle tree should be the correct width and length for your horse’s back, and it should also be properly shaped to accommodate your horse’s withers and shoulder.

Measuring a saddle tree can be a daunting task, but it’s not as difficult as it seems. With a few simple tools and a little bit of know-how, you can easily measure your horse’s back and find the perfect saddle tree.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of measuring a saddle tree, from start to finish. We’ll provide tips on how to get accurate measurements, and we’ll also discuss the different types of saddle trees available. By the end of this article, you’ll be able to measure your horse’s back and find the perfect saddle tree for your needs.

Measurement	How to Measure	Example
Tree Size	Measure from the center of the gullet to the back of the cantle	16 inches
Saddle Seat	Measure from the front of the saddle tree to the back of the saddle tree	14 inches
Cantle Height	Measure from the top of the cantle to the seat	5 inches

Tools and materials needed

To measure a saddle tree, you will need the following tools and materials:

• A saddle tree
• A tape measure
• A pencil
• A piece of paper

How to measure the tree

To measure the tree, follow these steps:

1. Place the saddle tree on a flat surface.
2. Use the tape measure to measure the length of the tree from the front to the back.
3. Use the tape measure to measure the width of the tree at the widest point.
4. Use the pencil to mark the measurements on the piece of paper.

Once you have measured the tree, you can use the measurements to order a new saddle tree or to make adjustments to your existing saddle tree.

Measuring a saddle tree is a simple process that can be completed in a few minutes. By following the steps in this guide, you can ensure that you get the correct measurements for your new or existing saddle tree.

Here are some additional tips for measuring a saddle tree:

• If you are not sure how to measure the tree, you can take it to a saddle shop and have them measure it for you.
• Make sure that you measure the tree when it is empty.
• If you are measuring a tree for a new saddle, you may want to add a few inches to the measurements to allow for the thickness of the saddle pad.
• If you are measuring a tree for an existing saddle, you may want to subtract a few inches from the measurements to allow for the wear and tear on the saddle.

By following these tips, you can ensure that you get the correct measurements for your saddle tree and that you are comfortable and safe when riding your horse.

3. Interpreting your measurements

Once you have taken all of your measurements, it is time to interpret them and determine what size saddle tree you need. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• The width of the tree should be equal to the width of your horse’s back at the widest point. You can measure this by placing a measuring tape along the top of your horse’s back, just behind the shoulder blades.
• The length of the tree should be equal to the length of your horse’s back from the withers to the tailhead. You can measure this by placing a measuring tape along the top of your horse’s back, from the highest point of the withers to the base of the tail.
• The angle of the tree should be the same as the angle of your horse’s back. You can determine this by looking at your horse’s spine. The angle of the tree should match the angle of the spine at the point where the tree will sit on your horse’s back.

If you are unsure of how to interpret your measurements, you can always consult with a saddle fitter. They will be able to help you find the right size saddle tree for your horse.

4. Making adjustments to the tree

If you have found a saddle tree that is the correct size for your horse, but it is not quite a perfect fit, you may need to make some adjustments. Here are a few things you can do:

• Add or remove padding. If the saddle is too tight, you can add padding to the tree. If the saddle is too loose, you can remove padding.
• Adjust the gullet. The gullet is the opening in the tree that allows your horse’s spine to move freely. If the gullet is too narrow, it can restrict your horse’s movement. If the gullet is too wide, it can allow the saddle to slip back and forth on your horse’s back. You can adjust the gullet by adding or removing shims.
• Adjust the knee blocks. The knee blocks are the pieces of wood that support your horse’s knees. If the knee blocks are too high, they can put pressure on your horse’s knees. If the knee blocks are too low, they can allow the saddle to slip forward on your horse’s back. You can adjust the knee blocks by adding or removing shims.

If you are not comfortable making these adjustments yourself, you can always take your saddle to a saddle fitter. They will be able to make the necessary adjustments to ensure that your saddle fits your horse properly.

Measuring a saddle tree and making adjustments to it can be a daunting task, but it is important to get it right in order to ensure that your horse is comfortable and that the saddle fits properly. By following the steps in this guide, you can be sure that you are on the right track.

How do I measure a saddle tree?

To measure a saddle tree, you will need a measuring tape and a pencil.

1. Place the saddle tree on a flat surface.
2. Align the center of the tree with the zero mark on the measuring tape.
3. Measure the length of the tree from the front to the back. This measurement is called the tree length.
4. Measure the width of the tree at the widest point. This measurement is called the tree width.
5. Measure the height of the tree from the bottom to the top. This measurement is called the tree height.

What are the different types of saddle trees?

There are three main types of saddle trees: English, Western, and Australian.

• English saddle trees are designed for use with English saddles. They are typically made of wood or fiberglass and have a deep seat and a narrow tree width.
• Western saddle trees are designed for use with Western saddles. They are typically made of steel or aluminum and have a wider seat and a wider tree width.
• Australian saddle trees are designed for use with Australian saddles. They are typically made of wood or fiberglass and have a medium-width seat and a medium-width tree width.

How do I choose the right saddle tree for me?

The right saddle tree for you will depend on your riding style, the type of saddle you will be using, and your body shape.

• If you ride English saddles, you will need a tree that is deep and narrow.
• If you ride Western saddles, you will need a tree that is wide and comfortable.
• If you ride Australian saddles, you will need a tree that is medium-width and comfortable.

You should also consider your body shape when choosing a saddle tree. If you have a long torso, you will need a tree that is longer. If you have a short torso, you will need a tree that is shorter.

How do I adjust a saddle tree?

There are a few ways to adjust a saddle tree.

• You can add or remove shims to change the tree width.
• You can raise or lower the saddle seat to change the tree length.
• You can bend the tree to change the tree angle.

If you are not sure how to adjust a saddle tree, you should consult with a saddle fitter.

How often should I replace my saddle tree?

You should replace your saddle tree when it is no longer fitting you properly or when it is damaged.

• If the saddle tree is too wide, you will experience discomfort and pain.
• If the saddle tree is too narrow, you will not be able to move freely in the saddle.
• If the saddle tree is damaged, it could cause injuries.

You should have your saddle tree checked by a saddle fitter every 6 months to 1 year.

measuring a saddle tree is an important step in ensuring that you have the right fit for your horse. By following the steps in this guide, you can easily take the necessary measurements and find the perfect saddle tree for your needs.

Here are a few key takeaways to remember:

• The tree width is the most important measurement to get right.
• You can use a tape measure or a saddle tree gauge to take your measurements.
• If you’re not sure what size tree you need, you can always consult with a saddle fitter.

With a little bit of effort, you can find the perfect saddle tree for your horse and enjoy years of comfortable riding.